We were once able to achieve natural ventilation in our homes by merely opening a window. However, with the concern for energy efficiency in recent years, we have been busy making homes “tighter” from an energy standpoint. Armed with weather-stripping and caulk guns, we have eliminated air leaks from our homes. Unfortunately, that has also eliminated the opportunity for outside ventilation that could help to reduce concentrations of indoor contaminants. But, thanks to some innovative engineering, it isn’t necessary to throw energy efficiency out the window in order to grab a breath of fresh air.

HOW CAN I VENTILATE MY HOME AND STILL BE ENERGY EFFICIENT?

It is now possible to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without compromising the energy efficiency of your home. With heat recovery ventilators (HRV’s) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV’s), it’s out with the bad air and in with the good — all without wasting energy. HRV’s and ERV’s are electronically powered units that circulate air throughout your home, using the existing forced air system or specially installed ducts. The units pump stale air out of your home and replace it with an equal volume of fresh outside air. The HRV is a compact unit that conditions the temperature of the outside air, while the ERV is a packaged unit that conditions both the temperature and humidity of the outside air. Because these units condition the air before it enters the home, your energy costs remain stable.

PROVIDING FRESH AIR FOR EXCHANGE

The HRV uses virtually noise-free fans that draw in fresh, cool outdoor air while it removes stale, heated indoor air. The ERV performs the same function, only utilizing a rotary energy recovery wheel. In both cases, the units transfer
the temperature and moisture properties from one air stream to the other, without allowing the two airflows to mix. Both units offer easy access for change of filters and necessary maintenance, making them not only energy efficient, but easy to use.

DETERMINING IF AN HRV OR ERV IS RIGHT FOR YOU

If you’re wondering whether you need to clear the air in your home, you might ask yourself these questions:

1. When was your home built? If your home is new, chances are it has been built “tighter” to be more energy efficient. This may mean concentrations of air pollutants in your home could be a concern.

2. Have you upgraded your home to be more energy efficient? If so, it may need an additional source of ventilation.

3. How often during the year can you comfortably open your windows? Due to cold winters and hot summers, it is not always possible to have your windows open year-round. This means that you may not always have a constant controlled source of ventilation.

4. Do odors tend to linger in your home? If this is the case, it is a sign of poor ventilation. There isn’t enough air being circulated throughout the home to dilute unwanted odors.

QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON

Your home comfort should include products and accessories that improve indoor air quality. Your family’s health and comfort should be a priority, and working together, we can help you provide your family with a “breath of fresh air”. The benefits you’ll feel and see will be worth it.