Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Jamestown
Imagine breathing crisp Adirondack air inside your Jamestown home all year long—no drafts, no stuffiness, and no energy waste. HEP’s high-efficiency heat-recovery ventilators quietly swap stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air while reclaiming up to 90 % of the heat (or cool) you’ve already paid for. The result is lower utility bills, fewer indoor pollutants, and a cozier living space that your furnace or A/C can maintain with far less effort. That’s what we mean by superior ventilation and air quality.
From precision sizing and tidy installation to routine tune-ups, our certified technicians handle every detail so you can simply enjoy the difference. Whether you’re retrofitting an older house or designing a new build, we integrate seamlessly with your existing heating and air-conditioning equipment, optimizing airflow room by room. Ready to give your lungs—and your wallet—a break? Call HEP today and breathe easy tomorrow.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it improve indoor air quality?
A heat-recovery ventilator is a mechanical ventilation system that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously drawing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the unit, a heat exchanger transfers up to 80–90 % of the heat from the outgoing airstream to the incoming air without mixing the two airstreams. The result is a steady supply of filtered, tempered fresh air, which dilutes indoor pollutants such as VOCs, pet dander, and excess humidity—greatly improving overall indoor air quality.
Why are HRVs especially beneficial for homes in Jamestown’s climate?
Jamestown experiences cold winters and warm, often humid summers. Modern homes here are built tightly to conserve energy, but this tightness restricts natural air exchange, leading to stuffy air, condensation, and even mold growth. An HRV allows continuous ventilation without the energy penalty of opening windows, reclaiming up to 90 % of the heat that would normally be lost. In winter, this means fresh air without chilly drafts, and in summer, the unit helps expel excess humidity before it builds up indoors.
How does an HRV integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
An HRV is commonly tied into the home’s ductwork. The installer connects dedicated supply and exhaust ducts to the HRV’s ports and then either couples those runs to the furnace/air-handler trunk lines or installs separate grilles. The system is wired to a control panel or wall-mounted timer, giving you options for continuous, intermittent, or demand-controlled ventilation. Because the HRV precools or preheats incoming air, it reduces the workload on your furnace or air conditioner, improving overall HVAC efficiency.
What maintenance does an HRV require to keep running efficiently?
Routine upkeep is simple: 1) Clean or replace the unit’s filters every 3–6 months, or more often if you have pets or live near construction/dust. 2) Check the core (heat exchanger) twice a year; most models simply pop out so you can vacuum or gently wash it. 3) Inspect and clean the intake and exhaust hoods outdoors to ensure they’re free of leaves, snow, or insect nests. 4) Verify that condensation drains are clear. Regular maintenance keeps airflow balanced and preserves energy-saving performance.
Will installing an HRV lower my energy bills?
While an HRV does consume a small amount of electricity to run its fans, it recovers a significant portion of the heat (or cool) that would otherwise be lost via traditional ventilation methods. Homeowners in Jamestown typically see heating-energy savings of 10–25 % compared with window ventilation or bathroom/kitchen fans alone. Savings vary depending on the home’s insulation level, how often the HRV operates, and local energy rates, but most systems pay for themselves in 3–7 years through reduced utility costs and improved HVAC longevity.
How do I size and select the right HRV for my Jamestown home or business?
Proper sizing is based on ASHRAE guidelines, which recommend at least 0.35 air changes per hour or 7.5 CFM per occupant. Our technicians measure your floor area, ceiling height, occupancy, and any specific air-quality concerns (allergies, humidity, odors). We then choose a model with the correct airflow rating (typically 100–200 CFM for most residences), high sensible heat-recovery efficiency, and features such as frost-control cycles for cold climates. We also assess duct layout—some homes benefit from compact, ceiling-mounted units, while larger properties may need multi-port HRVs. A professional load calculation ensures you get quiet, balanced ventilation and optimal energy savings.