Orcon HRC EcoMax/MaxComfort EcoSmart/SmartComfort - RECUTECH enthalpy exchanger
The most efficient enthalpy exchanger on the market with the revolutionary METALPIC fin material – the best choice for Orcon HRC EcoMax/MaxComfort EcoSmart/SmartComfort.
The photograph may not depict the exact design of the heat exchanger. This enthalpy heat exchanger is 100% compatible with the specified ventilation unit and may, thanks to its properties, offer better performance than the original enthalpy heat exchanger. However, it is not an original enthalpy heat exchanger supplied by the unit’s manufacturer.
If we have any doubts about whether you have ordered the correct type of heat exchanger, we will contact you before shipping to clarify everything together.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR YOUR UNIT - Highest temperature and humidity efficiency among all enthalpy products on the market
The RFK+ / RFC+ series is a fully enthalpic alternative to the REK+ counterflow aluminum exchangers, which thanks to innovative technology offers not only up to 90% thermal efficiency but also very high humidity efficiency. Thanks to the same dimensions, it is also easy to replace the aluminum and plastic exchanger without further modifications in the heat recovery unit.
- Thermal efficiency up to 90%
- Latent efficiency up to 75%
- High resistance to unbalanced pressure
- High selective permeability
- Unique METALPIC material
- Highest thermal efficiency of all enthalpy products on the market
- High humidity efficiency
- Maximum inlet/outlet pressure difference of 800 Pa outperforms other enthalpy products with polymer-based membrane
- Condensation reduction and significant freezing point reduction
- Permeation of only water vapor through a highly selective permeable membrane
- Guaranteed tightness thanks to 100% production testing
- Use with standard units thanks to standardized dimensions
- Eurovent certification, hygiene certification according to VDI 6022 and reaction to fire classification according to EN 13501-1
rgin">What is the uniqueness of the RECUTECH enthalpy exchanger?
High thermal efficiency – Thanks to materials that allow for forming and thus increasing the heat transfer surface, the heat transfer efficiency is up to 90%. We do not use spacers, as they are not needed.
Moisture transfer efficiency up to 75%.
Tightness – As you are used to with RECUTECH exchangers, they are tight. We do not compromise on this even with enthalpic ones. We test all of them and only tight pieces will reach you.
High resistance to pressure imbalance – Thanks to the rigidity of the materials used, our exchangers can withstand pressure imbalances of 800 Pa. They also allow use in a configuration where one fan in the unit sucks in and the other pushes out.
High selectivity – Our membrane is highly selective. It only passes water vapor, no other gases. The selectivity is verified by tests.
Easy replacement in existing installations – Thanks to the same dimensions and similar thermal efficiency parameters, you can easily replace the exchanger in the unit with an enthalpy one.
How were these parameters achieved?
This is mainly due to the use of a unique material called Metalpic, used in Recutech enthalpy exchangers. This material was developed exclusively for this purpose and was created by Recutech. It is a sandwich material where each component has its own clearly defined function.
It consists of a specially treated aluminum expanded metal with the largest possible open area. Its main function is to create a supporting structure for the second component, which is a very thin polymer membrane. Why aluminum? Because this material conducts heat very well and is easily recyclable.
The second part of the sandwich is a polymer membrane. Its main function is moisture transfer and must ensure the tightness of the resulting material. It is an ion-exchange membrane that is selectively permeable.
Thanks to the expanded metal support, the membrane can be very thin, and the thinner the membrane, the better the moisture transfer. The two parts of this sandwich are joined together by lamination.
This material is then processed as a classic aluminum foil for REK and REC series exchangers. During this process, both parts of this sandwich must cope with the relative elongation during stretching like aluminum.
