ERV HRV Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ventilation System for Your Home

ERV HRV Buying Guide

Improving your home’s indoor air quality is crucial, especially since Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, where air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoors. One of the most effective ways to enhance indoor air and maintain energy efficiency is by investing in an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). These systems exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while conserving energy, making your living space healthier and more comfortable throughout the year.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything needed to select the right ERV or HRV for your specific home, climate, and lifestyle.

What Are ERVs and HRVs?

ERVs and HRVs are ventilation systems designed to improve indoor air quality while saving energy by recovering heat from outgoing air. However, their key difference lies in how they manage moisture:

• Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV): Transfers both heat and moisture between the incoming fresh air and the outgoing stale air. This helps regulate indoor humidity levels, making ERVs ideal for homes in very dry or very humid climates. The core within the ERV unit ensures that fresh air is brought in while balancing temperature and humidity for optimal comfort.
• Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV): Transfers only heat between the air streams, without affecting moisture. HRVs are best suited for colder, drier climates where humidity control is less critical. This system retains heat during winter and expels heat in summer, contributing to energy savings without altering humidity levels.

Choosing Between an ERV and an HRV

Selecting the right system depends largely on your local climate and humidity needs:

• Use an HRV if you live in a cold, dry climate where moisture control is less essential. HRVs efficiently maintain indoor temperatures by only exchanging heat.
• Choose an ERV if your area experiences high humidity or extreme dryness. ERVs help prevent excess moisture buildup or loss by exchanging both heat and humidity, which can improve comfort in homes with frequent activities adding humidity, like cooking and showering.

These distinctions make ERVs and HRVs complementary tools in improving air quality, tailored to specific environmental conditions.

How to Size Your ERV or HRV Correctly

Getting the right size ventilation system ensures maximum efficiency and cost savings:

• Airflow CFM: Systems are rated by cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow. A common guideline is about 5 CFM for every 100 square feet of living space with 8-foot ceilings. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home would commonly require about 100 CFM.
• Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): This metric measures how often the air inside your home is replaced each hour. Experts recommend ventilation systems capable of providing between 0.35 and 5 ACH for residential spaces to maintain optimal air quality.

Home factors like layout, number of occupants, and local building codes also influence sizing, so consulting a ventilation professional before purchasing is recommended.

Installation Tips for Optimal Performance

Proper installation is essential to reap the full benefits of your ERV or HRV:

• Professional installation is highly recommended. Incorrect setups can cause performance issues, safety concerns, or void warranties.
• Place the system above freezing temperatures, ensuring fresh air intakes are at least 6 feet away from any exhaust sources to avoid contamination.
• Consider integration with existing HVAC ductwork and ensure electrical requirements meet local codes.
• Choose an accessible location for easy maintenance, as many systems offer flexible installation options to fit your home’s design.

Top Brands to Consider for Your ERV or HRV

When shopping for reliable ERV and HRV systems, some leading brands stand out:

• Broan: Known for advanced auto-balancing technology and models like the Broan ONE BLP150E75 ERV, suitable for single-family homes and multi-family developments.
• Fantech: Offers versatile solutions, including low-profile units and powerful ventilators with airflows up to 794 CFM, fitting both commercial and residential needs.
• S&P: Provides professional-grade systems like the TR90 and TRe90 series, prized for easy installation and efficient operation.

Why Investing in an ERV or HRV Makes Sense

Installing an ERV or HRV system is an investment in your home’s comfort and health. Benefits include:

• Improved indoor air quality by removing stale air and pollutants.
• Significant energy savings by recovering heat and moisture, which reduces heating and cooling costs.
• Enhanced comfort, particularly in climates with extreme humidity variations or cold temperatures.
• Healthier living spaces for families, especially those with allergies or respiratory concerns.

For personalized advice in selecting the best ERV or HRV system that fits your home size, climate, and lifestyle, it’s best to consult with ventilation professionals. They can help ensure your new system operates efficiently for years to come.

Optimize your home’s air quality with confidence by choosing the right ERV or HRV today!