Airxchange Explains The Value Of Polymer And How It Saves Money

The beauty of an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) and the energy recovery wheel inside of it is its ability to allow users to create an HVAC system that’s 20 to 40% more efficient than one without an ERV. But, what if a specific type of wheel could save users even more money throughout its life, due to how it’s made?

While often not examined out of the gate, considering which type of wheel to use in the system can have a significant, tangible impact on cost and performance over the years. Users just need to know what to look for. The answer lies within polymer specifically Airxchange’s energy recovery wheels that use polymer media. 

More compact, same performance

Airxchange polymer wheels deliver the same efficiency and performance as wheels that use metal media

Airxchange polymer wheels deliver the same efficiency and performance as wheels that use metal media. That’s because, with polymer, the wheel can be designed for a more compact space.

Why does this matter? Because, when selecting an HVAC unit for the facility, engineers can use smaller cabinets, which equates to less space needed for the unit. Using less material can equate to lower product costs, meaning users potentially can save on capital expenses.

Keep it clean, save the green

Yes, a cleaner energy recovery wheel is more efficient than a dirty one. When the media isn’t clogged, airflow is better and CFM remains stable without needing to use more energy to drive more air through the system.

Because Airxchange polymer wheels are truly segmented meaning they can be removed in pieces for cleaning, users have minimal downtime and also reduced labor costs. Unlike the metal wheels contained in other ERVs, Airxchange’s polymer wheel is entirely submersible, which lessens downtime associated with cleaning.

Permanently embedded desiccant, ongoing performance

In Airxchange energy recovery wheels, the desiccant is worked into the polymer media, rather than being applied to the surface as is the case with metal wheels.

That proprietary approach means the desiccant doesn’t wear off or degrade over time. The result: Consistent performance. Additionally, it leads to cost savings, because when ERV performance remains high, the rest of the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, which helps with efficiency and cost savings.

Easy maintenance, easy money

Segmented polymer wheels have clear benefits when it comes to maintenance

Segmented polymer wheels have clear benefits when it comes to maintenance. For starters, they’re, well, segmented. This means users can easily remove one piece if it’s damaged and replace it. That saves from needing an entirely new wheel. Also, the media is light and easy to clean.

Users can remove the wheel, wash it with a general degreaser (any kitchen soap will work great) and have it back up and running all within less than a couple of hours per wheel. 

No drawbacks

It’s important to note that only the media in Airxchange wheels are polymer. The housing and frame are made with stainless steel.

Therefore, it has the same structural integrity as a metal wheel but without drawbacks. All this leads to less downtime and better performance, which equates to fewer dollars spent on maintenance.

Forgiving material matters

If users have fixed an HVAC system, users know the kind of debris that can fly through it and damage the energy recovery wheel. If that wheel is metal, it’s likely damaged in a way that’s going to affect performance. Either the metal is dented or deformed in a way that impacts its ability to work how it should.

Polymer wheels, on the contrary, “bounce back” when hit with most debris. Given the pliable nature of the material, it’s less susceptible to damage from foreign objects. That saves repair costs and also ensures the wheel continues to operate with the efficiency it had when first installed. Overall, polymer wheels bring a lot of benefits to the table that often isn’t thought of at first glance.