Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV
A self balancing whole house ERV for a mid size home that a homeowner or general contractor can commission without balancing tools. Expect higher power use at full flow than the Panasonic.
Amazon $1,139$1,139
The Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV is the better ERV or HRV overall, rated 3.7 to 2.9. The Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV leads on value, warranty and heat recovery. The Panasonic WhisperComfort FV-06VE1 wins on efficiency. The Panasonic WhisperComfort FV-06VE1 costs $519.01 less ($619.99 vs $1,139).
Panasonic WhisperComfort FV-06VE1
A compact ERV for an apartment, condo or small house, or for one zone of a larger one. Households that need more than about 50 cfm should look at the Intelli-Balance or a full size unit.
Amazon $619.99$619.99
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV for value ($8.02 per cfm ($1,139, 142 cfm) vs $13.19 per cfm ($619.99, 47 cfm)), warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty) and heat recovery (76% sensible recovery vs 70% sensible recovery).
- Choose the Panasonic WhisperComfort FV-06VE1 for efficiency (1.7 cfm per watt (47 cfm, 27 W) vs 1.2 cfm per watt (142 cfm, 122 W)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every whole-house ERV ERV or HRV; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV | Panasonic WhisperComfort FV-06VE1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Heat recovery 25% | 70 76% sensible recovery | 50 70% sensible recovery |
| Efficiency 15% | 40 1.2 cfm per watt (142 cfm, 122 W) | 72 1.7 cfm per watt (47 cfm, 27 W) |
| Value 25% | 66 $8.02 per cfm ($1,139, 142 cfm) | 30 $13.19 per cfm ($619.99, 47 cfm) |
| Quiet 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 19 2.5 sones |
| Warranty 25% | 67 5-year warranty | 33 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV | Panasonic WhisperComfort FV-06VE1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Core | ERV (heat and moisture) | ERV (heat and moisture) |
| Install | Ducted, whole house | Ducted, whole house |
| Airflow | 142 cfm | 47 cfm |
| Sensible recovery | 76% | 70% |
| Power draw | 122 W | 27 W |
| Noise | - | 2.5 sones |
| Build | ||
| Frost protection | Yes | Yes |
| Filter | MERV 8 | MERV 13 |
| ENERGY STAR | No | - |
| HVI certified | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |