Heat Recovery Ventilators
Heat Recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cleveland
Breathe easier through Cleveland’s wild temperature swings with HEP’s high-efficiency heat recovery ventilators. By capturing warmth from outgoing stale air and transferring it to the fresh air coming in, these systems slash energy waste while delivering a constant stream of clean, conditioned comfort to every room. Whether your furnace is fighting lake-effect chill or your A/C is beating back a midsummer spike, HEP integrates smart controls and precision ductwork to keep your home’s ventilation and air quality at their best.
From first consultation to flawless installation, our local technicians handle the science so you can simply enjoy healthier air and lower utility bills. Ready to upgrade the way your home breathes? Call HEP today and discover why neighbors across Greater Cleveland trust us for unmatched indoor comfort, 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 transferring heat between the two air streams through a heat-exchange core. In winter, it captures heat from outgoing warm air and uses it to pre-heat the incoming cold air; in summer, the process reverses, helping to keep incoming air cooler. This gives you continuous ventilation without the large energy penalty of simply opening windows or using exhaust-only fans.
Why are HRVs especially beneficial for homes in Cleveland’s climate?
Cleveland experiences cold, humid winters and hot, muggy summers. Tight, energy-efficient homes can trap moisture, pollutants, and odors. An HRV helps by: (1) reducing excess humidity in winter to prevent condensation and mold, (2) bringing in filtered outdoor air without dumping frigid air directly into your ducts, (3) lowering summer indoor humidity by exhausting moist air, and (4) making it easier for your furnace and A/C to keep a stable temperature, which improves comfort year-round.
How does an HRV improve indoor air quality compared with traditional exhaust fans?
Exhaust fans remove indoor air but create negative pressure that can pull in unfiltered air through cracks and garages. An HRV provides balanced ventilation: it exhausts pollutants, VOCs, and moisture while simultaneously supplying an equal amount of filtered outdoor air. Many HRV units include MERV-rated filters that capture dust, pollen, and other allergens before the air enters your home, giving you consistent, controlled air exchanges that meet ASHRAE ventilation guidelines.
Will installing an HRV reduce my heating and cooling bills?
Yes. Because the HRV transfers 60–80% of the heat (or cooling) energy from one air stream to the other, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to condition the incoming air. Energy savings vary with usage, house airtightness, and utility rates, but homeowners in Northeast Ohio typically see 10–25% reductions in ventilation-related heating costs and smaller but meaningful savings in summer air-conditioning costs.
What maintenance does an HRV require and how often should it be serviced?
Routine maintenance is simple: (1) Check and clean or replace the intake and exhaust filters every 3–4 months, more often if you have pets or allergies. (2) Inspect and clean the core and condensate drain twice a year to prevent mold buildup. (3) Make sure exterior hoods are clear of snow, leaves, and pests. We recommend an annual professional tune-up each fall to verify airflow, test controls, and ensure maximum efficiency for Cleveland’s heating season.
Can an HRV be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system, and what’s involved in installation?
In most homes the answer is yes. Our technicians tie the HRV’s supply and exhaust ducts into your current forced-air system or run dedicated ductwork if needed. A typical installation takes one day and includes sizing the unit for your home’s square footage, installing exterior intake/exhaust hoods, sealing all connections, balancing airflow, and integrating control switches or a smart thermostat. Proper sizing and balancing are crucial, so we conduct a pre-installation assessment to ensure optimal performance and code compliance.