Nowadays, homes are constructed to be more energy-efficient, resulting in a tighter build. However, airtight homes may result in less natural ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is required to avoid excess moisture accumulation, minimize unpleasant odors, and increase airflow throughout tightly sealed homes. This is where Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) come into play.
But what sets them apart, and which one would be the best fit for your needs? Keep reading to learn more.
- What Is A Heat Recovery Ventilator?
- What Is An Energy Recovery Ventilator?
- When To Use An HRV vs. ERV
- Common Questions About Energy Recovery Ventilators
- Learn More About Heat Recovery Ventilators
What Is A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)?
If you're looking to reduce energy costs while improving ventilation in your home, an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system might be just what you need. This system works by recovering residual heat from indoor air and using it to warm fresh air from outside, which is then circulated into the home.
In the summer, the HRV system works similarly, but instead cools down the fresh incoming air before cycling it through the HVAC system, resulting in better air conditioning efficiency.
With an HRV, the incoming and exhausted air streams don't mix during the process. The individual air streams pass through separate channels inside the unit, and the heat exchange is a byproduct of conduction.
What Is An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?
Incorporating an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) into your home can greatly enhance indoor air quality without any energy wastage. ERVs operate by replacing stale indoor air with fresh and clean outdoor air throughout your entire home. Unlike HRVs, ERVs are designed to transfer not only heat but also moisture. This is particularly beneficial if you don't have an additional source of humidity control, such as a humidifier. ERVs are highly recommended as they provide a fresh supply of healthy humidity to your space.
When To Use An HRV vs. ERV
Choosing between an ERV or an HRV is dependent on your home and the climate of the area you live in. The general rule of thumb is:
- Choose An HRV If: Select an HRV if you live in cold climates where an effective transfer of heat is vital.
- Choose An ERV If: If you live in an area with extremely hot and humid summers, or hot and dry areas where retaining moisture is crucial.
Common Questions About Energy Recovery Ventilators
Now that we've covered the differences and when to use an ERV vs. an HRV, lets take a look at some common questions about energy recovery ventilators.
Where Do You Install An ERV In A House?
It's recommended that you hire an HVAC professional to handle the installation of an ERV and allow them to select the best way to integrate the unit into your home's ductwork. There are several factors to consider when choosing where to install an ERV in your house:
- The fresh air intake should be placed in a location where fresh air circulates and away from range hood exhausts, laundry vents, driveways, and furnace flues.
- The stale air from your home should come from a wall close to the kitchen, at least 10 feet away from an oven, and within one foot of the ceiling because vaporized grease can clog your ERV.
- The fan of your home's main air handling unit should remain on at all times to circulate fresh air throughout the entire house.
- The ventilated air from the ERV should be connected to the return duct of your home's forced air system.
Will An ERV Remove Humidity?
ERVs transfer humidity from the higher airstream to the lower airstream, which makes them effective in removing humidity from the incoming air with higher humidity during summers. By transferring the humidity to the exhausted air, ERVs help in reducing cooling costs and maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level.
Should I Run My ERV Continuously?
For optimal indoor air quality and proper ventilation, it is generally recommended to run your energy recovery ventilator continuously in most applications.
Do You Need An Exhaust Fan With An ERV?
For most of your home, a separate exhaust fan is not required when using an ERV. The exception is for bathrooms and kitchens where local exhaust fans are still required unless the exhausted air is being drawn from one of those locations.
Should I Turn Off My ERV In The Summer?
A good rule to remember is that if you're more comfortable outside your home than inside it, you should be running your ERV. Because ERVs will remove the humidity that's present in the air coming into your home, there's no need to turn off your ERV in the summer.
Does An ERV Help With Mold?
Energy recovery ventilators can help to reduce the indoor humidity level of your home in the summer. A lower indoor humidity level leaves your air feeling fresher and help prevents mold growth.
Learn More About Heat Recovery Ventilators
What about heat recovery ventilators? Check out some frequently asked questions about HRVs.
Where Should A Heat Recovery Ventilator Be Placed?
Like ERVs, an HRV should be installed by a certified HVAC professional. A few tips to remember when choose where to place a heat recovery ventilator include:
- HRVs are commonly place in basements, utility closets, and attics. They should be installed in an area where the unit is easily accessible for servicing and filter replacements.
- Locate the HRV near an outside wall to keep the intake and exhaust runs to the outside as short as possible.
- HRVs can be installed with a heat pump, boiler, wood or pellet stove, fireplace, radiant floor heat, furnace, space heater, air conditioner, geothermal heat exchanger, or swamp cooler.
Will An HRV Remove Humidity?
HRVs are effective at reducing indoor humidity levels when the outside air is colder than the air inside your home. That means that an HRV will remove excess humidity reliably during the winter months.
Should You Use An HRV In The Summer?
You can continue to use your heat recovery ventilator during the summer. Lower the unit's settings in the hotter months to prevent increased cooling costs.
Does An HRV Make Your House Colder?
Heat recovery ventilators help to reduce heating requirements by tempering the air coming into your home. By transferring heat from the exhausted air to the incoming air, you should maintain a consistent temperature and an HRV will not make your house colder.
Does An HRV Dry Out The Air?
An HRV helps to remove excess humidity in your home, particularly in the winter. However, using an HRV should not dry out your air completely. It's main goal is efficiently maintain acceptable indoor air quality levels. If you notice that your indoor air is drier than you would like, simply adjust the settings of your HRV.
In Summary
An ERV is more effective in hot, humid climates that require more cooling than heating. Choose an HRV if your home is located in a colder climate.