Thanks to these properties, it is possible to create a lamella that is reinforced during forming and its thermal resistance is increased.The membrane is further weakened by stretching and, as we wrote above, the thinner it is, the better the moisture transfer.
heat recovery plate air exchanger, heat recovery exchanger, heat recovery plate exchanger
Data sheet
- Country of origin
- CZ
Specific References
- EAN13
- 8592919621060
- pressure drop at different air flow rates
- heat transfer efficiency
- moisture transfer efficiency
- Outdoor air temperature: 5 °C
- Outdoor air relative humidity: 72 %
- Extract air temperature: 25 °C
- Extract air relative humidity: 50 %
Enthalpy Heat Exchangers for Ventilation Units – Comparison
At Rekupex, we offer enthalpy heat exchangers for a wide range of ventilation units from various manufacturers. We continuously expand our range to cover as many commonly used ventilation systems on the market as possible.
Our customers also play an important role in expanding the product range by helping us identify new types of ventilation units and their compatible enthalpy heat exchangers. Thanks to this cooperation, we can continuously develop our offer and adapt it to the real needs of users. Thank you for your feedback and suggestions.
To make it easier for you to understand the differences between enthalpy exchangers from RECUTECH, ZERN Engineering, CORE, and AIRWOODS, we have prepared a clear technical comparison of exchangers of the same size 366 × 366 × 400 mm, which can be directly compared thanks to their identical dimensions.
The overview also includes three key diagrams, which make it possible to compare exchanger behavior depending on the air volume flow rate:
Technical Comparison Diagrams
Click on the diagram to open the high-resolution detail.
Pressure drop vs. air volume flow rate
Heat transfer efficiency
Moisture transfer efficiency
Input conditions according to EN 308:2022
The results were obtained using the selection and design software of the individual manufacturers.
Comparison of Enthalpy Heat Exchangers (366 × 366 × 400 mm)
The input parameters are unified according to EN 308:2022, unless stated otherwise. For AIRWOODS, different input values according to the manufacturer’s documentation were used, therefore the inputs differ.
On mobile, swipe the table sideways.
| Parameter | CORE F-ERV 366 | ZERN EC-EX6 366 | RECUTECH METALPIC RKF+16 | AIRWOODS WXL-LB 366* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchanger photo |  Click to enlarge
|
 Click to enlarge
|
 Click to enlarge
|
 Click to enlarge
|
| Input conditions | ||||
| Outdoor air temperature [°C] | 5 | 5 | 5 | -5 |
| Outdoor air relative humidity [%] | 72 | 72 | 72 | 25 |
| Extract air temperature [°C] | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Extract air relative humidity [%] | 50 | 50 | 50 | 80 |
| Performance at air volume flow rate of 150 m³/h | ||||
| Pressure drop [Pa]¹ | 28 | 37,65 | 25,18 ⭐ best | 29,9 |
| Temperature efficiency [%]¹ | 84,1 | 82,36 | 87,1 ⭐ best | 85,75 |
| Moisture efficiency [%]¹ | 70,9 | 58,96 | 66,5 | 75,73 ⭐ best |
| Performance at air volume flow rate of 400 m³/h | ||||
| Pressure drop [Pa]¹ | 134 | 141 | 114 ⭐ best | – |
| Temperature efficiency [%]¹ | 77,5 | 71,4 | 78,3 ⭐ best | – |
| Moisture efficiency [%]¹ | 51,7 | 47,84 | 58 ⭐ best | – |
| Construction and materials | ||||
| Exchanger casing material | Unspecified plastic | HPS (High Pressure Structure) | Corrosion-resistant aluminum | Unspecified plastic |
| Exchanger construction type | Polymer plate exchanger | Polymer plate exchanger | Metal enthalpy heat exchanger ⭐ | Polymer plate exchanger |
| Enthalpy membrane carrier | The membrane is part of the supporting material | HPS (High Pressure Structure) | Aluminum carrier (expanded metal) | Plastic separators |
| Type of enthalpy membrane | Formable polymer membrane (integrated in the plates) | Polymer microporous membrane | Ion-exchange membrane (METALPIC) | Polymer microporous membrane |
| Transport packaging | Polystyrene protection + cardboard box | Polystyrene protection + cardboard box | Wooden transport crate (also suitable for storing the original exchanger) | Polystyrene protection + cardboard box |
| REKUPEX evaluation | ||||
