Heat Recovery Ventilators
Heat Recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Dayton
Picture winter winds swirling outside while fresh, pre-warmed air fills your home—no drafts, no stuffiness, just pure comfort. HEP’s heat recovery ventilators seamlessly capture the heat you’ve already paid for, transfer it to incoming outdoor air, and sweep out stale indoor air that’s loaded with excess humidity, odors, and microscopic pollutants. The result is a dramatic boost in ventilation and air quality that you can feel with every easy breath, all while your furnace or AC runs less and saves you money.
From historic Oregon District lofts to brand-new suburban builds, homeowners across Dayton trust HEP to design, install, and maintain HRV systems that match their unique floorplans and lifestyles. Our local technicians tune each unit for maximum efficiency, walk you through simple filter changes, and back everything with round-the-clock support. Ready to reclaim cleaner air and lower energy bills? Give HEP a call today and discover how effortless whole-home comfort can be.
FAQs
What is a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and how does it improve indoor air quality in Dayton homes?
A Heat Recovery Ventilator is a mechanical ventilation device that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously drawing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the unit, a heat exchanger transfers warmth from the outgoing air to the incoming air during winter (and helps keep heat out in summer), so you get continuous fresh air without wasting energy. In Dayton—where homes are often sealed tightly for energy efficiency—an HRV prevents the buildup of humidity, allergens, and pollutants, thereby reducing condensation, mold risk, and improving overall indoor air quality year-round.
Will an HRV lower my heating and cooling bills?
Yes. By reclaiming 60–90% of the heat (or cooling) that would otherwise be lost through ordinary exhaust fans or window ventilation, an HRV reduces the workload on your furnace and air conditioner. Dayton’s climate features cold winters and humid summers; recovering heat in winter and limiting moisture-laden fresh air in summer translates into measurable utility savings. Homeowners typically see a 10–25% reduction in ventilation-related energy costs compared to using exhaust-only strategies.
Can an HRV be added to my existing HVAC system, or do I need a full replacement?
In most cases, an HRV can be retrofitted to your current forced-air system. Our technicians tap into the return and supply plenums so the ventilator distributes fresh air evenly through your existing ductwork. If you have a ductless setup or baseboard heating, standalone HRV models with dedicated duct runs are available. We perform a free on-site assessment to recommend the best integration method and sizing based on home square footage, occupancy, and local Dayton building codes.
How often does an HRV need maintenance, and what does it involve?
Routine HRV upkeep is simple and usually done seasonally: (1) clean or replace the air filters every 3–6 months, (2) inspect and rinse the core/heat exchanger once or twice a year, and (3) ensure outdoor intake and exhaust hoods are free of debris and snow. Our Dayton maintenance plan includes a yearly full inspection, airflow balance check, and sanitation of the core, ensuring optimal efficiency and prolonging the system’s 10-15 year lifespan.
Is an HRV noisy? I’m concerned about additional equipment humming in my home.
Modern HRVs are engineered for quiet performance, often producing sound levels comparable to a refrigerator (20–35 dB). We place the unit in a utility area or mechanical room, use vibration-isolating mounts, and install insulated ducting to minimize noise transmission. During commissioning, we balance airflow so the system runs at the lowest effective speed, further reducing audible output. Most homeowners in Dayton report that, once installed, they hardly notice the HRV is running.
How long does installation take and do I need permits in Dayton?
A typical retrofit HRV installation takes 6–10 labor hours spread over one day, depending on duct access. New-construction installs are even faster. The City of Dayton and surrounding Montgomery County generally require a mechanical permit for HRV installations that tie into existing HVAC ductwork. We handle the permitting process, schedule inspections, and ensure the installation meets Ohio Residential Code ventilation requirements and ENERGY STAR guidelines.