Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Heiskell
Imagine breathing in crisp, outdoor-fresh air every time your HVAC system cycles on—without watching your utility bills climb. HEP’s energy-recovery ventilators seamlessly swap out stale indoor air for filtered, conditioned air, capturing up to 80 % of the energy you’ve already paid to heat or cool. By balancing humidity and temperature as they work, our ERVs keep your Heiskell home comfortable year-round while easing the load on your existing furnace or air conditioner.
Beyond pure comfort, these systems are game-changers for ventilation and air quality. Dust, allergens, lingering cooking smells, and excess CO₂ are whisked away before they can affect your family’s health. The result is a fresher, healthier living space—with operating costs often lower than traditional ventilation methods. Ready to upgrade the way you breathe? Let HEP design, install, and maintain an ERV solution tailored to your home and lifestyle.
FAQs
What is an Energy-Recovery Ventilator (ERV) and how does it work in Heiskell’s climate?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation device that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two air streams. In Heiskell, where summers are warm and humid and winters are generally mild, an ERV helps keep conditioned air inside the home. During summer it pre-cools and dehumidifies the incoming air, and in winter it pre-warms and humidifies it, so your heating and cooling system does less work without sacrificing fresh air.
How does an ERV improve my home’s indoor air quality?
By continuously exhausting stale, pollutant-laden air (odors, VOCs, pet dander, excess humidity) and replacing it with filtered outdoor air, an ERV dilutes contaminants that can aggravate allergies, asthma, or general discomfort. Because heat and moisture are exchanged, the fresh air arrives at a comfortable temperature and humidity, helping prevent mold growth and keeping CO₂ levels in a healthy range—all without opening windows and letting in pollen or outdoor noise.
How much energy can an ERV save compared with a standard exhaust fan?
A quality ERV typically recovers 60-80 % of the heating or cooling energy that would otherwise be lost in a simple exhaust-only setup. In practical terms, many homeowners in the Heiskell area see 10-25 % reductions in overall heating and cooling costs, depending on house tightness and occupancy. With lower HVAC runtime, an ERV often pays for itself in 3–7 years while delivering year-round comfort and air-quality benefits.
Can an ERV be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Most ERVs can be integrated into the supply and return plenum of your current furnace or air handler, or installed with dedicated ductwork if your system layout is complex. A professional HVAC technician will size the unit based on home square footage and airflow needs, ensure proper balancing, and connect controls so the ERV can run continuously or on a timed/ demand schedule without interfering with heating and cooling cycles.
What kind of maintenance does an ERV require?
Maintenance is straightforward. 1) Inspect and vacuum or replace the intake and exhaust air filters every 1–3 months (more often during high pollen seasons in East Tennessee). 2) Clean the heat-exchange core once or twice a year with mild soap and water. 3) Check the condensate drain and ensure exterior vents are free of debris. Annual professional service verifies fan operation, airflow balance, and control settings, keeping the unit efficient and under warranty.
Are there rebates or incentives for installing an ERV in Heiskell?
Yes. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRC 25C) can cover up to 30 % of the installed cost of qualifying high-efficiency ventilation equipment, capped at $1,200 per year. Many Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) energy-right partner utilities also offer cash rebates or low-interest financing for energy-saving HVAC upgrades. Our team can help you document efficiency ratings, submit rebate forms, and coordinate any required home-energy audits to maximize your savings.