Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Altamont
Imagine breathing crisp mountain-fresh air while your thermostat stays right where you set it. HEP’s heat-recovery ventilators quietly exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, capturing up to 90 % of the heat or cooling that would normally be lost. The result is year-round comfort, lower utility bills, and a dramatic boost in ventilation and air quality for homes and businesses across Altamont’s varied climate.
Our factory-trained technicians size, install, and maintain every system to seamlessly integrate with your existing heating and air-conditioning equipment. From tight new builds to drafty historic houses, we tailor solutions that whisk away humidity, odors, allergens, and pollutants—without the energy penalty of opening a window. Discover how effortless healthier living can be when HEP handles the details, and start enjoying cleaner air and consistent comfort today.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it improve indoor air quality in Altamont homes?
An HRV is a mechanical ventilation system that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously drawing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the unit, a heat exchanger transfers up to 70–90 % of the heat from the outgoing stream to the incoming stream, so you get fresh air without the energy penalty of opening windows. In Altamont’s four-season climate, this means healthier indoor air—lower concentrations of CO₂, odors, and airborne contaminants—while still keeping your heating or cooling costs under control.
Will an HRV work with my existing heating and air-conditioning equipment?
Yes. HRVs are designed to integrate with most forced-air furnaces, heat pumps, and central air-conditioning systems. The unit is typically tied into the return-air plenum, so fresh, tempered air is distributed through your existing ductwork. For homes without ducts, a dedicated duct network or ductless HRV model can be installed. A professional installer will size the HRV based on your home’s square footage, occupancy, and the capacity of your current HVAC equipment.
How energy-efficient are heat-recovery ventilators, and will they lower my utility bills?
Because HRVs reclaim a significant portion of the heat (or cooling) that would otherwise be lost through normal exhaust fans or open windows, they can reduce ventilation-related energy losses by 50–75 %. In Altamont’s heating-dominated climate, this translates into noticeable savings, especially when combined with a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump. While the HRV does use a small amount of electricity to run its fans, the recovered energy typically offsets this cost, resulting in a net gain on your monthly utility bill.
What maintenance does an HRV require, and how often should it be serviced?
Routine maintenance is simple: (1) Check and clean the filters every 2–3 months—more often during construction, allergy season, or if you have pets. (2) Inspect the core and clean it with mild soap and water every 6–12 months. (3) Make sure exterior intake and exhaust hoods are clear of debris, snow, or leaves. An annual professional tune-up is recommended to verify airflow, motor condition, and drain operation, ensuring peak performance and maximum life expectancy (15–20 years).
Is installation disruptive, and how long does it take?
A typical retrofit installation in an existing Altamont home takes one full day for a two-technician crew. They will mount the HRV unit (often in the basement, mechanical room, or attic), connect it to the existing ductwork or run new dedicated ducts, install exterior hoods, and wire the control panel. Minor drywall or ceiling access may be required, but reputable installers patch and seal any openings. New-construction installs are even simpler because the HRV is planned into the original duct layout.
What is the cost of a heat-recovery ventilator system, and are there local incentives in Altamont?
Installed costs range from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on capacity (typically 70–200 CFM), complexity of duct runs, and control options (basic switches to fully automated IAQ management). Altamont homeowners may qualify for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) rebates or low-interest financing under the EmPower+ and Smart Energy Loan programs. Utility rebates and potential federal tax credits for energy-efficient improvements can offset 10–30 % of the upfront price, so discuss current incentives with your HVAC contractor before you buy.