It’s the time of year to open up the windows and let in some fresh air. However, even in the springtime, the weather outside isn’t always conducive to doing so. Read on to learn how HVRs and ERVs can deliver fresh outside air to your home any time of year without paying exorbitant energy prices to condition fresh air.
Enjoy Fresh Air in Any Weather
HRVs and ERVs (heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators) are the cream of the crop when it comes to whole-home ventilation systems. They deliver balanced ventilation (equal supply and exhaust airflow) that use a heat-exchange core to transfer heat energy between fresh outdoor air and the discharged stale indoor air. Here’s how they work:
- Both ventilation systems utilize existing air ducts (or you may install dedicated ducts), a supply and exhaust fan, air filter and a heat-exchange core.
- The opposing air streams circulate inside the heat-exchange core separated by thin metal plates.
- Heat energy is transferred from one air stream to the other via the metal plates.
- The pre-conditioned fresh supply air is delivered to the living spaces at a fraction of the cost it would take to cool or heat fresh air using the central A/C or furnace.
HRVs or ERVs: Which is Better?
The only difference between HRVs and ERVs is that ERVs also exchange moisture between the fresh supply airflow and the stale exhaust airflow. This offers the advantage of a substantial degree of humidity management any time of year, and lower cooling and heating bills.
- During the humid cooling months, humidity in the in-flowing air is transferred to discharge air to help maintain better comfort and lower cooling bills.
- During the dry heating months, moisture in out-flowing air is transferred to cold supply air, along with heat energy, as it's brought inside.
When deciding which system is best for your Fort Wayne area home, you may consider how important humidity management is with an ERV compared to the higher heat exchange capability (i.e. better energy efficiency) an HRV delivers.
For more details about using HRVs and ERVs for your Indiana home, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HRVs and ERVs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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