Air Exchanger
Air Exchanger | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Delano
Looking for a smarter way to keep your Delano home comfortable year-round? HEP’s air exchanger heating and air conditioning solutions pull in fresh outdoor air while expelling stale indoor air, balancing humidity and temperature so every room feels just right. Our certified technicians install and maintain energy-efficient exchangers that work seamlessly with your existing HVAC equipment, helping you breathe easier and save on utility bills at the same time.
Because healthy living starts with clean air, we focus on ventilation and air quality that meet or exceed industry standards. From advanced filtration to quiet, continuous airflow, our systems remove pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture before they become a problem. Schedule a free in-home consultation today and discover how HEP can turn your house into the fresh-air haven you deserve.
FAQs
What does an air exchanger do and why is it important for Delano homes?
An air exchanger—sometimes called a heat-recovery (HRV) or energy-recovery ventilator (ERV)—removes stale indoor air and replaces it with filtered outdoor air while transferring most of the heat (and, in ERVs, some humidity) between the two airstreams. In Delano, where winters are cold and summers can be humid, an air exchanger keeps fresh air circulating without forcing your furnace or A/C to work harder. The result is healthier air, lower moisture levels that discourage mold, and energy savings compared with simply opening windows.
How does an air exchanger interact with my existing heating and air conditioning system?
The unit is installed on a dedicated duct loop or tied into your home’s main supply and return ducts. When it runs, exhaust air is pulled from bathrooms, kitchens, or general living spaces, passes through the exchanger core, and is expelled outdoors. Simultaneously, an equal volume of outdoor air is drawn in, tempered by the core, and delivered to bedrooms and common areas. Most modern controls allow the air exchanger to operate on its own schedule or in tandem with the furnace or air-conditioning fan so that airflow remains balanced and drafts are eliminated.
Will installing an air exchanger really improve my indoor air quality and help with allergies?
Yes. Because today’s homes are tightly sealed, pollutants such as dust, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and excess humidity can accumulate. An air exchanger continuously refreshes the air, dilutes contaminants, and keeps carbon-dioxide levels in check. Many units accept higher-grade or even HEPA filters so allergens are captured before fresh air enters living spaces. Combined with proper filtration on your HVAC equipment, an air exchanger is one of the most effective, low-maintenance ways to reduce allergy symptoms and respiratory irritation.
How energy-efficient are modern air exchangers and what will they cost to run?
Current HRV/ERV models recover 60–80 % of the heat that would otherwise be lost when exhausting air outdoors. High-efficiency ECM motors typically draw 40–80 watts—about the same as a single incandescent light bulb—so the average Delano homeowner spends roughly $5–$10 per month on electricity. Because the exchanger recovers heat in winter and, with ERVs, moderates humidity in summer, it can slightly reduce the run-time of your furnace and air conditioner, often offsetting its own operating cost. Rebates from utilities or the Inflation Reduction Act may further lower upfront and ongoing expenses.
How often should an air exchanger and ventilation system be serviced in Delano’s climate?
1. Filters: Inspect monthly during heavy use and replace or rinse every 3–6 months. 2. Core: Vacuum dust from the heat-exchange core twice a year; have it professionally cleaned annually. 3. Vents and grilles: Check outdoor intake/exhaust hoods each season for snow, leaves, or lint buildup. 4. Professional tune-up: An HVAC technician should verify airflow, balance the system, and test controls once a year—ideally each fall before heating season. Delano’s mix of agricultural dust and winter frost makes regular maintenance critical for peak performance.
Can I retrofit an air exchanger into an existing home or is it only for new construction?
Retrofitting is very doable. Units come in compact sizes that fit basements, utility rooms, attics, or even in suspended ceiling cavities. Flexible or rigid small-diameter ducts can be snaked through closets or dropped ceilings, and exterior wall or roof caps are usually all that’s needed outside. A typical retrofit takes one to two days and causes minimal drywall disturbance. Of course, new construction offers the easiest, most streamlined installation, but an on-site evaluation will determine the best approach and provide accurate cost and time estimates for any Delano home.