| Overall evaluation | High efficiency at lower flow rates. Thanks to its low weight and smooth casing, it places minimal demands on installation. | Robust and mechanically durable construction. Good availability of dimensions for a wide range of ventilation units. | All-aluminum exchanger with METALPIC membrane. Excellent efficiency / pressure drop ratio. Highest heat transfer efficiency and, at higher air volume flow rates, also very good moisture transfer. | Proven exchangers used by a number of European unit manufacturers thanks to a good price / performance ratio. |
| Strengths | Very good moisture efficiency at lower air flow rates. Low weight. | Very solid workmanship and high mechanical durability. | Very good results at medium and higher flow rates. Low pressure drop across the entire range. | Favorable price while maintaining solid parameters. |
| Possibility of adapting exchanger dimensions | Limited | Limited | Very wide possibilities for adapting dimensions ⭐ | Limited |
| Availability of newly identified and less commonly used exchangers | Limited availability | Good availability | Excellent availability ⭐ | Limited availability |
| Note about the manufacturer | – | – | RECUTECH provides excellent customer and technical support, making it possible to effectively design, adapt, and integrate exchangers into a wide range of ventilation units. Thanks to the robust construction with an aluminum casing, the exchangers are also very suitable for retrofit applications and modernization of older ventilation units. | – |
| Certification and compliance | ||||
| Eurovent | – | – | YES | – |
| DIN ISO 9001:2015 | YES | YES | YES | – |
| Hygiene certificate | VDI 6022 | VDI 6022 | VDI 6022 | ANTI BACTERIAL + Antimicrobial test report |
| RoHS | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| REACH | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Data source and calculation | ||||
| Exchanger manufacturer | CORE GmbH | ZERN Engineering | RECUTECH | AIRWOODS |
| Availability (sales) | www.rekupex.cz | www.rekupex.cz www.rekupex.de |
www.rekupex.cz www.rekupex.de |
On request by e-mail: info@rekupex.cz |
| Calculated size | 366 × 366 × 400 mm | 366 × 366 × 400 mm | 366 × 366 × 400 mm | 366 × 366 × 400 mm |
| Calculation software | Online (manufacturer’s website) | Online (manufacturer’s website) | Offline design selector | Offline design selector |
| Calculation date | 3 March 2026 | 3 March 2026 | 3 March 2026 | 3 March 2026 |
⭐ best value in the given category
¹ The values were determined based on calculations in the manufacturers’ selection programs under the input conditions defined by EN 308:2022.
* Different input values according to the manufacturer’s documentation were used for AIRWOODS.
REKUPEX Recommendation
Based on our long-term experience with the design and integration of enthalpy heat exchangers into various types of ventilation units, we particularly recommend RECUTECH exchangers, which stand out thanks to their very good efficiency / pressure drop ratio, robust construction, and above all excellent technical support from the manufacturer.
Thanks to this cooperation, the exchangers can be easily adapted to a wide range of ventilation units, including retrofit installations in older equipment.
Which Enthalpy Heat Exchanger Should You Choose?
The comparison shows that individual manufacturers optimize their exchangers for different operating conditions. Some exchangers achieve very good results especially at lower air volume flow rates, while others are optimized for medium and higher air flow rates.
When choosing an enthalpy heat exchanger, it is therefore important to consider not only the efficiency itself, but also pressure drop, exchanger construction, compatibility with the ventilation unit, the possibility of adapting dimensions, and the availability of replacement exchangers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enthalpy Heat Exchangers
What is the difference between an enthalpy heat exchanger and a standard heat recovery exchanger?
An enthalpy heat exchanger transfers not only heat, but also part of the moisture from the extract air to the supply air. This helps maintain a more comfortable indoor humidity level, especially during the winter season.
What is the typical efficiency of an enthalpy heat exchanger?
The temperature efficiency of modern enthalpy heat exchangers usually ranges approximately between 75–90 %.
