Do You Need an ERV or HRV?
Also referred to as ERVs, the energy recovery ventilator uses a heat exchanger and fans to recover energy that would otherwise be lost in the ventilation process of your HVAC system, as an alternative to opening your windows and doors on either a soaring hot or blistery cold day.
An ERV system typically uses two fans, one to pull air in from the outdoors and one to draw indoor air to the ductwork. As the two currents pass each other, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the air going in or out, depending on the season. Usually these systems are whole–house ventilators and can either have their own ductwork, or can share existing ductwork with your heating and cooling system.
Heat recovery ventilators do this too, but the key difference is that energy recovery ventilators transfer an amount of water along with the heat, which can help to control humidity. In the winter, the supply air will be cold and usually dry, so energy recovery ventilators can impart humidity to it and help keep the humidity of the house constant, which also reduces the risk of freezing in the heat exchanger. In the summer humidity can be removed from the incoming air and put into the drier air being vented.
An HRV ventilation system may be more appropriate for homes in areas where the summer air is dry and high humidity is generally a problem only during the winter.
Benefits of ERV Installation
Since the function of an air conditioner is primarily to control humidity, an ERV mechanical system is a great way to assist this function. You can continue to enjoy a fresh supply of air throughout your home without having to spend as much energy to maintain the right temperature and humidity.
Energy recovery ventilation systems are able to save about 70%–80% of the energy in the air being vented by transferring it to the supply air. It’s easy to imagine the potential financial savings that accompany this energy conservation.
ERV system installation is also a key part of managing your indoor air quality. A tightly sealed home relies on the ventilation to remove indoor contaminants, from the dust you track in on your shoes to the particles from cleaning products you use in the kitchen. Adding an ERV could help you save on HVAC energy costs while maintaining an ideal indoor environment.
ERV and HRV Installation and Services from the Pros
Just like any other home comfort system, a quality installation and routine, professional maintenance are required to keep your energy recovery or heat recovery ventilator operating as it should—efficiently and effectively. Sharing ductwork with your HVAC systems can cut down on the installation costs a bit, if this is a concern.
Not all HVAC professionals are familiar with or knowledgeable about what goes into a successful ERV or HRV installation, nor can they follow up with the appropriate services to ensure it stays in good shape. This is why you want to work with a team who understand how important it is for you to keep your family comfortable, by saving energy and subsequently saving money!
At Air Mechanical, we have decades of experience working with ERV and HRV systems that maximize your efficiency and improve your home comfort. Our commitment to our customers means that you get great service from a trained expert, whether you are calling to learn more about our services or installing a heat recovery ventilation system. Call Air Mechanical, Inc. today to get started with your ERV and HRV services!
