{"product_id":"panasonic-fv16vec1t-balancedhome-160-erv-top-port","title":"Panasonic FV-16VEC1T ERV – BalancedHome 160 CFM Top Port | FV-16VEC1T","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern Canadian homes are getting tighter and better insulated, which is great for energy bills but not always for indoor air quality. Without balanced ventilation you can end up with condensation on windows, stale bedrooms and lingering cooking or pet odours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Panasonic BalancedHome Elite Plus+ 160 CFM ERV (model FV-16VEC1T) is a top-port, any-climate energy recovery ventilator designed for most detached homes and townhomes. With independently adjustable 30–160 CFM supply and exhaust, it delivers balanced, code-ready ventilation for typical Canadian projects without stepping up to an Intelli-Balance 200.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features \u0026amp; benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30–160 CFM selectable airflow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Independent supply and exhaust settings let your contractor dial in balanced, slightly positive or slightly negative pressure instead of living with a fixed fan speed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual ECM motors with Smart Flow–style control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two enclosed DC ECM brushless motors automatically ramp to help maintain target CFM as duct resistance changes, supporting real-world performance close to design values.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAny-climate ERV with frost prevention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engineered for use in North American climate zones with built-in frost prevention strategies (recirculation and exhaust-only modes) to keep air moving through Canadian cold snaps when ducting and drains are done correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMERV 13 filtration as standard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ships with a high-efficiency MERV 13 filter, with optional MERV 8 and washable MERV 6 replacements, helping capture finer particles and support healthier indoor air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop-port cabinet for clean duct runs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Four 6\" vertically oriented top ports suit joist spaces, bulkheads and mechanical rooms where a side-port ERV would be harder to route.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated LED control panel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in LED control on the unit allows precise CFM selection and status checking, with optional low-voltage wall control and timer for boost and scheduling (sold separately).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnergy efficient \u0026amp; code-ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e High sensible recovery efficiency with built-in ASHRAE 62.2 timing helps projects meet Canadian ventilation and energy code requirements when properly designed and commissioned.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuiet, serviceable design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hinged access and front service panel make filter checks, cleaning and maintenance straightforward for homeowners and service techs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCanadian use cases\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTypical detached homes and townhomes needing balanced whole-home ventilation in the 30–160 CFM design range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAirtight new builds and deep energy retrofits where bath fans alone are no longer enough to manage humidity and CO‚‚.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHomes heated and cooled with ductless mini-splits or heat pumps where a standalone ERV provides fresh air without tying into furnace ductwork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMechanical rooms and basements where a compact, top-port ERV is easier to duct than a side-port or furnace-mounted option.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProjects dealing with winter condensation, stale odours or stuffy bedrooms caused by sealed windows and tight envelopes.\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 Elite Plus+ 160 CFM ERV – FV-16VEC1T (top port).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirflow range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Independent supply and exhaust adjustable from 30–160 CFM.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRated airflow:\u003c\/strong\u003e 160 CFM exhaust and 160 CFM supply at 0.4\" w.g. static pressure (CSA-C439, net airflows).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVoltage \/ frequency \/ current:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 V, 60 Hz, approximately 3.1 A.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMotors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two DC enclosed ECM brushless motors, continuous-run rated, with thermal cut-off protection and pressure-compensating control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for efficient operation, with power draw around the 100 W range at typical mid-speed flows (see Panasonic submittal for exact values by CFM and static).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDuct connections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Four 6\" round, vertically oriented top ports (supply, exhaust, return and outside air) with integrated adaptors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounting options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wall or ceiling mount with included brackets, or suspended by chains as detailed in the installation manual.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHousing material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Galvanized, corrosion-resistant steel cabinet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Factory-installed MERV 13 filter (model FV-FL1316VE1), with optional MERV 8 (FV-FL0815VE1) and washable MERV 6 (FV-FL0616VE1) replacement filters available.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate rating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engineered for use in any North American climate zone with recirculation and exhaust-only frost prevention modes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnergy performance highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sensible recovery efficiency in the low-80% range around 0 °C with balanced airflows, with documented total recovery performance for cooling conditions (see Panasonic energy performance tables).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eControls \u0026amp; accessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated LED control panel on the unit; optional touchscreen LED wall control and low-voltage timer (sold separately) provide boost, scheduling, ASHRAE timing and status\/fault indications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e ENERGY STAR certified for the Canadian market; can be applied to meet ASHRAE 62.2, Ontario Building Code, LEED, Indoor airPLUS and other program requirements when correctly designed and installed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6-year ECM motor warranty and 3-year parts warranty from Panasonic (residential use, original purchaser).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 579 mm (22 13\/16\") wide x 407 mm (16\") deep x 285 mm (11 3\/16\") high (see submittal drawing).\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-16VEC1T, top-port).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFactory-installed MERV 13 filter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWall\/ceiling mounting brackets and related hardware as per installation manual.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStandard 120 V power cord and hardwire adaptor\/cover kit (in box).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInstallation and owner documentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended filters \u0026amp; maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo keep your BalancedHome ERV running properly, many Canadian homeowners order replacement filters at the same time as the unit so they are ready for the first year of maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMERV 13 replacement filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Model FV-FL1316VE1 for higher-efficiency filtration and finer particle capture in tight, energy-efficient homes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMERV 8 replacement filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Model FV-FL0815VE1 as a standard-efficiency option for everyday use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWashable MERV 6 filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Model FV-FL0616VE1 as a washable pre-filter option where frequent cleaning is preferred over disposables.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a rule of thumb, plan to inspect filters every 3 months and replace or clean them about every 6–12 months, depending on dust, pets and wildfire smoke. For current filter options and other IAQ accessories, visit our\n  \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-air-quality\"\u003ePanasonic filters \u0026amp; indoor air quality collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIs this ERV suitable for Canadian winters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  Yes. The BalancedHome Elite Plus+ 160 series is designed with frost prevention strategies that allow airflows to continue through Canadian winter conditions when ducts are insulated, condensate is drained properly and installation follows the manual.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use this with mini-splits or a central heat pump?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  Yes. This ERV is often paired with ductless mini-splits or central heat pumps to provide balanced fresh air and energy recovery without relying on a furnace duct system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I change the filters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  Filter life depends on outdoor air quality, wildfire smoke exposure and fan speed, but many Canadian homes inspect or replace filters every 6–12 months. Use the unit's maintenance indicators and follow Panasonic's maintenance guide and your contractor's recommendations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I know what size ERV my home needs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n  Ventilation should be sized to floor area, bedroom count and airtightness. Start with 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 Canadian sizing examples, then have your ventilation designer or HVAC contractor confirm final CFM and duct layout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWant to compare other capacities and port configurations? Browse all\n  \u003ca href=\"\/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","brand":"Panasonic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45798431981759,"sku":"FV-16VEC1T","price":1795.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0410\/6262\/9541\/files\/IAQ24168WEB-3_a3fba68c-c6fd-4c2c-9f2c-8f46f0c366de.png?v=1782749539","url":"https:\/\/www.simplycontrolled.ca\/products\/panasonic-fv16vec1t-balancedhome-160-erv-top-port","provider":"Simply Controlled","version":"1.0","type":"link"}