Heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV) are air exchange systems that help to enhance indoor air quality and minimize heating costs. They retain existing heat and optimize the interior moisture content in the air. These mechanical systems use fans to maintain a balanced airflow into the house while exhausting stale indoor air.
HRVs and ERVs are similar devices in that both supply air to the home and exhaust stale air while recovering
energy from the exhaust air in the process. The primary difference between the two is that an HRV transfers heat while an ERV transfers both heat and moisture. Both ventilation systems place the control of air quality and air exchange in the hands of the homeowner rather than relying on inherent, often inadequate, leaks in the home to provide necessary ventilation.
Yes! In fact, mechanical ventilation systems are the only effective way to ventilate a tightly built home in order to
provide a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. An HRV/ERV system provides critical ventilation while
recovering heat and air conditioning energy which will save on energy bills. An ERV or HRV will pay for itself
when compared to other mechanical ventilation options.
An HRV and ERV are similar in that they both supply and exhaust air to and from the home while recovering energy
from the exhaust air. Both are widely used throughout BC and Canada. HRVs have been more commonly used in homes where the primary concern is high humidity in winter. ERVs are typically recommended where moderating between humidity extremes is a year round concern.
Contact us today to get a professional quote for sales and installations of your HRV or ERV device.