The moisture transfer efficiency is usually lower and generally ranges approximately between 40–75 %.
Both values are significantly influenced by the exchanger design, membrane quality, and especially the air volume flow rate at which the exchanger is operated.
Can an enthalpy heat exchanger be installed in an older ventilation unit?
Yes, at RekupeX we not only sell exchangers, but also technically adapt them for specific ventilation units. We manufacture our own sealing and mounting profiles, and if necessary we also produce reduction casings. Thanks to this, we can offer an enthalpy replacement even for older ventilation units, where compatibility may at first glance appear problematic. A typical example is exchangers for Atrea units.
Note: The technical data and graphs presented in this overview were prepared based on the technical documentation of the individual manufacturers and the results of their selection or design tools. Although we have made every effort to ensure maximum accuracy, individual values may vary depending on the specific operating conditions, unit configuration, or updates to the data provided by the manufacturers.
The stated REKUPEX evaluation is based on our long-term practical experience with the design, sale, and integration of enthalpy heat exchangers into various types of ventilation units.
If any manufacturer identifies an inaccuracy or has a comment regarding the stated data, we will be grateful for the notice and will be happy to adjust the data.
If you are unsure which enthalpy heat exchanger is suitable for your ventilation unit, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you choose the right solution.
An enthalpic heat exchanger should be used all year round. In winter, it prevents excessive drying of the indoor air, and in summer, it helps maintain comfortable humidity and temperature by reducing heat transfer and returning part of the moisture to the fresh supply air. This increases comfort and saves energy in every season.
Yes, the use of an enthalpic heat exchanger is completely safe. The membrane is designed to allow only water vapor molecules to pass through, while blocking bacteria, odors, and harmful substances. All enthalpic heat exchangers we offer are hygienically tested and certified.
An enthalpic heat exchanger works on the principle of counterflow air streams. During ventilation, two separate airflows meet inside – the warm, humid exhaust air from indoors and the cold fresh air from outside. A special membrane transfers both heat and water vapor from the exhaust air to the incoming fresh air without mixing the two streams. This way, fresh air enters the home with a more comfortable temperature and humidity, improving comfort while saving energy.
An enthalpic heat exchanger will always help improve indoor humidity, as it transfers part of the moisture from exhaust air back into the fresh supply air. It cannot be guaranteed that ideal levels (typically 40–60%) will be achieved, since the final humidity also depends on other factors – such as household habits, number of occupants, natural moisture sources, and outdoor climate conditions.
However, we can guarantee that humidity will improve, because it is physically impossible for the return of moisture not to contribute to higher values.
An enthalpic heat exchanger does not generate humidity – it maximizes the transfer of humidity from exhaust air into fresh supply air. If you previously used a standard exchanger, not only the air but also the building structure (walls, ceilings, floors) and porous materials became dry. This means it may take some time for humidity levels to recover, so patience is necessary.
Every enthalpic exchanger we supply is fully functional and improvement is guaranteed. We recommend keeping natural humidity sources (plants, cooking, drying clothes). If you use humidifiers, continue using them until the humidity rises to a comfortable level with the enthalpic exchanger, after which they can be reduced.
Yes. Unlike a standard exchanger, an enthalpic heat exchanger transfers part of the humidity back into the fresh air. This process is gradual, but you can speed it up by adding humidity – either naturally (plants, drying clothes, washing floors) or with humidifiers. Once the humidity has returned to a stable, optimal level, additional humidification can be reduced.
No, an enthalpic heat exchanger does not generate humidity by itself. It only transfers part of the moisture from the exhaust air back into the fresh supply air. If humidity in your home is too high, the cause lies elsewhere (e.g., insufficient ventilation, drying clothes indoors without venting, or residual construction moisture). The enthalpic exchanger helps balance humidity and prevents extreme fluctuations.
Does an enthalpy heat exchanger increase humidity in a house?
