Is an HRV different than an ERV?

HRVs and ERVs are similar. Both supply air to the home and get rid of stale air. Both recover energy from the exhaust air in the process. The main difference between them is an HRV transfers heat, and an ERV transfers heat and moisture.

Are energy recovery ventilators worth the cost?

ERVs are most cost-effective if you live in a climate with extreme summers or winters and where fuel costs are high. In mild climates, the cost of electricity consumed by the system fans might exceed the energy you save from not having to condition the supply air.

Will an ERV remove humidity?

An ERV doesn't dehumidify. If you want to dehumidify and ventilate, you will need supplemental dehumidification. A ventilating dehumidifier is one option.

How do you size an ERV?

Take the square footage of your house, including the basement, and multiply it by the height of the ceiling to get your cubic volume. Then divide by 60 and multiply by .35.

What are the advantages of an ERV?

The clear benefit is the reduction in energy costs. An ERV recovers some of the energy used, which can lead to reduced utility bills. Your heating/air conditioning unit doesn't have to work as hard to keep the temperature in your house steady. An ERV can extend the lifetime of your HVAC system since it's not working at full capacity. It also improves the ventilation in your home. It improves your indoor air quality. It can maintain a humidity of 40 to 50 percent, which is ideal for indoor air. This lowers the likelihood of mildew and mold to grow.

What are the disadvantages of an ERV?

ERV's can be noisy, and depending on your climate, you might not end up saving you a lot of money. They're better in climates with more extreme seasonal changes.

How long do ERVs last?

EVR's typically last for 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

How often do you have to service an ERV?

It's recommended that you service your ERV every six months.

Learn about Energy Recovery Ventilator [ERV]

An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilator that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air and transfers heat and moisture from one air stream to the other. The pre-heated or pre-cooled, fresh outdoor air is then circulated throughout the house. They are similar to Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), which transfer only heat.

ERVs are preferable over HRVs in two climate conditions: (1) dry, winter climates where it is desirable to retain moisture in a house. (2) hot, humid climates in a house with air conditioning (because an air conditioner removes moisture from the air). If you would otherwise need a humidifier in your house in winter, an ERV could be advantageous.

Consider Energy Star rated models first - this means, models that have lower energy usage and higher sensible efficiency in the heating season.

There are three ways an ERV can be integrated into your home, especailly if you already have a central heating system:

Direct duct for each room, with dedicated ductwork for exhausting air from kitchens and bathrooms.
Through a forced air heating system, and directly ventilating bathrooms and kitchen.
Connected to an existing forced air heating system - used generally to provide indoor-outdoor air exchange.

Maintenance considerations:

You'll want to make sure the intake and exhaust and intake are properly balanced for airflow - something that is done upon install and periodically thereafter by a professional.
The unit's filter and heat recovery core are crucial components of the ERV, and should be cleaned thoroughly at the beginning of each heating season. This is something that can be performed by the homeowner by following the manufacturer's directives.

In a well-sealed and insulated home, an ERV is effective at recovering a large percentage of heat that would otherwise be lost to the outdoors during winter months. Likewise, they can remove heat and moisture from incoming hot, humid outdoor air during the summer months. ERVs are ideal in retrofits just as much as new builds, especially when air sealing and insulation upgrades have made the building envelope tighter.