location of home dictates erv vs hrv.

I'd not trust the builder to install & duct the rv.

this is hvac territory, not gc/builder area of expertise.

given the choice I'd keep hvac & rv mfg to be the same

for the reason you listed.

I've seen duct jobs by builders & diy'er's.

for the most part they have not been well done,

or well sealed at all.

best of luck

@energy_rater_la Thanks for comment and this does seem to be an area you have experience/expertise in. Perhaps other "experts" would agree with you, or not so would love to hear. If I were to use mfg. who is NOT the same as Heat Pump and they had their (or recommended local installers) so that I am not asking GC to do this, would you have as much concern about duct runs being sealed properly?

+1 energy_rater_la

However, I would have the HVAC contractor sub-contract the ductwork design & installation to people they know and have a relationship with due to high quality workmanship. I would also let the HVAC contractor install different brands of equipment, such as, Carrier Greenspeed HP & Infinity fan coil with a Greentek or Lifebreath HRV (as an example).

However, the main HVAC contractor is responsible for the whole HVAC deal. Only 1-number to call if there's a problem - HIS!

IMO

SR

@fsq4cw thanks for your comment. So my take-aways are:

1) Have HVAC sub contractor do everything.

2) Don't be locked into using same mfg for HRV/ERV as is being used for heat pump, but have HVAC sub do this work as well so there is one-point person/company responsible for making all components work well together.

If that is correct, then it definitely makes sense to me as a sound approach/effective approach.

I agree with having a separate HVAC contractor. Get a few quotes separate from what the GC has done. Have the HVAC contractor do all the work related to these systems, including the required duct and heating/cooling calcs.

As you've found, there are many popular ventilator companies that don't manufacture heating/cooling systems, so it's probably safe to assume a capable HVAC man can integrate whatever is chosen

In suggesting the the HVAC contractor sub-out the duct design and installation, maybe fsq4's thoughts come from practices in his own country and area and that he's not familiar with what's done in the US. Here, established HVAC contractors, especially those who do new construction, often have the terms "sheet metal" in their business names because very many (most) do metal work themselves.

@SnidelyWhiplash...

"As you've found, there are many popular ventilator companies that
don't manufacture heating/cooling systems, so it's probably safe to
assume a capable HVAC man can integrate whatever is chosen"

I expect that would be the case, but would want them to be familiar with any 3rd party HRV as it seems that integrating all components takes knowledge and some experience. It also seems that HVAC sub might push for the offering made by the heat pump mfg they represent as it might have better profit margin, and they might have more confidence in it due to having more sales/installation exp. with it.

I will see what I discover. As always this forum is a very valuable resource.

The ERV/HRV doesn't integrate with the HVAC mechanicals in any way, so I wouldn't see any reason to have them from the same manufacturer. In most installations they integrate with the ductwork, so it makes a lot of sense to have the HVAC guys design and build the whole system. There's benefit to finding HVAC guys who are not doing it for the first time. (no need to ask how I know)

Also not sure what "integration" you're referring to? Our HRV (Zehnder) and heat pump (Mitsubishi) systems are completely separate, including the ductwork (HRV uses small diameter ducts). Our HVAC was designed by the HVAC sub, with input from the builder and a "green building" consultant -- all of them had prior experience with both systems so crossing my fingers that ours was done right.

I don't have quantitative dbA info for you, but we have the Zehnder Comfoair 350, it is in a reach-in hallway closet. When it is on high, I can hear it running if I stand right outside the closet. If it is on low, I can only hear it if I open the closet door and stand right next to the unit. Very scientific ;-)

Good luck and have fun!

Thank you all. I just recently met with two HVAC contractors, one who uses Trane, and the other uses Lennox. Fortunately for me @ is more than happy to use any 3rd party HRV. In fact, the Trane person who'd been doing this for a 20 years indicated that they had never sold/installed Trane's HRV. I'm glad I have the full range of HRV possibilities open to me, and both vendors indicated that they had no concerns at all about any decently designed HRV integrating seamlessly with the HVAC heat pump and air handler.