Overview

The Panasonic BalancedHome™ FV-12VE1S is a compact 120 CFM energy recovery ventilator (ERV) designed for smaller Canadian homes, basement suites and targeted zones in temperate climate regions. It brings in tempered, filtered outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air, helping reduce condensation, odours and stuffy rooms in tighter, energy-efficient homes.

This side-port “Elite 120” model gives you independently adjustable supply and exhaust airflow from 30–120 CFM, plus an occupant-controlled boost mode up to 120 CFM. It sits below the higher-capacity BalancedHome Elite and Elite Plus+ (130–160 CFM) models, making it a strong fit where loads are modest and space for ductwork is limited—especially in renovations and smaller Part 9 homes.

Key Features & Benefits

• 30–120 CFM adjustable airflow – Independently set supply and exhaust between 30 and 120 CFM to match Canadian design airflow and avoid over-ventilating smaller homes or suites.
• Side-port configuration – Four horizontal 6" ducts on the side of the cabinet simplify bulkheads and joist runs in retrofits or tight mechanical corners.
• ECM brushless DC motors – Two high-efficiency ECM motors are rated for continuous run, keeping energy use low while delivering stable airflow in real-world duct layouts.
• Smartflow™-style pressure control – The ECM motors automatically ramp to maintain selected CFM when static pressure increases, helping preserve balanced ventilation as ducts get longer or grilles load with dust.
• Temperate-climate ERV core – Panasonic’s hygroscopic membrane core tempers incoming air and transfers moisture, helping avoid over-drying in winter shoulder seasons and reducing humidity swings.
• MERV 8 filter included – Factory-supplied MERV 8 filter cleans incoming and outgoing air to protect the core and improve indoor air quality; optional higher-MERV and washable filters are available.
• Exhaust-only frost protection mode – Built-in frost strategies include an exhaust-only mode suitable for temperate climates, helping protect the core while keeping air moving when outdoor temperatures drop.
• ASHRAE 62.2 timing function – On-board timing logic supports Canadian code-compliant ventilation strategies and simplifies setup for designers and contractors.
• Ceiling or wall mounting – Included brackets allow you to hang the unit from chains or mount to a wall, giving flexibility in closets, mechanical rooms and bulkheads.
• Fault and filter indicators – Visual/audible indications and a fault indication device (FID) remind occupants to check filters and alert them to potential installation or system issues.

Canadian Use Cases

• Smaller detached homes in temperate regions needing balanced ventilation without stepping up to a 130–160 CFM ERV.
• Basement or garden suites where you want dedicated, balanced fresh air without tying into an existing furnace.
• Renovations where air sealing, new windows and added insulation have led to foggy windows and stale bedrooms.
• Upper-floor zones or "problem areas" that feel stuffy or humid compared to the rest of the house.
• Homes with bath fans and range hoods that still struggle with lingering moisture after showers or cooking.
• Projects pairing ductless heat pumps / mini-splits with a separate ERV for fresh air and comfort control.

Need help choosing a Panasonic ERV?

If you are not sure whether this model is the right size or configuration for your project, check out our Best Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide for model comparisons and Canadian sizing examples.

Technical Details

• Model: Panasonic BalancedHome™ Elite 120 ERV – FV-12VE1S (side-port)
• Airflow range: Independently adjustable supply and exhaust, 30–120 CFM
• Rated CFM: Up to 120 net CFM supply and exhaust as tested under CSA-C439 at 0.4" w.g.
• Voltage & power: 120 V, 60 Hz, 2.4 A; power consumption approximately 73 W at 121 CFM and 0.2" w.g.
• Motors: Two enclosed ECM brushless DC motors, rated for continuous operation with automatic speed increase under static pressure.
• Duct connections: Four 6" horizontal ducts (outside air, exhaust air, return air, supply air).
• Housing: Galvanized, corrosion-resistant steel cabinet suitable for ceiling chain mounting or wall mounting (brackets included).
• Climate suitability: Engineered for use in temperate North American climate zones; uses exhaust-only frost control strategy.
• Core: Hygroscopic membrane ERV core designed to transfer heat and moisture, with mold-resistant treatment.
• Filtration: Factory MERV 8 filter (model FV-FL0815VE1); optional MERV 13 (FV-FL1316VE1) and washable MERV 6 (FV-FL0616VE1) filters available.
• Controls & compatibility: Compatible with the optional BalancedHome touch screen LED wall control and low-voltage booster timer for boost mode, airflow selection and status alerts (both sold separately).
• Standards & codes: Includes ASHRAE 62.2 timing function and can be used to help comply with ASHRAE 62.2, Ontario Building Code, LEED and Indoor airPLUS when installed and commissioned correctly.
• Warranty: ECM motors – 6 years; all other parts – 3 years (Panasonic limited warranty).

What’s Included

• Panasonic BalancedHome™ FV-12VE1S 120 CFM ERV unit
• Factory-installed MERV 8 filter
• Ceiling chain mounting provisions and wall-mount brackets
• Power cord and hardwire adaptor
• Installation and owner documentation from Panasonic

Common Questions

Q: How does this ERV handle Canadian winters?

A: The FV-12VE1S is designed for temperate North American climate zones. It uses an exhaust-only frost control strategy along with insulated ducting and proper drainage to protect the ERV core. In milder Canadian regions (for example, coastal B.C. or other temperate areas), it provides balanced ventilation without the complexity of a full cold-climate recirculation system. In locations that routinely see extreme cold snaps, we may recommend stepping up to a cold-climate Intelli-Balance® or BalancedHome Elite Plus+ model—reach out if you are unsure.

Q: Can I use this ERV with a heat pump or mini-split system?

A: Yes. The FV-12VE1S is often paired with ductless heat pumps or mini-splits to separate "fresh air" from heating and cooling. The ERV handles balanced ventilation while your heat pump focuses on temperature and dehumidification, which is especially useful in tighter Canadian homes where indoor air can be more polluted than the air outside.

Q: How often should I change the filters?

A: Panasonic recommends checking the filters every 2–3 months and replacing the MERV 8 supply filter roughly every 6 months, or sooner in dusty homes or during wildfire season. The unit’s filter indicator light and audible alarm provide a reminder when service is due. Higher-MERV and washable filter options are available if your project needs finer filtration or different maintenance patterns.

Q: How do I know what size ERV I need?

A: Start with your home’s floor area, airtightness and layout, then map the design CFM to the appropriate Panasonic family. The FV-12VE1S is usually a fit for smaller homes, suites or targeted zones. For step-by-step examples and model comparisons, see our Best Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide , and then confirm final sizing with your ventilation designer or contractor.

Q: Is there a matching replacement filter?

A: Yes. This BalancedHome 120 Elite ERV ships with a MERV 8 filter (FV-FL0815VE1), and you can upgrade to an optional MERV 13 (FV-FL1316VE1) or use the washable MERV 6 (FV-FL0616VE1) where appropriate. Using OEM filters helps maintain airflow, protect the core and keep the warranty in good standing.

Compare & Other Models

If you prefer top-port connections instead of side ports, see the Panasonic FV-12VE1T BalancedHome Elite 120 CFM ERV – Top Port. For projects that need more airflow, consider stepping up to BalancedHome Elite Plus+ 130 CFM, BalancedHome Elite 150 CFM or BalancedHome Elite Plus+ 160 CFM models. For compact suites or small homes, you can also look at the Intelli-Balance 100 ERV family.

For more Panasonic options, browse our Panasonic ventilation collection and the dedicated Panasonic Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) collection.

Want to compare other capacities and port configurations? Browse all Panasonic ERV models for Canadian homes and suites .