ERV/HRV Systems
ERV/HRV Systems | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Graysville
Breathe easier in Graysville with HEP’s advanced ERV/HRV solutions that work seamlessly with your heating and cooling system. By reclaiming up to 90% of the energy normally lost through exhaust, our units exchange stale indoor air for a steady stream of fresh, filtered air—without sacrificing comfort or driving up utility bills. From muggy summer afternoons to crisp winter mornings, you’ll enjoy consistent temperatures and balanced humidity all year round.
Our certified technicians design each system to target the specific needs of your home, scrubbing away allergens, odors, and airborne contaminants while keeping energy consumption in check. The result is ventilation and air quality you can feel with every breath—cleaner, healthier, and perfectly conditioned. Ready to upgrade? Schedule a free in-home assessment today and discover why Graysville families have trusted HEP for generations.
FAQs
What is the difference between an ERV and an HRV, and which one is best for homes in Graysville?
Both Energy-Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat-Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat that would otherwise be lost. The key distinction is moisture transfer: ERVs transfer a portion of humidity along with heat, while HRVs transfer heat only. Because Graysville experiences humid summers and relatively mild winters, an ERV is usually the preferred choice—it helps keep excess outdoor moisture from entering in summer and retains comfortable humidity indoors during winter. HRVs can be a good fit for homes that struggle more with winter dryness than summer humidity, but most of our local customers see the best overall comfort and energy savings with an ERV.
How do ERV/HRV systems improve indoor air quality?
ERVs and HRVs provide a controlled, balanced ventilation stream. They continuously exhaust pollutants such as carbon dioxide, VOCs, pet dander, and excess moisture while supplying filtered, fresh outdoor air. Because the airflows are balanced, they prevent negative pressure that can draw impurities from crawlspaces or attics. In addition, the heat-exchange core pre-conditions incoming air, so windows don’t need to be opened for ventilation—keeping pollen and outdoor allergens at bay. The result is cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable air throughout the year.
Can an ERV or HRV be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Most ERV/HRV units are designed to integrate with conventional forced-air furnaces, heat pumps, and mini-split systems. Our installers tie the ventilator into your supply and/or return ducts, or create a dedicated duct run if that yields better airflow. Controls can be standalone, wall-mounted, or integrated into your smart thermostat so that the ventilator operates only when conditions warrant. We perform a load calculation and duct review onsite to ensure your current HVAC equipment can handle the additional airflow without losing efficiency.
How energy-efficient are ERV/HRV systems compared with traditional ventilation methods?
Traditional ventilation (such as bathroom fans or cracked windows) simply expels conditioned air and brings in untreated air, causing HVAC equipment to work harder. ERVs and HRVs recover 60–80 % of the heat energy from exhaust air. For Graysville homeowners, that translates to heating and cooling savings of 10–20 % versus relying on exhaust-only fans, depending on usage patterns. Because ERVs manage moisture as well, they reduce the burden on your air conditioner and dehumidifier during our muggy summers, further trimming energy costs.
What maintenance does an ERV/HRV system require?
Routine upkeep is straightforward: (1) Clean or replace the unit’s intake and exhaust filters every 3–6 months—more often if you have pets or severe allergies. (2) Inspect and vacuum the core annually; most cores slide out for easy access. (3) Check the condensate drain (on HRVs) or the enthalpy wheel (on some ERVs) for blockages. (4) Verify that outdoor intake/exhaust hoods are clear of debris, leaves, or snow. We offer affordable maintenance plans that include these tasks plus airflow and control checks, ensuring the ventilator runs efficiently year-round.
How long does installation take, and what investment should I expect?
A typical retrofit in Graysville takes one working day for a two-person crew, including duct connections, electrical wiring, and commissioning. Complex layouts or the need for dedicated ductwork can extend the job to two days. Entry-level, single-core HRVs start around $2,500 installed, while higher-capacity ERVs with advanced controls range from $3,500 to $5,000. Utility rebates and federal tax credits for high-efficiency ventilation equipment may offset up to 30 % of the cost. We provide a free in-home estimate and outline all available incentives so you know the exact investment before work begins.