ERV vs HRV: How to choose a ventilation system？
When the weather turns cold, people start to use the furnace and close the window. As a result, The indoor air becomes cloudy and it is not easy to be discharged. At this time, we need a ventilation system. Ventilation is a mechanical system in a building that brings in fresh air and removes stale air.
What is an Air Exchanger?
An Air Exchanger otherwise known as an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), is a whole house mechanical ventilation system. It is typically connected to your existing furnace return duct and contains two high-efficiency motors.
What is the difference between an HRV and an ERV?
The primary difference between the two is that an HRV transfers temperature while an ERV transfers both temperature and humidity. On tropical or cold climates, ERV is better than HRV.
Which is right for my home?
Regional climate: ERV is best for colder, drier climate, HRV is best for temperate climate.
Airtightness of building: ERV is suitable for old houses because the humidity of old houses is not easy to control. HRV is better for a more airtight newer home because the newer home can better retain humidity.
Type of heating system: HRVs work well when you use a non-drying heating system (such as a boiler). If your home has drier indoor air( such as using electric baseboard heaters), ERV is best.
Number of people in the home: When there are many people in the family, HRV is suitable because a lot of humidity is generated. ERV is suitable for small people or large houses.
Benefits of Air Exchangers:
Air Exchangers bring a continuous supply of fresh outside air into your
Air Exchangers exhaust environmental contaminants for improved indoor air quality.
Air Exchangers save energy in the winter by recovering heat from exhaust air.
Air Exchangers save energy in the summer by recovering cool indoor air from exhaust air.
Air Exchangers help prevent mould and mildew.
Air Exchangers help minimize odours and cooking residue.
Air Exchangers can reduce harmful Radon Gas levels where active soil depressurization is unlikely to be successful.
