What is an ERV?
An Energy Recovery Ventilator, commonly known as an ERV, is a sophisticated system that utilizes cutting-edge energy recovery technology, such as a static-plate core or rotating wheel. This technology enables the system to achieve balanced airflows while recovering total energy, which includes both heat (sensible energy) and humidity (latent energy).
During the summer months, an ERV pre-cools and dehumidifies the warm and humid outside air by utilizing the total energy extracted from the cool interior air that would otherwise be wasted. Conversely, in the winter, the system preheats and humidifies the cold and dry outside air using the total energy extracted from the warm interior air. This process significantly reduces the energy required for both conditioning and ventilation, allowing for the downsizing of HVAC equipment.
What is an HRV?
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is an air exchange system that improves indoor air quality by transferring heat, but not moisture, between stale indoor air and fresh outdoor air. This system allows you to control air quality while enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. HRVs are ideal for ventilating newer, energy-efficient homes and improving air quality in any home, with the added benefits of being cost-effective and low-maintenance. However, retrofitting an HRV into an existing home, especially without forced hot air heating, can be challenging. The heart of an HRV is its heat exchanger “core,” which exchanges the heat you’ve already paid for, while a fan facilitates the movement of air in and out of the unit.
ERV vs. HRV
HRVs and ERVs are both ventilation systems that supply fresh air to a home while exhausting stale air, recovering energy from the exhaust air in the process. The main distinction between the two lies in their functions: an HRV transfers heat, while an ERV transfers both heat and moisture. Both systems allow homeowners to control air quality and ventilation, avoiding reliance on potentially insufficient natural leaks in the home.