Can you use a ZEHNDER ERV with ground Loop?

Trish Wise
Trish Wise
Updated: Oct. 29, 2024

Hello - I'm a home inspector in Kelowna, BC and did an inspection on a new building where I think the HRV is connected to an earth loop. The owner was certain they had a geothermal heating/cooling system but I'm thinking that it's this HRV system that she's thinking of. I've been trying to research how it works but can find very little information. The zehnder was connected to large metal ducts with covers on them. The rectangular duct was just an open space where the duct from the HRV connected to a duct that disappears underground. The ducting that went underground was 8-10" in diameter. I did not see an exit point for it or where it might loop around to. From my perspective I'm just trying to get a high level understand of how they work. I understand the idea of having the additional heat exchanger with small PEX ground loop before the HRV but this was not part of the installation. The HRV appeared to be connected directly to these large ducts that went underground. How does a loop that is buried underground exchange the fresh air? Or does it come up above ground somewhere on the property?

Thanks for your insights

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