Why Builders Are Choosing Holtop’s CSA Certified Ductless ERV in Canada

Ventilation is often one of the last systems to get attention during the design or construction process—but its role in overall comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency is bigger than ever. As homes become tighter and performance targets increase, especially in modular and prefab construction, getting the ventilation system right is critical from the start.

More builders are now searching for ERV Canada CSA Certified solutions that offer both performance and peace of mind—products that are easy to install, trusted by inspectors, and backed by third-party testing.

That’s where ductless ERVs are gaining traction. Instead of having to plan around bulky ductwork, route through joists, or dedicate mechanical space you don’t always have, a ductless ERV installs cleanly on the wall and provides continuous balanced ventilation without the complexity.

And in Canada, where seasonal extremes and evolving building codes are top of mind, having a CSA certified ERV that’s built for our environment adds another level of confidence—whether you’re building a single-family infill or scaling up modular housing.

A Simpler Way to Meet Ventilation Needs—Without the Ductwork

Most of us have been through the HRV vs ERV debate. Here’s the builder’s cut: HRVs move heat, ERVs move both heat and moisture. If you're building airtight—and most modular and prefab projects are—you want to manage both. Otherwise, you end up with dry air in the winter and excess humidity in the shoulder seasons. ERVs just make more sense, especially for all-season comfort and moisture control.

What makes Holtop’s ductless system stand out is the simplicity. Traditional HRVs or ERVs with ducted distribution might work on paper, but in the real world, especially when you’re dealing with tight mechanical spaces, prefab components, or compressed build timelines, they create more problems than they solve. A wall-mounted ERV like Holtop’s cuts the complications. You mount it, core your in/out ducts, plug it into 120V, and it’s ready to go. No layout headaches, no duct balancing, and no extra framing to accommodate bulky boxes.

CSA Certified ERV Canada – What the Certification Actually Covers

The Holtop model ERVQ-B150-1B1 is fully CSA certified for both Canada and the U.S., listed under Certificate No. 80161167. This certification confirms the unit meets stringent safety and performance standards required for residential ventilation systems.

It’s tested and approved under:

• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 113-18 – The Canadian standard for fans and ventilators, which evaluates electrical safety, airflow design, motor protection, and material construction.

• UL 1815 (5th Edition) – U.S. standard for non-ducted heat recovery ventilators, including mechanical and thermal performance testing.

• CSA Class 3812-01 – Fans and Blowers (Canada)

• CSA Class 3812-81 – Fans and Blowers – Certified to U.S. Standards

• ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation – Ensures ongoing third-party factory audits and compliance oversight.

Having this certification gives builders, inspectors, and consultants peace of mind that the system has been thoroughly evaluated by a trusted third party—something that matters more than ever in modern, code-driven construction environments. View the CSA listing here

Not Just for Micro Units—It’s Built to Scale

The Holtop unit hits an 82% sensible heat recovery rate, which is impressive for a wall-mounted solution. This reduces the load on heating and cooling systems and helps keep interior conditions balanced year-round. Clients notice the difference right away—fewer headaches, fresher air, and no more musty or stagnant conditions.

It’s true the system is perfect for laneway homes, infill builds, tiny homes, and small-footprint prefab, but it’s not limited to them. We’ve used the same unit in full-size single-family homes and light commercial jobs where ducting was too costly or impractical. The fact that it’s ductless is what gives it that flexibility—it installs fast, stays out of the way, and gets the job done without requiring major layout changes.

If you’re building to meet energy codes, step code, or simply want a straightforward ventilation solution that works, this is one of the easiest ways to check that “ventilation” box without overcomplicating your MEP coordination.

We’ve spec’d it, installed it, and seen it work in the field. Fewer callbacks, cleaner installs, better air—and fewer surprises on inspection day.

About Holtop Canada

Holtop Canada is a supplier of wall-mounted, ductless ERV systems built specifically for the Canadian market. Our systems are CSA certified for both Canada and the U.S., with models tested to national electrical and mechanical safety standards. We help builders, developers, and off-site construction pros integrate reliable, high-performance ventilation into modern homes—without the complexity of traditional ductwork.

Learn more at holtopcanada.com, or see our certified CSA listing here.