How to Read an Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger Test Report

Start With the Test Standard

First confirm which standard the report uses — AHRI 1060 or EN 308. The method defines the conditions, so a number from one standard is not directly comparable to a number from another.

Sensible vs Total Effectiveness

Read both sensible (temperature) and total (enthalpy) effectiveness. A plate exchanger only reports sensible; an enthalpy wheel reports both, and the gap between them tells you how much moisture it moves.

Airflow Balance and Pressure Drop

Check the effectiveness at your actual airflow split, not just balanced flow. Then read the pressure drop on both sides — fan energy depends on total external static pressure, and a high or unbalanced drop can erase the savings recovery provides.

Leakage and Carryover

For wheels, check carryover (supply-to-exhaust) and purge-sector performance; for plates, check leakage. Contaminated streams need separated cores. See the effectiveness and standards overview.

Need Help Interpreting a Report?

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Questions fréquemment posées

One-page checklist
Before you accept a recovery unit, tick these off from the test report: (1) same standard as your spec AHRI 1060 or EN 308; (2) both sensible and total effectiveness where moisture matters; (3) effectiveness at your real airflow split, not balanced flow; (4) pressure drop on both sides within your fan budget; (5) leakage or carryover figures for the core type. If any line is missing, ask for the full sheet a headline number with no conditions is not comparable across suppliers.

Questions fréquemment posées

Which effectiveness number should I trust?

Trust the one measured at your operating conditions and airflow balance; nameplate effectiveness at balanced flow often overstates real unbalanced performance.

Why check pressure drop on both sides?

Fan energy depends on total external static pressure; an unbalanced or high pressure drop on one side can erase the energy savings the recovery provides.