Energy recovery ventilation, referred to as an ERV, is a device that helps control air quality and moisture levels in your home. It works by transferring heat from one air stream to another.
In summer, your ERV removes excess humidity from the fresh air that enters your home, and keeps relative humidity levels relatively stable. This helps you avoid mold and other issues that can be caused by high humidity levels.
During winter, the ERV preheats fresh air with heat from your exhaust and transfers some of that heat to the incoming air, increasing its comfort level.
The ERV is also equipped with an MERV-rated filter, which traps smaller dust particles and other debris. This helps maintain your air quality and reduces the amount of time the unit needs to run.
A MERV-rated filter is a good idea for homes that have a large number of asthma sufferers, as it can help prevent them from being exposed to contaminants.
Energy recovery ventilation is a great way to improve the comfort and health of your home, while also making it more energy-efficient. It can save you money on your heating and cooling bills, and you can reduce your carbon footprint by improving your indoor air quality.
There are many different types of ERVs, but all of them work by capturing the hot and cold airflow in your home, then preheating the incoming air to be cooler than the outdoor temperature. The evr can also transfer some of the moisture from your stale outdoor air to the incoming air, making it more comfortable for you and your family.
ERVs are great for controlling humidity in your home, which can lead to issues such as mold and mildew. It can also cause problems with your furniture, carpets, wallpaper, paintwork and other interior surfaces.
You can find an ERV at most HVAC retailers and online. They come in various sizes and are usually installed in the ductwork of your HVAC system. They can be expensive, and you should always have an experienced professional install your ERV.
They can also be very complex, and require extensive ductwork and other details to properly install them. They are also subject to building code requirements, and you should consult with your HVAC professional on this before purchasing an ERV for your home.
Energy recovery ventilation is often a wise investment, but it can only be made when your climate and building conditions are right for it. You should never run an ERV continuously in very cold weather because the ERV could damage your home’s interior.
A correctly designed and installed ERV will not only provide better air quality in your home, it can also significantly improve its energy efficiency. It can mitigate the highest loads on your HVAC equipment during hot summer days and freezing cold winters, helping your home to be more comfortable while reducing your energy costs.
The correct ERV design must pair with the proper ductwork to ensure the best air quality and energy efficiency for your home. It should also meet ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 for ventilation and indoor air quality.