Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Bluff City
Breathe easier in Bluff City with HEP’s Heat-Recovery Ventilators, Heating and Air Conditioning team. Our advanced HRV systems quietly replace stale indoor air with fresh, pre-conditioned outdoor air, trimming energy costs while sweeping away humidity, odors, and airborne contaminants. Whether you’re upgrading an older HVAC setup or designing a high-performance new build, our NATE-certified technicians size and install each unit for peak comfort, efficiency, and healthy living.
From allergy-friendly filtration to balanced whole-home airflow, we put “ventilation and air quality” at the center of every project. Schedule a free consultation today, and discover how a simple retrofit can transform your home into a cleaner, cozier, and more sustainable space—season after season.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it work?
A heat-recovery ventilator is a mechanical ventilation device that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while capturing up to 80–90 % of the heat (or cooling) energy that would otherwise be lost. Inside the HRV cabinet, the two air streams pass through a heat-exchange core without mixing. In winter, the outgoing warm air pre-heats the incoming cold air; in summer, the cooler exhaust air helps temper the hot incoming air. The result is a continuous supply of filtered, tempered fresh air with minimal impact on your heating and cooling bills.
Why are HRVs especially beneficial for homes and businesses in Bluff City?
Bluff City’s humid subtropical climate means long cooling seasons and short, sometimes chilly winters. Buildings here are increasingly built tighter for efficiency, which can trap moisture, allergens, and pollutants. An HRV solves this by delivering balanced ventilation that removes excess humidity in summer and pollutants year-round, while still conserving the energy you pay the utility for. The technology also reduces the load on air-conditioning systems by lowering indoor humidity, leading to better comfort at higher thermostat settings.
How does an HRV improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency at the same time?
Air quality: The HRV continuously exhausts contaminants such as VOCs from cleaning products, odors from cooking, and moisture from showers while supplying outdoor air that is filtered for pollen and dust. Energy efficiency: Because the system recovers heat (or cooling) that would otherwise leave the building through normal exhaust fans, your HVAC equipment runs less often. Studies show properly installed HRVs can cut ventilation-related energy losses by 50–70 % compared to traditional exhaust-only fans.
Can an HRV be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Most HRVs are designed to integrate with conventional ducted HVAC equipment. A certified technician will tie the HRV’s fresh-air supply into the return-air plenum and route the exhaust side to moisture-prone rooms such as bathrooms or the kitchen. For homes without central ducts, stand-alone HRV units with dedicated small-diameter ducting or multi-port ceiling diffusers are available. A professional load calculation and airflow balance ensure the new ventilation does not create pressure imbalances or back-drafting issues.
What routine maintenance does an HRV require in Bluff City’s climate?
1) Filters: Check and vacuum or replace the intake and exhaust filters every 2–3 months because pollen and cottonwood fluff are common in our region. 2) Core cleaning: Twice a year, remove the heat-exchange core, soak it in mild soapy water, rinse, and let it dry before reinstallation. 3) Condensate: Ensure the condensate drain line is clear, especially during humid summer months. 4) Fans and grilles: Vacuum dust from supply and exhaust grilles and inspect fan wheels annually. Regular maintenance keeps airflow balanced and efficiency high.
How do I choose the right-sized HRV and what costs should I expect?
Sizing is based on the home’s square footage and number of occupants, following ASHRAE’s 0.35 air changes per hour or 15 cfm per person guideline—whichever is greater. A 2,000 sq ft Bluff City home typically requires 100–120 cfm. Undersizing leads to poor air quality; oversizing wastes energy. Installed costs range from $2,500 to $4,500 for most residential projects, including ductwork modifications. Energy savings, healthier air, and potential utility rebates usually pay back the investment in 4–7 years. A local HVAC professional can perform a detailed cost-benefit analysis and ensure the unit meets Tennessee energy code requirements.