Im in the market for a high quality top of the line air exchanger for a superinsulated home with high performance windows. I have NO idea where to begin my research. Im in the north east new england with extreme cold climate. Any thoughts?

google for Ultimate Air Recoupairator (Recouperator?) best one made - spendy, $2500 or so for just the unit. Doesn't seem to be much difference in the other models out there, Broan, Fantech, etc...

I have a related question, can you just use two cheaper air exchangers in series to accomplish the same thing, or am I missing something?

Lifebreath

Air exchangers are pretty simple boxes inside. Some fans, and a exchanger core, some ductwork in and out. Look primarily at the wattage each one draws, and pick one from the installer you trust the most, who will back up their service. That usually matters more than brand.

We've used Lifebreath to good effect. The Building Science folks are using Fantech predominantly from what I saw at NESEA this year. Venmar has a good reputation here in Maine.

Talking to the Renewaire folks, they swear their ERV is good enough even in the coldest climates, that the core never ices up. David Foley in Northport ME used one in their studio, said it didn't frost up at all last winter: http://www.nesea.org/blog/2009/03/dear-jamie/

here are some basics

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11830

some cost information

http://www.1source2buy.com/hrv.htm

I PURCHASED A LIFEBREATH SYSTEM FOR MY 2500 SQFT ICF.... COST ABOUT 1200.00 BUCKS WITHOUT LABOR... I HAVE A 2Y.O OLD SYSTEM FOR SALE FOR 350.00 BUCKS CALL IF INTERESTED 816-726-2493

One large one is better than 2 small ones in series....but if you want 2, I advise putting them in parallel, or seperate from each other. Want you want is FLOW of air, not just suction. If it is a big house, and you have room, I would install them at opposite ends of the house, each one near the source of the need...