Overview

Foggy windows, stuffy bedrooms and lingering odours are signs your home needs better ventilation – not just more bath fans. The Panasonic BalancedHome™ Elite FV-15VE1T is a 150 CFM energy recovery ventilator (ERV) that brings in tempered fresh air while exhausting stale indoor air, sized for smaller Canadian homes in temperate climate zones.

This top-port model is part of Panasonic’s BalancedHome Elite family, with adjustable 30–150 CFM airflow, SmartFlow™-style pressure control and a compact galvanized steel cabinet that fits neatly into retrofit mechanical rooms or ceiling spaces. For colder Canadian regions or higher CFM needs, you can step up within the Panasonic BalancedHome and Intelli-Balance® ERV families using our 2025 model comparison guide.

Key Features & Benefits

• 30–150 CFM adjustable airflow → dial in balanced ventilation for smaller homes, suites or renovations without oversizing the ERV.
• Top-port configuration with four 6" ducts → simplifies duct routing in joist spaces and bulkheads when wall or ceiling space is tight.
• Two DC ECM brushless motors → efficient, continuous operation with automatic speed adjustment to maintain your selected CFM under changing static pressure.
• Temperate-climate ERV design → engineered specifically for moderate Canadian climate zones using an exhaust-only frost prevention strategy to protect the core.
• Panasonic hygroscopic ERV core → tempers incoming air while transferring moisture, helping reduce condensation, stale odours and humidity swings.
• MERV 8 filter included → filters both supply and exhaust air before it passes through the core, with optional MERV 13 or washable MERV 6 filters for higher performance or easy maintenance.
• Integrated filter and fault indication → visual and audible indicators remind occupants when filters need service and flag installation or performance issues.
• Compatible wall control (FV-SC16VEC1) → touchscreen controller (sold separately) lets you adjust supply/exhaust CFM, ASHRAE 62.2 timing and boost functions from a central location.
• Optional Wi-Fi and timer control → add the low-voltage timer or Wi-Fi module (WP100PBA, sold separately) to trigger boost cycles and manage ventilation schedules alongside other Panasonic ventilation devices.
• ENERGY STAR® qualified (Canada) → meets Natural Resources Canada efficiency guidelines and can contribute to meeting codes and programs like ASHRAE 62.2, Ontario Building Code, LEED and Indoor airPLUS when properly designed.

Canadian Use Cases

• Smaller detached homes and townhomes in temperate Canadian climate zones.
• Renovations where you want to step up from spot fans to whole-home balanced ventilation.
• Homes with new high-performance windows where condensation and stale air have become a problem.
• Houses upgraded to heat pumps or mini-splits that now need continuous fresh air without big temperature swings.
• Retrofits where a top-port ERV simplifies duct routing in joists and bulkheads.

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 FV-15VE1T (top-port, Elite series).
• Airflow range: independently adjustable supply and exhaust 30–150 CFM, with occupant-controlled boost up to 150 CFM.
• Rated performance: 150 CFM net on both supply and exhaust at 0.4" w.g. static pressure (CSA-C439 testing).
• Voltage & power: 120 V, 60 Hz, approx. 2.4 A; power consumption up to ~98 W at 150 CFM and 0.2" w.g.
• Motors: two enclosed DC ECM brushless motors, rated for continuous operation with thermal cut-off protection.
• Duct connections: four 6" diameter vertical top ports (outside air, exhaust air, supply air and return air).
• Housing: galvanized, corrosion-resistant steel cabinet with hinged access panel for filter and core maintenance.
• Core: hygroscopic ERV membrane core, treated for mold resistance, transfers both sensible heat and moisture.
• Filtration: MERV 8 filter (FV-FL0815VE1) supplied; compatible with optional MERV 13 (FV-FL1316VE1) and washable MERV 6 (FV-FL0616VE1) filters.
• Climate & frost strategy: engineered for temperate North American climate zones using an exhaust-only frost prevention mode.
• Controls: on-unit control panel plus optional FV-SC16VEC1 wall control and low-voltage timer / Wi-Fi module (sold separately).
• Compliance & certifications: ENERGY STAR® (Canada), built-in ASHRAE 62.2 timing function; can be used to help comply with Ontario Building Code, LEED, Indoor airPLUS, California Title-24 and the 2021 Washington State Residential Energy Code when correctly designed.
• Warranty: 6 years on ECM motors; 3 years on all other parts from original purchase date.
• Approximate dimensions: about 22 13/16" W × 16" D × 18 7/8" H with 6" duct collars.
• Approximate weight: around 45 lb (20 kg) for the ERV unit.

What’s Included

• Panasonic BalancedHome™ Elite FV-15VE1T ERV (top-port, 30–150 CFM).
• Factory-installed MERV 8 supply and exhaust filters.
• Standard 120 V power cord and hardwire conversion kit.
• Wall/ceiling mounting brackets (ceiling chain mounting hardware typically by others).
• Installation and operating documentation from Panasonic.

Common Questions

• Is this ERV suitable for cold Canadian winters?
  This FV-15VE1T model is engineered for temperate North American climate zones and uses an exhaust-only frost prevention strategy. For very cold Canadian regions (frequent deep sub-zero temperatures), consider pairing this with careful duct design or using an any-climate Panasonic ERV such as the Intelli-Balance® or BalancedHome Elite Plus+ models sized in our 2025 ERV guide.
• Can I use this with a heat pump or mini-split system?
  Yes. An ERV like the BalancedHome Elite adds continuous fresh air and humidity control alongside your heat pump or mini-split, helping maintain comfort and air quality without large temperature swings. Your HVAC designer can tie the ERV supply to key rooms or a short dedicated supply trunk.
• How often should I change the filters?
  Panasonic’s onboard indicators trigger after roughly 90 days of accumulated run time to remind you to clean or replace filters. In most Canadian homes this works out to about every 3–6 months, depending on dust, pets and outdoor air quality. You can upgrade to MERV 13 filters for finer filtration or use washable MERV 6 filters where easy cleaning is the priority.
• How do I know what size ERV I need?
  Start with your home’s square footage, airtightness and layout, then match to the design CFM. Our Best Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide walks through typical Canadian sizing examples and shows when to choose BalancedHome™ Elite, Elite Plus+ or Intelli-Balance® models.
• Which controls and accessories should I add?
  For most homes we recommend the Panasonic FV-SC16VEC1 wall control for day-to-day operation and a low-voltage timer or Wi-Fi module where you want scheduled boost cycles or app control. Your installer can suggest the best combination for your layout and family routine.

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

Looking for more Panasonic solutions? Visit our Panasonic collection for matching ventilation and indoor air quality products.