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 3.4. The Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV leads on heat recovery and efficiency. The Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV costs $110 less ($1,139 vs $1,249).
Vents Frigate ERV 120 EC
A quiet, easy to adjust ERV for a mid size home or apartment that will run at moderate speed most of the time. At full flow it uses more power than its rivals.
Amazon $1,249$1,249
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 heat recovery (76% sensible recovery vs 71% sensible recovery) and efficiency (1.2 cfm per watt (142 cfm, 122 W) vs 0.9 cfm per watt (150 cfm, 175 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 | Vents Frigate ERV 120 EC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Heat recovery 25% | 70 76% sensible recovery | 53 71% sensible recovery |
| Efficiency 15% | 40 1.2 cfm per watt (142 cfm, 122 W) | 16 0.9 cfm per watt (150 cfm, 175 W) |
| Value 25% | 66 $8.02 per cfm ($1,139, 142 cfm) | 63 $8.33 per cfm ($1,249, 150 cfm) |
| Quiet 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 56 1.5 sones |
| Warranty 25% | 67 5-year warranty | 67 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Broan AI Series B160E65RT ERV | Vents Frigate ERV 120 EC | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Core | ERV (heat and moisture) | ERV (heat and moisture) |
| Install | Ducted, whole house | Ducted, whole house |
| Airflow | 142 cfm | 150 cfm |
| Sensible recovery | 76% | 71% |
| Power draw | 122 W | 175 W |
| Noise | - | 1.5 sones |
| Build | ||
| Frost protection | Yes | Yes |
| Filter | MERV 8 | MERV 6 |
| ENERGY STAR | No | - |
| HVI certified | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |