Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Ducktown
Imagine breathing in crisp mountain air without ever cracking a window. HEP’s energy-recovery ventilators seamlessly weave fresh outdoor oxygen into your home’s heating and cooling system, capturing up to 90 % of the energy already paid for while pushing out stale, pollutant-filled air. The result is quieter comfort, steadier humidity, and utility bills that don’t spike every time you chase a breeze.
Our Ducktown technicians size, install, and maintain each ERV for maximum ventilation and air quality, so your family enjoys healthier living spaces—and you enjoy worry-free performance all year. Call us today and let your home exhale.
FAQs
What is an Energy-Recovery Ventilator (ERV) and how does it work?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation device that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams. Inside the unit, a specialized core allows outgoing conditioned air to pre-heat or pre-cool—and partially de-humidify or humidify—the incoming air. This keeps indoor temperatures and humidity closer to the desired levels, so your heating and cooling equipment in Ducktown doesn’t have to work as hard.
How can an ERV improve indoor air quality in Ducktown’s climate?
Ducktown experiences warm, humid summers and cool winters. In summer, an ERV exhausts indoor pollutants (odors, VOCs, pet dander) and lowers incoming humidity, limiting mold and dust-mite growth. In winter, it replaces stale, dry indoor air with fresh air while preserving a portion of humidity, reducing static electricity and respiratory irritation. Continuous air exchange also dilutes indoor allergens and airborne viruses year-round, creating a healthier living environment.
Will installing an ERV reduce my heating and cooling bills?
Yes—while an ERV uses a small amount of electricity to run its fans, the energy it recovers from outgoing air can reclaim 60–80 % of the heating or cooling that would otherwise be lost through traditional exhaust fans or open windows. In Ducktown, where temperature swings can be significant, homeowners typically see HVAC energy savings of 10–25 % after installing a properly sized ERV, especially when combined with a tight, well-insulated building envelope.
How is an ERV different from a Heat-Recovery Ventilator (HRV)?
Both devices transfer heat, but only an ERV also manages moisture. An HRV is ideal for cold, dry climates where humidity isn’t a concern. Ducktown’s mixed-humid climate benefits more from an ERV, which lets some indoor humidity leave in summer (reducing latent cooling load) and retains some moisture in winter (preventing overly dry air). Choosing an ERV over an HRV helps maintain balanced humidity levels without additional equipment.
What maintenance does an ERV require and how often?
Routine upkeep is straightforward: • Filters: Inspect monthly and clean or replace every 3–6 months (more often if you have pets or high pollen counts). • Core: Vacuum dust off the heat-exchange core twice a year; a light soap-and-water rinse each spring extends life. • Vents and grilles: Check for obstructions like leaves or lint each season. • Professional service: We recommend an annual inspection by our Ducktown HVAC technicians to verify airflow, motor operation, and drain-line cleanliness. Proper maintenance keeps efficiency high and prolongs the unit’s 10- to 15-year lifespan.
Can an ERV be integrated with my existing HVAC system, and what is the installation process like?
In most homes we retrofit, the ERV ties into the return-air ductwork of the current furnace or air handler, using dedicated supply and exhaust ducts to the outdoors. Installation steps include a load calculation to size the unit, locating the ERV in an accessible area (attic, basement, or utility room), running insulated ducts, and wiring the control to your thermostat or a standalone timer. A typical single-family home installation in Ducktown takes one day and requires minimal modifications to existing equipment. Once installed, you’ll have balanced ventilation without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency.