Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Collegedale
Breathe easier in Collegedale with HEP’s advanced energy-recovery ventilators. Our ERV technology quietly exchanges stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while reclaiming up to 80% of the heating or cooling you’ve already paid for, so your home feels crisp and comfortable without driving up utility bills. From pollen-packed spring days to humid summer nights, you’ll enjoy balanced humidity, reduced odors, and fewer airborne contaminants—benefits you can feel after the very first cycle.
Pairing an ERV with HEP’s precision HVAC services is the smartest way to elevate your home’s ventilation and air quality while keeping energy costs in check. Our certified technicians size each system to your floorplan, install it with minimal disruption, and back the work with Collegedale’s friendliest satisfaction guarantee. Ready to swap stuffy rooms for a healthier living space? Call HEP today and discover how effortless clean air can be.
FAQs
What is an Energy-Recovery Ventilator (ERV) and how does it work?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation device that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously bringing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the unit, a heat- and moisture-exchange core transfers sensible heat (temperature) and latent heat (humidity) between the two air streams. In winter, the outgoing warm air pre-heats and humidifies the incoming cold air; in summer, the cooler, drier indoor air precools and dehumidifies the incoming hot, humid air. This exchange reduces the workload on your heating and cooling equipment while ensuring a continuous supply of filtered, fresh air.
Why is an ERV especially beneficial for homes and businesses in Collegedale, TN?
Collegedale experiences muggy summers, moderate winters, and high pollen counts during spring and fall. Sealed, energy-efficient buildings trap humidity, odors, and allergens inside. An ERV combats these issues by: • Controlling indoor humidity so spaces feel comfortable even on 90+°F, 80% RH days. • Diluting indoor pollutants such as VOCs from cleaning products, off-gassing furniture, and pet dander. • Limiting energy loss; only about 15–20% of heating/cooling energy is lost compared with 100% in a simple exhaust-only fan. • Providing filtered outside air, reducing pollen and mold spores that are common in the Tennessee Valley.
How does an ERV improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency compared with traditional ventilation?
Traditional ventilation methods—opening windows or using exhaust fans—exchange indoor air but at the cost of conditioned energy and without moisture control. An ERV’s heat-exchange core recovers 60–80% of thermal energy and 40–60% of moisture, so your HVAC system runs less. The unit’s built-in filters (MERV 6–13 depending on model) capture dust, pollen, and particulates. Many ERVs also include defrost cycles and smart controls that run the fan only when humidity or CO₂ levels rise, maximizing efficiency.
Can an ERV be integrated with my existing HVAC system, and what should I expect during installation?
Yes. Most ERVs are designed to tie into the supply and/or return plenum of a forced-air furnace or heat-pump system. A licensed HVAC contractor will: 1. Perform a ventilation load calculation to size the ERV (cfm based on ASHRAE 62.2 guidelines). 2. Mount the unit in the attic, mechanical room, or crawlspace. 3. Run dedicated insulated ductwork to draw outside air and exhaust stale air, or use the home’s existing ductwork with balancing dampers. 4. Provide an outdoor wall cap or roof hood with rodent and rain protection. 5. Wire a control panel or integrate the ERV with your smart thermostat. Most installations in Collegedale take one day with minimal disruption.
What maintenance does an ERV require and how often?
Routine care keeps the unit efficient and hygienic: • Filters: Check every 3 months; vacuum or replace when dirty. Collegedale’s pollen season may require monthly checks in spring. • Core: Remove and rinse with mild soap and water every 6–12 months (follow manufacturer’s instructions). • Condensate Drain: Inspect for clogs twice a year. • Fans & Dampers: Have a professional lubricate motors and verify air-flow balance annually during your regular HVAC tune-up. With proper maintenance, an ERV core can last 10–15 years and fans 15–20 years.
How do I determine the right ERV size or capacity for my Collegedale property?
Sizing is based on airflow (cubic feet per minute, cfm) required to meet ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation standards. Key factors include: • Square footage and number of occupants (typical target: 0.35 air changes per hour or 7.5 cfm per person + 3 cfm per 100 ft²). • Building tightness (results of a blower-door test). • Local climate data—high summer humidity in Collegedale may justify choosing an ERV with higher latent recovery efficiency (LRE). • Existing HVAC capacity and duct layout. A professional will perform a calculation; for example, a 2,400 ft², 4-bedroom home might need an ERV rated around 120 cfm. Oversizing wastes money and can raise humidity; undersizing fails to provide adequate fresh air, so precise sizing is crucial.