Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators in Fenton, MI

How Does Heat Recovery and Energy Recovery Work?

ERV systems and HRV systems are ingenious in their design. A big part of the brilliance is just how simple the operation really is, in theory at least. Basically, these devices are just mechanical ventilators. Unlike ventilation fans, however, they also operate as heat exchangers.

During the summer season, when you seal your home up to keep hot air outside while you run your AC, the ERV or HRV will vent stale, but cool, air out of your home. Rather than waste the energy that you’ve already used to cool that air, though, the system will use that outgoing cool air to absorb some of the heat from the incoming hot, but fresh, air. That takes a lot of the strain off of your AC, saving energy in the process.

In the winter season, the system operates in just the opposite fashion. It vents warm, but low–quality, air out of your home. The incoming cold and fresh air passes by the outgoing air stream and heat is exchanged between the two. By the time the incoming fresh air makes it into the house, it’s already pre–warmed. That makes your heater’s job easier.

What’s the Difference Between Heat Recovery and Energy Recovery?

Very little, actually. Don’t be tricked by the name "heat recover ventilator." An HRV can work to transfer heat to or from incoming air all year long, just like and energy recovery ventilator does. The major difference is that the incoming and outgoing airstreams in an HRV pass very close to one another to facilitate heat exchange, but they don’t mix at all.

With an ERV, you have the added benefit of balancing humidity levels between the incoming and outgoing air streams. The streams mix just enough to allow for this exchange of humidity. Not every home is going to require this function, though. Our IAQ specialists will makes sure that you have the right one installed in your home for its particular needs.

While our cold climate leads some homeowners to assume that an HRV is the way to go, there are too many factors to consider for the answer to be that straightforward. The size of the home in relation to the number of occupants, the ventilation rate of all ventilating equipment, and the airtightness – or lack thereof – of the home’s thermal envelope all play a role. You need a seasoned professional to guide you through this system selection process.

We Install and Service HRVs and ERVs

Whether you opt for energy recovery or heat recovery ventilation, you need to know that this piece of equipment is integrated into your HVAC system properly. An ERV or HRV installation in Fenton, MI is a guaranteed success when we’re on the job. You can count on First Choice Heating & Cooling for routine maintenance and ERV/HRV repairs, as well. Get all of the great services that you need, all in one place.