Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Erwin
Breathe easier in Erwin with HEP’s advanced heat-recovery ventilators that seamlessly integrate with your heating and air conditioning system. By capturing warmth—or coolness—from outgoing stale air and transferring it to the fresh air coming in, these units deliver constant, balanced airflow without the energy waste of traditional exhaust fans. The result is year-round comfort, trimmed utility bills, and a home that always smells like the mountains that surround us.
Beyond comfort and savings, our HRVs are engineered to elevate indoor health. They purge excess humidity, allergens, and airborne contaminants while supplying a steady stream of oxygen-rich air—creating an environment where your family can thrive. Discover how an HEP-installed HRV transforms everyday living and raises your home’s ventilation and air quality to a whole new level.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it work?
An HRV is a mechanical ventilation device that simultaneously exhausts stale indoor air and brings in fresh outdoor air, while transferring heat between the two airstreams through a heat-exchange core. In winter, the heat captured from outgoing air pre-warms the incoming fresh air; in summer, the cooler exhaust air helps temper the incoming warm air. This reduces the load on your heating and cooling equipment and delivers a continuous supply of filtered, fresh air to every room.
Why are HRVs particularly beneficial in Erwin’s climate?
Erwin experiences humid summers and cool winters, so homes are often sealed tightly to conserve energy. While airtight construction lowers utility bills, it can trap moisture, odors, and pollutants indoors. An HRV lets you keep your home closed against temperature extremes while still exchanging air. In winter it recovers up to 80-90 % of the heat that would otherwise be lost, and during muggy summer months it helps reduce indoor humidity that can lead to mold growth.
How does an HRV improve indoor air quality?
The system runs continuously (or on a set schedule) to remove excess moisture, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and airborne allergens. Fresh air is filtered before entering, reducing dust and pollen levels. Because air exchange occurs throughout the day, contaminants never accumulate to unhealthy concentrations, making HRVs an effective solution for households with asthma, allergies, or general concerns about indoor air pollution.
Can an HRV be integrated with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Most HRVs are designed to tie into your home’s ductwork so the fresh air is distributed via the central HVAC supply while the stale air is drawn from bathrooms, kitchens, or dedicated return grilles. If your home uses ductless minisplits or baseboard heat, standalone ducting can be installed specifically for the HRV. A professional installer will size the unit based on square footage, number of occupants, and local building codes for ventilation rates.
What maintenance does an HRV require?
Routine maintenance is straightforward: • Filters: Vacuum or replace them every 3–6 months, more often if you have pets or allergies. • Core: Remove and wash the heat-exchange core with mild soap once or twice a year. • Vents & grilles: Check exterior hoods for leaves, snow, or debris each season, and wipe interior grilles free of dust. • Fans & motors: Have a technician inspect and lubricate moving parts annually. Proper upkeep keeps airflow consistent, preserves energy efficiency, and extends equipment life.
How much energy can I save with a heat-recovery ventilator?
Because an HRV transfers 60–90 % of the heat from outgoing air, it dramatically reduces the energy penalty of ventilation. On average, homeowners in Erwin who replace exhaust-only fans with an HRV see heating costs drop by 10–20 %, and cooling costs by 5–15 %, depending on insulation levels and occupancy. Savings are most noticeable in newer, tighter homes where traditional ventilation would otherwise require opening windows or running exhaust fans that expel conditioned air.