Yes, an enthalpy heat exchanger can transfer part of the moisture from exhaust air back into the supply air, helping to increase indoor humidity. This is not just a theoretical feature – it has been confirmed in real-world operation.
In an independent test carried out by an experienced user in their home with an AEREX ventilation unit, the long-term issue was very dry indoor air, despite attempts to naturally increase humidity, for example by using a large number of plants.
After installing the RECUTECH METALPIC enthalpy heat exchanger, there was a measurable increase in indoor humidity and an overall improvement in living comfort.
Under typical conditions, indoor humidity increases by approximately 10–15% during the heating season. In ideal conditions, the increase can reach up to 25–30%, depending on indoor humidity levels, airflow settings, and building characteristics.
Real measurement of indoor humidity with an enthalpy heat exchanger
It is important to understand that an enthalpy heat exchanger does not generate moisture, it only transfers it from the exhaust air back into the supply air. Therefore, the effect is not immediate but builds up gradually over several days to weeks.
This principle is based on physical laws and long-term real-world experience. That is why enthalpy heat exchangers are an effective solution for homes where ventilation systems cause excessive drying of indoor air.
This is why an enthalpy heat exchanger is one of the most effective solutions for dry indoor air in homes with ventilation systems.
Since an enthalpic heat exchanger also transfers humidity, it might seem that the risk of mold is higher. In reality, however, all moisture is carried away with the fresh air, so there is no risk of mold growth.
Our recommendation is to never switch off the unit during the winter months, so that moisture is continuously removed. If you still need to shut down the unit, remove the exchanger, rinse it with clean water, dry it thoroughly, and only then reinstall it.
No, never block the condensate drain.
Even though enthalpic heat exchangers produce only a minimal amount of condensate due to moisture transfer, in severe frost and specific humidity conditions, condensate can still occur. Blocking the drain could cause irreversible damage to your unit.
Yes, installation is simple. Just follow the instructions provided with your unit. As with a standard exchanger, it needs to be removed occasionally for cleaning – the process is the same, except that you put the enthalpic exchanger back in instead.
I am not sure about the type of exchanger in my unit, or I did not find my unit type in your e-shop. What should I do?
Feel free to contact us with any unit model. We will do our utmost to provide you with a 100% compatible exchanger, regardless of the type of ventilation unit you have.
In any case, the exchangers we supply are identical to the original parts used by the unit manufacturers, and in many cases, our exchangers are even of higher quality. However, we must clearly state that we are not official distributors of spare parts from the unit manufacturers. Transparency is very important to us.
The enthalpic plate works the same from both sides, so the orientation of the plate itself does not matter. However, it is essential that after cleaning the exchanger is always reinstalled in the same orientation, ensuring that the channels for fresh air remain for fresh air and the channels for exhaust air remain for exhaust air.
No, caring for an enthalpic heat exchanger is no more demanding than for a standard one. Maintenance is described in the user manual and in our video guide. In short: first vacuum the exchanger with a soft brush attachment, then rinse it with clean water (max. 50 °C). Never use compressed air or a pressure washer.
After rinsing, allow all water to drain completely. Remaining moisture can be carefully blown out with a regular hairdryer, but always use cold air only. Once the exchanger is completely dry, place it back into the unit in the same orientation as before removal.
We do not recommend using chemicals for cleaning. Only if disinfection is absolutely necessary may a weak solution of peracetic acid (CH₃CO₃H) at 0.1–0.2% concentration be used, followed by very thorough rinsing with clean water.
The sealing tape must be applied around the perimeter of the exchanger, so that when inserted it presses firmly against the unit walls and prevents false air from being drawn in. The surface of the exchanger must be dry and clean before application. Always apply the tape straight, without gaps or folds, to ensure proper sealing.
How our customers rate us
Read verified reviews from those who have purchased from us.
Rudi Rohde
Rolf Schernes
Rafał Dąbrowski
The most efficient enthalpy exchanger on the market with the revolutionary METALPIC fin material – the best choice for Orcon HRC EcoMax/MaxComfort EcoSmart/SmartComfort.