Fresh-air Exchangers
Fresh-air Exchangers | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Alcoa
Breathe easier in Alcoa with HEP’s advanced fresh-air exchangers, the perfect upgrade for homes that crave consistently clean, comfortable air without the energy drain of constant open windows. By cycling stale indoor air out and drawing filtered outdoor air in, our systems maintain ideal humidity and temperature levels year-round, all while trapping allergens and pollutants before they ever reach your living spaces. It’s a seamless, set-and-forget solution that keeps you feeling refreshed no matter how extreme Tennessee’s seasons get.
Our certified technicians pair these exchangers with precision heating and cooling services to deliver a total approach to ventilation and air quality. From the first assessment to ongoing maintenance, we tailor every installation to your home’s layout and your family’s health needs—improving efficiency, safeguarding respiratory wellness, and even extending the life of your HVAC equipment. Discover how effortlessly better air can flow through your home—call HEP today for an on-site consultation.
FAQs
What is a fresh-air exchanger and why is it beneficial for homes in Alcoa?
A fresh-air exchanger—also called an HRV (heat-recovery ventilator) or ERV (energy-recovery ventilator)—is a mechanical system that continually exhausts stale indoor air while bringing in filtered outdoor air. In the process it transfers heat (and, with an ERV, some moisture) between the outgoing and incoming air streams, so you get ventilation without a big energy penalty. For Alcoa residents, where hot, humid summers and tightly sealed modern homes can trap pollutants, a fresh-air exchanger reduces odors, carbon dioxide, and moisture that can lead to mold, while keeping heating and cooling costs in check.
How does a fresh-air exchanger improve indoor air quality compared with a standard HVAC system?
Traditional heating and air-conditioning equipment simply recirculates the air already inside your house. A fresh-air exchanger actively replaces that air with outdoor air that has been filtered for pollen, dust, and other particulates. This exchange dilutes indoor contaminants such as VOCs from cleaning products, off-gassing from furniture, and pet dander. Because the exchanger transfers up to 80-90 % of the temperature from the outgoing air to the incoming air, you gain continuous ventilation without noticeable drafts or temperature swings.
Will installing a fresh-air exchanger increase my energy bills?
In most cases, no. By recovering heat (in winter) or removing heat (in summer) from the exhausted air, an HRV/ERV delivers fresh air at close to indoor temperature, so your HVAC system works only marginally harder. Studies show that operating costs typically add $3–$8 per month for an average Alcoa home, and many homeowners see net savings because controlled ventilation prevents excess humidity that would otherwise make the air-conditioner run longer.
How often should I change filters and schedule maintenance for a fresh-air exchanger in Alcoa’s climate?
Plan to inspect and vacuum or replace the unit’s filters every 3 months—more often during spring pollen season and mid-summer when humidity is high. Core cleaning (the heat-exchange core and the intake/exhaust ducts) should be performed once a year. During a professional tune-up, a technician will check airflow balance, clean fans, verify drain lines, and test controls to be sure the system is operating at peak efficiency.
Can a fresh-air exchanger help with humidity control and local allergens?
Yes. An ERV variant moderates indoor humidity by transferring a portion of moisture from one air stream to the other. In Alcoa, where summer dew points can top 70 °F and spring pollen counts are high, this feature keeps indoor relative humidity in the comfort zone (30-50 %) while also capturing pollens, mold spores, and fine particulates in its MERV-rated filters before they enter your living space.
What size fresh-air exchanger do I need and how is it installed in an existing Alcoa home?
Sizing is based on the home’s square footage and the ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation standard, which generally calls for 0.35 air changes per hour or 7.5 cfm per occupant plus 3 cfm per 100 sq ft. A typical 2,000 sq ft, 3-bedroom Alcoa home needs a unit that delivers around 120–150 cfm. Installation usually takes one day: the exchanger is mounted in the attic, utility room, or crawl space; 4-6″ insulated ducts are run to outside wall caps; and the system is tied into existing HVAC ductwork or fitted with dedicated supply grills. A licensed HVAC contractor will perform a “balance” test at the end to ensure equal intake and exhaust airflow.