HRV’s and ERV’s
An HRV, or Heat Recovery Ventilator, is a ventilation system that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while capturing and transferring heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air. This process helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without wasting energy. HRVs are especially useful in colder climates, where they help retain warmth in the winter while still providing continuous fresh air, improving indoor air quality without driving up heating costs.
An ERV, or Energy Recovery Ventilator, functions similarly to an HRV but with one key difference: it transfers both heat and humidity between the incoming and outgoing air streams. This makes ERVs ideal for climates with high humidity or extreme temperature swings, as they help maintain a balanced indoor humidity level while still providing fresh air and reducing the load on HVAC systems.
The main difference between an HRV and an ERV lies in moisture control. HRVs focus solely on temperature exchange, making them better suited for cold, dry climates. ERVs, on the other hand, manage both temperature and humidity, offering better comfort and efficiency in humid or mixed climates. Both systems are important for maintaining healthy indoor air quality in tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes by ensuring proper ventilation without wasting energy. Choosing the right system depends on your local climate and your home's specific ventilation needs.
Healthy Climate HRV
AprilAire ERV
