Greetings,

I am a mechanical designer who works with a lot of nail salon owners, so that means designing hvac with 100% OSA, 100% exhaust (by 2003 and newer IMC). I have been trying to specify HRV units in conjunction with packaged RTU's. Clients have been complaining about the cost of these systems (the Contractor usually "informs" the client post-submittal of the "astronomical" cost). I need any and all info on HRV's to match 3-6ton RTU's; 1,200-2,000 CFM; plates (no wheel style exchangers), minimum 70% effective, preferably higher; heat recovery only, (no enthalpy), 100% OSA capable; able to perform on "design day" limits of 0degrees F (inlet air must be heated to min 40F, or if possible, to 60F for 90% efficient and better- sometimes a furnace is the main air handler). A rather tall list, I know, but any info would be appreciated. I don't want to burn clients by "force specifying" equipment that they are uninformed about; one of the numbers that came from a contractor was "around 10,000 USD". I don't know if this was for the unit itself only, or the contractor's mark-up price to perform all the necessary labor and construction work. Also if anyone knows of documented energy studies related to HRV's, that would be helpful as well.

Thank you, and again, any info would be appreciated, don't be put-off by my long-windedness!