Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Johnson City
Feeling stuffy in your well-insulated Johnson City home? HEP’s energy-recovery ventilators quietly swap out stale indoor air for fresh, conditioned outdoor air without wasting the heating or cooling you’ve already paid for. By balancing humidity, filtering pollutants, and reclaiming up to 80% of the energy normally lost during air exchange, our ERV systems keep rooms comfortable while trimming utility bills—perfect for allergy sufferers, busy families, and anyone who values healthier living spaces.
From speedy installs to routine maintenance, HEP’s licensed technicians handle every detail so you can breathe easier year-round. Discover how a custom ERV solution can elevate your home’s ventilation and air quality while protecting your HVAC investment—then give us a call and feel the difference firsthand.
FAQs
What is an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) and how does it work?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation device that simultaneously exhausts stale indoor air and brings in fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams through a specialized core. In winter, the outgoing warm air pre-heats and humidifies the incoming cold air; in summer, the cooler indoor air helps lower the temperature and humidity of the incoming hot, humid air. This heat- and moisture-exchange process reduces the workload on your heating-and-cooling equipment while guaranteeing a steady supply of fresh, filtered air.
Why are ERVs particularly beneficial in the Johnson City climate?
Johnson City experiences humid summers and cool winters, so the ability to manage both temperature and moisture is critical. An ERV limits the amount of humidity that enters your home during muggy summer months and retains humidity in winter, preventing overly dry indoor air. By moderating both heat and moisture, an ERV keeps your home comfortable year-round and helps your HVAC system operate more efficiently in our mixed climate.
How does an ERV improve indoor air quality and occupant health?
Because modern homes are tightly sealed for energy efficiency, pollutants such as VOCs, allergens, and excess CO₂ can accumulate indoors. An ERV continuously exhausts this stale air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air that passes through a high-efficiency filter. The exchange process dilutes indoor contaminants, controls humidity that can foster mold growth, and provides a balanced flow so drafts and pressure imbalances are avoided, resulting in a healthier breathing environment for your family.
Will installing an ERV lower my energy bills?
Yes, most homeowners see measurable savings. Without energy recovery, bringing in outdoor air means your HVAC system must fully heat or cool that air from the outdoor temperature. An ERV captures 60–80 % of the heat (and latent moisture) that would otherwise be lost, so your furnace or air conditioner expends far less energy to reach the desired indoor temperature. Over time, the reduced runtime on your HVAC equipment translates into lower utility bills and less wear on the system.
Can an ERV be added to my existing heating and air conditioning setup?
In many cases, absolutely. ERVs are designed to integrate with new or existing forced-air HVAC systems. Our technicians connect the ERV’s supply and exhaust ducts to your return and supply plenums or run dedicated ductwork if required. Controls can be tied into your thermostat or operate via a standalone controller, offering scheduled or demand-based ventilation. A brief home assessment lets us determine the best installation approach for your specific layout and equipment.
What maintenance does an ERV require, and how often should it be serviced?
Routine care is straightforward and can often be handled by the homeowner. Filters should be inspected monthly and cleaned or replaced every 3–6 months, depending on dust levels and manufacturer recommendations. The core should be removed and cleaned once or twice a year with a mild detergent and water solution. Fans, grilles, and drain lines (if present) should be vacuumed or wiped down during this service. An annual professional check-up ensures motors, controls, and seals remain in peak condition and keeps your warranty intact.