LE5X expands the LE Series product line of energy recovery ventilators
Expanding the LE Series with the LE5X
RenewAire, a leader in HVAC innovation and indoor air quality (IAQ), has introduced the LE5X energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This addition expands the LE Series line of packaged static-plate total ERVs. The LE5X extends the series range down to 1,250 CFM. This expansion completes a high-value ERV lineup that scales up to 11,000 CFM.
Engineering teams can now specify exact airflow requirements for smaller specialty spaces. The LE5X delivers right-sized performance for these applications. This precision ensures facilities avoid the costs of excess capacity.
Flexible Configurations and Installation
Customized Airflow for Specialty Spaces
The LE5X serves smaller specialty education, healthcare, and retail environments. This model allows engineers to specify exact CFM requirements. Because of this, such precision delivers right-sized performance and prevents unnecessary costs. The unit features five static-plate cores and operates in both indoor and rooftop configurations. Also, the indoor unit maintains a compact footprint of 103 7/8″ L × 81 1/2″ W × 71 1/8″ H. Detailed dimensions for rooftop units are available on the RenewAire website or the product submittal.
Versatile Airflow and System Integration
Designers can choose from several airflow orientations. This flexibility allows the LE5X to function as a standalone unit or alongside other systems. For example, these include VRF, fan coils, heat pumps, and radiant heating. Even with its smaller size, the LE5X provides standard specifications and customization options typically found in larger commercial ERVs.
Simplified Installation and Motor Options
The unit arrives factory-wired for quick site installation. To start, a plug-and-play, single-point electrical connection streamlines the setup process. Each unit includes a Premium Efficiency IE3, totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) motor as standard. Additionally, an Ultra Premium Efficiency IE5 motor is available as an upgrade. Both motor types offer 3, 5, and 7.5 hp configurations. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are optional for IE3 motors and standard with the IE5 option for precise airflow control.
Advanced Control and Communication Packages
The standard control package uses the RenewAire 24VAC transformer relay. Optional Enhanced and Premium Integrated Programmable Control (IPC) packages allow for fine-tuning. These upgrades manage motor speeds, temperature, humidity, and airflow monitoring. They also include preprogrammed operational sequences and performance calibrations. These control options support sensor activation, handheld remote operation, and filter alarms. Communication interfaces include BACnet®, MS/TP or IP, Modbus, and TCP/IP.
High-Efficiency Filtration Standards
The LE5X includes MERV 8 filters as the standard offering. It also accommodates MERV 13 filters to meet ASHRAE 62.1 2025 requirements. Together, high-efficiency filtration and balanced ventilation work as part of a layered strategy. This approach is designed to ensure superior indoor air quality in every application. In short, this combination follows industry-best practices for mitigating airborne contaminants and maintaining healthy indoor environments.
Additional LE5X features include:
- Forward curved centrifugal supply and exhaust blowers
- Supply and exhaust fan motor voltages of 208–230V single or three phase; 460V three phase; and 575V three phase
- External static pressure range of 0 to 2 in. w.g.
- 1″ foil-faced insulation, or optional insulated double-wall cabinet construction
- AHRI 1060 certified cores that are ETL listed, NEMA Class 1 rated, and equipped with Class 1 AMCA certified low leakage isolation dampers for outdoor and return airstreams
- Ten-year warranty on the five static-plate enthalpy cores and two years on the unit.
For more information on LE5X or other RenewAire products, please call (800) 627-4499 or email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the RenewAire LE Series?
The LE Series is a line of high-capacity, packaged total energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) designed for commercial applications. This series, like all RenewAire ERVs, utilizes static-plate enthalpy cores to provide balanced ventilation and humidity control. The lineup offers a wide range of airflow capacities, spanning from 1,250 CFM up to 11,000 CFM.
How does the LE5X differ from other units in the LE Series?
RenewAire’s LE5X ERV is specifically engineered to extend the high-performance features of the LE Series to smaller specialty spaces. While larger units in the series handle massive industrial loads, the LE5X provides a flexible solution for capacities between 1,250 and 6,600 CFM. This allows for right-sized performance in environments like healthcare clinics, retail shops, and classrooms.
What are the primary benefits of static-plate core technology?
Reclaiming Otherwise-Wasted Energy
The primary benefit of static-plate core ERVs is the ability to reclaim otherwise-wasted energy. This process uses balanced airflows to recover total energy. Specifically, this energy consists of both heat (sensible energy) and humidity (latent energy). By reclaiming these elements, the system reduces the work required by primary HVAC systems.
Seasonal Performance and Equipment Downsizing
During the summer, the system uses cool interior exhaust air to pre-cool and dehumidify warm, humid outdoor air. In contrast, the process reverses during the winter. The system then uses warm interior air to preheat and humidify cold, dry outdoor air. Because of this constant exchange, the facility requires less power for conditioning and ventilation. As a result, engineers can often downsize primary HVAC equipment. This leads to lower capital and operational costs.
Superior Airstream Separation
Another benefit of static-plate core technology is the elimination of cross-contamination between airstreams. Notably, many layers of plates physically separate the airflows to ensure the fresh air remains untainted. These plates consist of an engineered resin material. This material simultaneously transfers heat through conduction and humidity by attracting bound water vapor from one airstream to the other. Ultimately, this allows the unit to moderate extremes in both temperature and humidity without mixing exhaust air into the building.
What is the financial impact of installing an ERV?
The Financial Logic of Energy Recovery
Calculating the Return on Investment
While energy recovery technology requires an initial investment, the payback period is often surprisingly short. This timeframe represents how quickly the energy cost savings cover the cost of the LE5X unit. In fact, many facilities achieve a full return on investment within just a few years. Factors such as local utility rates, climate conditions, and facility operating hours all influence this timeline.
The Importance of Net Present Value (NPV)
For a more comprehensive financial outlook, engineers and building owners should utilize Net Present Value (NPV) analysis. NPV accounts for the time value of money, calculating the total value of energy savings over the entire 25-plus-year lifespan of a RenewAire unit. Specifically, a positive NPV indicates that the long-term savings significantly outweigh the initial capital and maintenance costs.
Lowering Total Cost of Ownership
The LE5X minimizes the total cost of ownership through its static-plate design. Because the core has no moving parts, maintenance costs remain low throughout the life of the system. Additionally, the ability to downsize primary heating and cooling equipment provides immediate capital cost savings during construction. Ultimately, combining lower upfront equipment costs with consistent energy reclamation ensures a highly favorable financial profile for any commercial project.
To learn more about the fiscal benefits of ERVs, please read the RenewAire white paper on NPV.