Heat Recovery Ventilator [HRV]

An Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is a mechanical ventilator that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air and transfers heat from one air stream to the other. The pre-heated or pre-cooled, fresh outdoor air is then circulated throughout the house. They are similar to Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), which transfer both heat and moisture.

Consider Energy Star rated models first - this means, models that have lower energy usage and higher sensible efficiency in the heating season.

There are three ways an HRV can be integrated into your home, especailly if you already have a central heating system:

• Direct duct for each room, with dedicated ductwork for exhausting air from kitchens and bathrooms.
• Through a forced air heating system, and directly ventilating bathrooms and kitchen.
• Connected to an existing forced air heating system - used generally to provide indoor-outdoor air exchange.

Maintenance considerations:

• You'll want to make sure the intake and exhaust and intake are properly balanced for airflow - something that is done upon install and periodically thereafter by a professional.
• The unit's filter and heat recovery core are crucial components of the HRV, and should be cleaned thoroughly at the beginning of each heating season. This is something that can be performed by the homeowner by following the manufacturer's directives.

In a well-sealed and insulated home, an HRV is effective at recovering a large percentage of heat that would otherwise be lost to the outdoors during winter months. HRVs are ideal in retrofits just as much as new builds, especially when air sealing and insulation upgrades have made the building envelope tighter. If the home is prone to condensation or other indoor air quality problems, or poor air flow, an HRV may be a good option to consider.