High-efficiency ERV
High-efficiency ERV | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Andersonville
Stay cozy through Andersonville’s brisk winters and balmy summers with HEP’s high-efficiency ERV heating and air conditioning solutions. Our energy-recovery ventilators quietly exchange stale indoor air for fresh, filtered outdoor air while reclaiming up to 90% of the heat or cooling you’ve already paid for—so you enjoy premium comfort without premium utility bills. By pairing advanced ERV technology with precision-matched furnaces and air conditioners, we create a seamless climate system that prevents drafts, balances humidity, and keeps every room feeling just right.
Because true comfort is about more than temperature, we ’re obsessed with ventilation and air quality. Hospital-grade MERV filtration, dedicated fresh-air intakes, and smart controls work together to capture allergens, odors, and airborne pollutants before they reach your lungs. Whether you’re renovating a vintage Andersonville brownstone or upgrading a modern condo, HEP custom-sizes each ERV package, handles spotless installation, and provides ongoing tune-ups—so you can breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier all year long.
FAQs
What is a high-efficiency ERV and how does it improve indoor air quality?
An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a balanced ventilation unit that exhausts stale indoor air while pulling in an equal volume of fresh outdoor air. As the two air streams pass through the ERV core, heat and moisture are exchanged, so incoming air is pre-conditioned without burdening your HVAC equipment. A high-efficiency ERV uses an advanced enthalpy core, variable-speed ECM motors, and smart controls to transfer up to 80-90 % of the heat and 40-60 % of the humidity that would otherwise be lost. The result is a continuous supply of filtered, fresh air with stable temperature and humidity levels, reducing pollutants, odors, and CO₂ while lowering heating and cooling costs.
Why is an ERV especially beneficial for homes and businesses in Andersonville?
Andersonville experiences humid summers, windy transitional seasons, and below-freezing winters. Modern buildings are tightly sealed to save energy, but that also traps moisture, allergens, and contaminants. A high-efficiency ERV supplies controlled ventilation year-round without the big energy penalty of opening windows. In summer it limits moisture entering the home, helping your air conditioner combat muggy conditions, and in winter it recovers heat that would otherwise be lost to the frigid outdoor air. The result is steadier humidity (around 30-50 %), fewer drafts, and improved comfort whether you live in a vintage Chicago-style flat or a newly built condo.
Can an ERV be integrated with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Most high-efficiency ERVs are designed to tie into the return or supply plenum of a forced-air furnace, heat pump, or rooftop unit. We run dedicated insulated ducting from the ERV to key areas, then balance airflow with manual dampers or smart motorized dampers. For ductless mini-split homes, a stand-alone ERV with small-diameter ducts or through-the-wall units can be used. Our technicians perform a site survey to confirm airflow requirements, static pressure limits, and electrical capacity before recommending the best integration strategy. In most cases, installation takes one day and does not require major remodeling.
How much energy can I expect to save with a high-efficiency ERV compared to traditional ventilation methods?
Traditional ventilation (bath fans, kitchen hoods, or simply cracking windows) exhausts conditioned air directly outdoors, forcing your HVAC system to re-heat or re-cool 100 % of the replacement air. A certified high-efficiency ERV typically recovers 60-80 % of the sensible heat and 30-50 % of the latent heat (moisture) contained in that airstream. For a typical 2,000 sq ft Andersonville home, this can translate to 300-600 kWh in cooling savings and 150-300 therms in heating savings per year, roughly 10-20 % of total HVAC energy use. The exact figure depends on run-time, local utility rates, and how airtight the envelope is, but most homeowners see a 3-7-year payback when utility rebates are included.
What maintenance does an ERV require and how often?
High-efficiency ERVs are low maintenance, but regular attention ensures peak performance. 1) Filters: Wash or replace the intake and exhaust filters every 3-6 months (more often during pollen season or renovation work). 2) Core cleaning: Remove the enthalpy core once a year and rinse it with mild soap and water, then let it air-dry completely. 3) Condensate: In cooling season, check the condensate drain for clogs and clean the catch pan. 4) Fans & controls: During your annual HVAC tune-up, we inspect the ECM motors, verify airflow balance with a flow hood, and update firmware if the unit has Wi-Fi controls. Proper maintenance keeps efficiency high and preserves the manufacturer’s warranty.
What should I consider before installing a high-efficiency ERV in Andersonville?
Key considerations include: • Sizing: The ERV must supply roughly 0.35 air changes per hour (ACH) or meet ASHRAE 62.2 guidelines. We calculate required CFM based on floor area and occupancy. • Duct layout: Adequate space for 4- to 6-inch insulated ducts is needed; older brick buildings may require creative routing. • Electrical and controls: Most units plug into a standard 120 V outlet and can be paired with a dedicated wall controller or integrated with smart thermostats. • Budget: Installed costs range from $2,800-$5,500 depending on capacity and complexity; ComEd and Peoples Gas often offer $300-$600 in rebates for ENERGY STAR® ERVs. • Noise & location: We choose a quiet model and mount it in a utility room, mechanical closet, or attic to minimize sound. A pre-installation assessment ensures you get the right equipment, optimal performance, and full code compliance.