{"product_id":"panasonic-fv16vec1s-balancedhome-160-erv-side-port","title":"Panasonic FV-16VEC1S ERV – BalancedHome™ Elite Plus+ 160 CFM Side Port | FV-16VEC1S","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Panasonic BalancedHome™ Elite Plus+ 160 CFM ERV (FV-16VEC1S) is a side-port energy recovery ventilator designed for modern, airtight Canadian homes. It brings in filtered outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air, helping reduce condensation, odours, and indoor pollutants that can build up when homes are sealed for efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith independent supply and exhaust settings from 30 to 160 CFM and SmartFlow® ECM motors, this BalancedHome ERV delivers stable, code-compliant ventilation in any North American climate zone while recovering heat and moisture for comfort and efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features \u0026amp; benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30–160 CFM balanced airflow\u003c\/strong\u003e – Dial in the exact continuous ventilation rate your home needs, then use boost to reach up to 160 CFM during showers, parties or cooking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide-port configuration with four 6\" ducts\u003c\/strong\u003e – Horizontal 6\" ports on the sides simplify duct routing in tight mechanical rooms and basements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual ECM motors with SmartFlow® technology\u003c\/strong\u003e – Two DC ECM brushless motors automatically adjust speed to maintain selected CFM against changing static pressure, helping meet design airflow in real-world installs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAny-climate frost protection\u003c\/strong\u003e – Built-in frost prevention modes and a hygroscopic core are engineered for use in Canadian winters, with performance tested down to sub-zero temperatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMERV 13 filtration included\u003c\/strong\u003e – A high-efficiency MERV 13 filter on the supply air helps capture fine dust and allergens before outdoor air enters living spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional MERV 8 and washable MERV 6 filters\u003c\/strong\u003e – Choose lower-resistance or washable filter options when needed to match local conditions and maintenance preferences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCeiling or wall mounting\u003c\/strong\u003e – Install with included wall\/ceiling brackets or suspend by chains (sold separately) to suit new construction or retrofits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated controls with boost\u003c\/strong\u003e – On-unit digital controls provide CFM selection, built-in ASHRAE 62.2 timing, and an occupant boost function when paired with an optional low-voltage timer or wall control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian efficiency \u0026amp; code-ready\u003c\/strong\u003e – ENERGY STAR® certified for the Canadian market and suitable for meeting ASHRAE 62.2 and Ontario Building Code ventilation requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCanadian use cases\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAirtight new builds and Net Zero–ready homes needing balanced ventilation and energy recovery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDetached Canadian homes and townhomes where 30–160 CFM covers most normal occupancy profiles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHeat pump and mini-split homes without a central furnace fan to move fresh air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBasements and mechanical rooms where a side-port ERV fits better than a top-port layout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eColder climates that demand frost-resistant ventilation with tested performance in sub-zero temperatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHomes targeting programs like ENERGY STAR®, LEED or Indoor airPLUS with balanced ventilation requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNeed help choosing a Panasonic ERV?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are not sure whether this model is the right size or configuration for your project, check out our\n  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/simplysecured.ca\/blogs\/news\/best-panasonic-erv-systems-in-canada-2025-guide-model-comparison\"\u003e\n    Best Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide\n  \u003c\/a\u003e\n  for model comparisons and Canadian sizing examples.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Panasonic BalancedHome™ 160 Elite Plus+ ERV, FV-16VEC1S (side port)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirflow range (adjustable):\u003c\/strong\u003e 30–160 CFM supply and exhaust\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRated air volume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 160 CFM exhaust @ 0.4\" SP, 160 CFM supply @ 0.4\" SP (net airflows per CSA-C439 test data)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVoltage \/ frequency \/ current:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 V, 60 Hz, 3.1 A\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMotors:\u003c\/strong\u003e two DC ECM brushless motors, continuous-duty, with integrated SmartFlow® control\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDuct connections:\u003c\/strong\u003e four 6\" horizontal ducts (outside air, exhaust air, return air, supply air)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHousing:\u003c\/strong\u003e galvanized, corrosion-resistant steel cabinet\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e about 16\" D × 22 13\/16\" W × 18 7\/8\" H\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e about 45 lb\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore type:\u003c\/strong\u003e hygroscopic membrane ERV core, treated for mold resistance with built-in frost prevention mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e MERV 13 filter (model FV-FL1316VE1) included; compatible with optional MERV 8 (FV-FL0815VE1) and washable MERV 6 (FV-FL0616VE1) filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eControls \u0026amp; accessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e on-board digital control panel; compatible with Panasonic BalancedHome wall control and WhisperControl® low-voltage timer for boost\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation options:\u003c\/strong\u003e wall- or ceiling-mount using included brackets; chain suspension possible with separate hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications \u0026amp; codes:\u003c\/strong\u003e ENERGY STAR® certified (Canada); supports compliance with ASHRAE 62.2, Ontario Building Code and common green-building programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6-year warranty on ECM motors and 3-year warranty on other parts (per Panasonic)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePanasonic BalancedHome™ Elite Plus+ 160 CFM ERV unit (FV-16VEC1S, side ports)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFactory-installed MERV 13 supply\/exhaust filter pack\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrated 6\" duct collars\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWall\/ceiling mounting brackets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFactory power cord and hardwire conversion kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInstallation and operating documentation from Panasonic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eHow does this ERV perform in Canadian winters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The BalancedHome 160 Elite Plus+ ERV is engineered for any North American climate zone and includes frost prevention modes plus a hygroscopic core that recovers heat and moisture. It has published performance data at freezing and sub-zero temperatures, making it suitable for Canadian winter operation when installed per Panasonic's guidelines.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eCan I use this ERV with a heat pump or ductless mini-splits?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. This ERV is often paired with ductless and central heat pumps to provide balanced fresh air in homes that no longer rely on a furnace fan. The 30–160 CFM range lets your installer match ventilation to your home's size and your regional code requirements.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I change the filters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Panasonic recommends inspecting ERV filters about every 90 days and replacing them roughly every 6 months, or more often in dusty environments or high-pollen seasons. Using the OEM MERV 13 and MERV 8 filter options maintains airflow and efficiency while protecting the core.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eHow do I know what size ERV my home needs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The right model depends on your home's floor area, layout, and local code requirements. The BalancedHome 160 is a great fit for many Canadian detached homes and townhomes, but smaller suites or larger custom homes may need different airflow ranges. Review the sizing examples in our\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/simplysecured.ca\/blogs\/news\/best-panasonic-erv-systems-in-canada-2025-guide-model-comparison\"\u003eBest Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n    or contact us with your plans for a project-specific recommendation.\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWant to compare other capacities and port configurations? Browse all\n  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/simplysecured.ca\/collections\/panasonic-energy-recovery-ventilators-erv\"\u003e\n    Panasonic ERV models for Canadian homes and suites\n  \u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for more Panasonic IAQ solutions? Explore our\n  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/simplysecured.ca\/collections\/panasonic\"\u003e\n    full Panasonic ventilation and indoor air quality collection\n  \u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Panasonic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45798432047295,"sku":"FV-16VEC1S","price":1795.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0410\/6262\/9541\/files\/IAQ24168WEB-3.png?v=1782749542","url":"https:\/\/www.simplycontrolled.ca\/products\/panasonic-fv16vec1s-balancedhome-160-erv-side-port","provider":"Simply Controlled","version":"1.0","type":"link"}