Air Exchangers
Air Exchangers | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Clairfield
Imagine stepping into your Clairfield home and feeling a fresh mountain-crisp breeze—no matter what the weather’s doing outside. HEP’s advanced air exchangers seamlessly swap stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air while keeping the perfect temperature, so every breath is cleaner, lighter, and free of lingering odors or excess humidity. It’s smart, silent technology that slashes energy waste, protects your HVAC investment, and helps allergy sufferers finally relax.
Backed by certified local technicians, our heating and cooling team fine-tunes each system for peak efficiency and balanced ventilation and air quality. From precise installation to 24/7 emergency service, we make sure your home always feels welcoming, healthy, and comfortably you—season after season. Call HEP today and breathe the Clairfield difference!
FAQs
What is an air exchanger and how does it improve indoor air quality?
An air exchanger (also called a heat-recovery ventilator, or HRV, and an energy-recovery ventilator, or ERV) is a mechanical system that continuously removes stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. While it does this, the unit’s heat-exchange core transfers heat (and, with ERVs, some humidity) between the outgoing and incoming air streams. This process flushes out pollutants such as dust, allergens, odors, and excess moisture while minimizing heat loss, giving you cleaner, healthier air without sacrificing comfort.
How do I know if my Clairfield home needs an air exchanger?
Signs you may benefit from an air exchanger include lingering odors, frequent condensation on windows, high humidity in summer, overly dry air in winter, or occupants who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. Newer, well-insulated homes—common in modern Clairfield builds—tend to be very airtight and therefore trap pollutants more easily. A professional indoor-air assessment or blower-door test can confirm whether your home would benefit from added mechanical ventilation.
How often should an air exchanger be serviced or maintained?
We recommend a basic inspection every 3 months and a full professional service once a year. Quarterly tasks include removing and vacuuming the filters, wiping down the core, and ensuring exterior intake/exhaust hoods are clear of debris or snow. Annual maintenance by an HVAC technician includes deep cleaning the heat-exchange core, checking fan motor operation, testing controls, verifying airflow balance, and inspecting ductwork for leaks or buildup.
What is the difference between an HRV and an ERV, and which is better for the Clairfield climate?
Both HRVs and ERVs exchange heat between outgoing and incoming air. An HRV transfers only sensible heat, while an ERV also transfers a portion of moisture, helping to control indoor humidity. In Clairfield’s mixed-humid climate—cold winters, warm humid summers—an ERV often provides better year-round comfort by reducing winter dryness and limiting summer moisture. However, smaller homes with persistent winter moisture problems may still benefit from an HRV. A site visit will let us recommend the best option.
Will installing an air exchanger increase my energy bills?
Air exchangers use low-wattage motors that typically add only a few dollars a month to your electricity costs. Meanwhile, the heat-recovery core captures 60-80 % of the heat (or cooling) that would otherwise be lost through simple exhaust fans or window ventilation. Most Clairfield homeowners find their overall HVAC energy use stays the same—or even drops—because the system reduces the need to open windows or run bathroom/kitchen fans for extended periods.
Can an air exchanger be installed in an existing (older) home, or is it only for new construction?
Air exchangers can be retrofit into most existing homes. Our technicians run new, small-diameter ductwork through closets, soffits, or unfinished spaces, or we can tie into existing HVAC ducts when feasible. Because every older home has unique layout challenges, we perform a detailed onsite evaluation to design a solution that meets code, preserves aesthetics, and stays within budget.