Heat Recovery
Heat Recovery | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Helenwood
In Helenwood, HEP transforms indoor comfort with innovative heat recovery heating and air conditioning systems that recycle up to 95 % of outgoing warmth. By capturing and re-using heat normally lost to the outdoors, our solutions keep rooms at a consistent, cozy temperature while lowering energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint—no drafts, no hot-and-cold spots, just effortless comfort.
Built into every installation is a commitment to superior ventilation and air quality. Quiet, energy-efficient fans continuously replace stale air with fresh, filtered air, whisking away excess moisture, odors, and allergens before they can settle. The result is a cleaner, healthier living environment that feels as good as it breathes—so you can relax, sleep, and thrive in a home that finally meets every expectation.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery heating and ventilation system and how does it work?
A heat-recovery system—often called an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)—continuously exhausts stale indoor air while drawing in fresh outside air. Inside the unit, the two airstreams pass through a heat exchanger. In winter, up to 80-90 % of the heat contained in the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming fresh air, so your furnace doesn’t have to re-heat it from outdoor temperature. In summer, the process reverses: heat (and, with an ERV, some moisture) from the incoming warm air is transferred to the outgoing cooler air so your air conditioner does less work. The result is a steady supply of filtered, tempered air with minimal energy loss.
How does an HRV/ERV improve indoor air quality for homes in Helenwood?
Helenwood’s climate sees hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, which can trap pollutants indoors when windows stay closed for comfort. An HRV or ERV supplies a controlled, balanced amount of outdoor air year-round. It expels excess moisture, VOCs from cleaning products, off-gassing from new furnishings, pet dander, and airborne viruses or bacteria. Because the fresh air is pre-conditioned, you can ventilate without creating drafts or large temperature swings, maintaining comfort while continually diluting indoor contaminants.
Will installing a heat-recovery unit lower my utility bills?
Yes, most homeowners see measurable savings. Traditional ventilation (bath fans, opening windows) throws away conditioned air and forces your HVAC system to start from scratch. An HRV/ERV recovers 60–90 % of that energy. In Helenwood, utility monitoring studies show 15–25 % lower heating costs in winter and up to 10 % savings on summer cooling, depending on home size, insulation, and occupancy. Payback periods typically range from 3–7 years when retrofitting and even less for new construction where the HVAC equipment can be downsized because of the reduced load.
Can a heat-recovery ventilator be added to my existing HVAC system, or is it only for new builds?
Most HRV/ERV models are designed to integrate with existing ductwork. A certified technician will connect the unit to your return-air plenum and run dedicated supply/exhaust ducts or use a simplified installation kit for smaller homes. Ceiling-mounted, wall-hung, and compact attic units are available for tight spaces common in older Helenwood houses. While new construction offers the greatest design flexibility, 80 % of our local installations are retrofits completed in one day with minimal disruption.
What maintenance does an HRV/ERV require in Helenwood’s environment?
Maintenance is straightforward: 1) Inspect and rinse or replace the two air filters every 3–4 months (more often if you have pets or live near dusty roads). 2) Clean the core and condensate drain annually—our technicians can perform this during a routine HVAC tune-up. 3) Make sure exterior intake and exhaust hoods remain clear of leaves, lint, or snow. Proper upkeep ensures high efficiency and keeps mold or mildew from forming in the core, which is especially important in humid Tennessee summers.
Will a heat-recovery system help control humidity and allergens in my home?
Yes. ERV-style cores transfer both sensible heat and moisture. In summer they can remove up to 60 % of incoming humidity, easing the load on your air conditioner and keeping indoor relative humidity in the 45–55 % comfort range. In winter, they help retain moisture, preventing overly dry air that can irritate sinuses. Continuous filtration and balanced airflow also reduce pollen, mold spores, and dust mites—common triggers for allergies in the Cumberland Plateau region surrounding Helenwood.