Air Exchangers
Air Exchangers | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Dandridge
Living in historic Dandridge means warm, humid summers, cozy wood-burning winters, and plenty of pollen in between—conditions that quickly challenge the air inside your home. HEP’s expertly designed air exchangers quietly replace stale, moisture-laden air with a steady supply of fresh, filtered outdoor air, balancing humidity and temperature while protecting your HVAC system from unnecessary strain.
Our certified technicians fine-tune each installation to ensure optimal ventilation and air quality, so you can breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy energy savings year-round. From selecting the right exchanger to 24/7 emergency support, HEP delivers hometown service backed by industry-leading warranties—because your family deserves nothing less than air that feels as good as East Tennessee looks.
FAQs
What exactly is an air exchanger and why is it beneficial for homes in Dandridge?
An air exchanger—sometimes called an HRV (heat-recovery ventilator) or ERV (energy-recovery ventilator)—is a mechanical device that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously bringing in fresh outside air. Inside the unit, a core transfers heat (and in ERVs, some moisture) between the outgoing and incoming air streams, so you get ventilation without a big energy penalty. In Dandridge’s humid summers and cool winters, an air exchanger helps prevent stuffiness, excess moisture, and indoor pollutant buildup, while recovering up to 80 % of the heating or cooling energy that would otherwise be lost through open windows.
How does an air exchanger improve indoor air quality compared with just opening windows?
Opening windows certainly supplies fresh air but also lets in outdoor allergens, humidity, and heat or cold without control. An air exchanger, on the other hand, filters incoming air, removes excess humidity, and limits temperature swings by reclaiming energy from the outgoing air. The result is a steady supply of cleaner, tempered air that dilutes contaminants like VOCs, pet dander, and cooking odors while maintaining comfort and reducing mold risk—particularly important in East Tennessee’s allergy-prone region.
Will running an air exchanger raise my energy bills?
Surprisingly, most homeowners see little to no increase—and sometimes a decrease—in total energy costs. Because the unit recovers heat (and in ERVs, moisture), the HVAC system works less to condition incoming air. A modern HRV/ERV typically uses 40–150 watts (similar to a light bulb or two) and can reclaim 60–80 % of the energy in the exhaust stream. When balanced properly, the modest electrical draw is offset by lower heating and cooling runtime, especially during shoulder seasons in Dandridge when outdoor temperatures fluctuate.
How often do air exchangers need maintenance or filter replacement?
Plan on a quick DIY check every 3 months: remove and rinse or replace the unit’s filters and vacuum the intake/exhaust grilles. In Dandridge’s pollen-heavy spring and dusty summer, monthly filter checks are wise. Once a year, schedule a professional service to clean the core, verify the drain, inspect motors, and balance airflow. Well-maintained exchangers routinely last 15–20 years.
Can an air exchanger be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system, or do I need a full HVAC replacement?
In most cases we can retrofit an HRV/ERV into your current ductwork without replacing the furnace or heat pump. The unit ties into the supply and return trunks, and a dedicated outside vent is installed through an exterior wall or roof. If your duct system is undersized or you have a ductless setup, separate dedicated ventilation ducts or a small ductless ERV can be used instead. A comfort-consult visit lets us determine the simplest, most cost-effective integration for your home.
Are there rebates or incentives in the Dandridge area for installing energy-efficient ventilation equipment?
Yes. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) often includes HRVs/ERVs in its EnergyRight rebate program, providing credits toward installation costs when the unit meets ENERGY STAR® criteria. Local utility companies like Jefferson-Cocke County Utility District occasionally offer additional incentives or low-interest financing for efficiency upgrades. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act can also cover 30 % of the equipment and labor, up to $1,200 in 2024. We stay current on available programs and will help you complete the paperwork to maximize savings.