Ever notice how you can feel heat radiating from air vents in your home in the winter? That’s the difference an energy recovery ventilator can make. Known as heat recovery ventilation, heat recovery ventilation recovery or ERV, or heat recovery ventilator (HRV), this energy-efficient system is designed to keep heating and cooling bills low and indoor air fresh.
Heat recovery ventilators exchange stale indoor air for fresh outside air, but they also recover wasted heat energy from outgoing air, which is then recirculated into the home to heat incoming fresh air. Because of this heating function, energy recovery ventilators are typically installed in homes with heating systems to maximize efficiency and savings. We will discuss what heat recovery ventilators are and how they can help unlock energy efficiency in your home.
What Are Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators?
– HRV and ERV are energy-efficient whole-house ventilation solutions that bring fresh air into your home while maintaining the interior temperature.
– An ERV is typically equipped with two fans and a heat exchanger to efficiently transfer moisture, heat, and air from the indoor air to the incoming air.
– The air exiting an ERV can be warmed or cooled as needed, making it an effective tool for heating or cooling your home when outdoor temperatures fluctuate.
– An HRV is similar to an ERV but only transfers sensible heat from outgoing air to incoming airstreams.
– This means that the air leaving an HRV isn’t heated as much as the air entering an ERV, making it more energy efficient than an ERV.
– Both HRVs and ERVs are beneficial for heating or cooling homes during seasonal changes, as they can help reduce energy use and humidity levels in indoor environments.
– When properly installed, HRVs and ERVs can help improve indoor air quality and home ventilation.
Benefits of Installing an ERV or HRV
ERVs, or heat recovery ventilators, are designed to improve the energy efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system. They help air circulate indoor air more efficiently, preventing stale air from building up.
– Additionally, they can maintain indoor air quality by removing moisture from the air and filtering indoor air.
– In general, an ERV or HRV can save consumers money on energy costs and extend the life of their HVAC system.
Most homeowners and building owners can benefit from installing an ERV or HRV by improving indoor air quality, saving energy, and prolonging the life of their system.
An ERV vs. HRV is explained by the differences in heat exchanger capabilities and their efficiency in pre-heating or precooling air. An ERV can be a good choice for homes with moderate energy demands, such as those with 3-4 occupants. Depending on your preferences, you can go for a wall-mounted or duct-connected model. You can also read reviews to get an idea of which model works best for you.
How Do ERVs and HRVs Work?
– Heat recovery ventilation systems and energy recovery ventilation systems use technology to exchange heat and energy between incoming air and outgoing air.
– The air coming into the system is usually hot, so a fan or ventilator uses this air to heat a water-based heating element.
– This water is then sent through a heat exchanger, where it is warmed and dehumidified.
– The dehumidified air is then used in your indoor environment, such as for air conditioning or heating.
– In an energy recovery ventilator system, fresh outside air is taken in as air conditioner intake air.
– A heat exchanger removes heat from this air, which is then used to warm incoming fresh air before it enters the indoor environment.
– ERVs and HRVs can recover around 70% to 80% of the energy in the air, which can contribute to savings on energy costs.
– Besides being efficient, they are also more environmentally friendly than traditional ventilation systems.
They integrate directly into heating and ventilation cooling (HVAC) systems and help to improve indoor air quality and reduce strain on the heating or cooling system.
Maintenance Tips for Your Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilator
– Never turn off your heat recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV), and have it serviced annually by an accredited contractor. You can also check your heating system for qualified models to ensure that it meets the ENERGY STAR standards.
– Clean your unit regularly, including air filters, every 1-3 months.
– Make sure to provide service clearances and contact a skilled heating, ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) technician to ensure your home has the right system.
– Change air filters regularly and wash the energy wheel occasionally to maintain peak efficiency.
– Finally, make sure to adjust your indoor humidity levels as needed to help keep your HRV/ERV efficient and running smoothly.
What to Consider When Shopping for an ERV or HRV
– heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems are two different types of whole-house ventilation systems.
– An HRV system is best for cold climates, while an ERV system is ideal for hot, humid climates.
– Both systems can pre-cool or pre-heat the air supply, depending on the season, and reduce energy loss.
– An HRV system is designed to handle humidity and moisture better than a traditional system.
– This makes it a good choice for homes with indoor air quality concerns, such as those with mold or asthma triggers.
– If you’re shopping for an ERV or HRV system, consider the size and type of your home and your heating and cooling needs.
– Also consider factors such as cost, energy savings, indoor air quality, and comfort levels.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has helped you understand heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilator systems better. If you’re planning to buy an air ventilation system, these blogs will ensure that you make an informed decision. Get in touch with us if you want a professional opinion on the best ventilation system for your home or office. Our energy efficiency experts can help you choose the ventilation system that will deliver maximum energy savings and fresh air for your indoor environment.