ERV/HRV Systems
ERV/HRV Systems | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
Nestled between the river and the rolling hills of Kelso, HEP delivers smarter comfort with ERV/HRV technology that works seamlessly alongside your heating and air conditioning system. These compact units quietly replace stale indoor air with fresh, pre-conditioned outdoor air, recovering up to 90 % of the energy that would otherwise escape. Bye-bye condensation on the windows, lingering odours, and stuffy rooms—hello balanced humidity and year-round comfort.
Our factory-trained technicians design, install, and fine-tune every system for maximum efficiency, so your home enjoys continuous airflow without drafts or temperature swings. The result is healthier living and lower utility bills, all while giving a measurable boost to ventilation and air quality. Breathe easier, save energy, and keep Kelso’s unpredictable weather right where it belongs—outside.
FAQs
What is the difference between an ERV and an HRV, and which one is better for Kelso’s climate?
Both Energy-Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat-Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while reclaiming heat that would otherwise be lost. The key difference is that ERVs transfer both heat and a portion of the air’s moisture, whereas HRVs transfer heat only. Kelso’s climate is cool, damp in winter and moderately warm in summer, so an ERV is often recommended because it helps balance indoor humidity—adding moisture in the heating season and rejecting excess humidity in the cooling season. However, tightly built homes that already struggle with winter humidity may benefit more from an HRV. A load calculation and humidity assessment performed by a qualified HVAC technician will determine the best choice for your home.
How do ERV/HRV systems improve indoor air quality in my Kelso home?
ERVs and HRVs provide controlled, continuous ventilation that dilutes indoor pollutants such as VOCs, allergens, pet dander, and excess CO₂. By exhausting stale air and bringing in filtered outdoor air, they reduce the need to open windows during wet, pollen-heavy, or smoky conditions—common in the Lower Columbia region. The heat-exchange core tempers incoming air, so you receive fresh air without large swings in indoor temperature or humidity. Many models include MERV-rated filters that capture fine particulates, improving overall air quality for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Will installing an ERV/HRV reduce my heating and cooling energy bills?
Yes—properly sized and installed ERV/HRV units can lower energy costs compared with uncontrolled ventilation (such as bathroom fans left running or frequent window opening). The heat exchanger typically recovers 60–80 % of the heat that would otherwise leave your home in winter and pre-cools incoming air in summer. In Kelso’s relatively mild climate, this reclaimed energy can trim total HVAC utility costs by 5–15 %, depending on house tightness and occupant behavior. Pairing an ERV/HRV with a high-efficiency heat pump or furnace further maximizes savings.
How often do ERV/HRV units require maintenance and what does it involve?
Basic maintenance is straightforward and homeowner-friendly: • Filters: Inspect monthly during heavy pollen or wildfire season; wash or replace every 3–6 months. • Core: Vacuum dust from the heat-exchange core annually and wash it gently with mild soap if required. • Vents and grilles: Check for obstructions (lint, leaves, ice) seasonally. • Drain (ERVs): Ensure the condensate line is clear before the heating season. A professional tune-up every 2–3 years includes airflow balancing, motor lubrication, and control calibration. Regular maintenance keeps efficiency high, prevents mold growth, and extends equipment life to 15–20 years.
Can an ERV/HRV be integrated with my existing HVAC system?
Absolutely. Most modern ERV/HRV units are designed to connect to the return ductwork of a central furnace, heat pump, or air-handler. A dedicated ducting option is also available for homes with ductless mini-splits. During installation, our technicians will: 1. Perform a Manual D ventilation calculation to size the unit. 2. Tie the supply side into the main return plenum and the exhaust side to key service areas (kitchen, baths, laundry) or use a fully dedicated duct network. 3. Balance airflow so the home remains at neutral pressure, preventing back-drafting of gas appliances. 4. Integrate controls with your thermostat or install a stand-alone timer/humidistat. This retrofit approach minimizes structural changes and downtime.
What size or capacity ERV/HRV do I need, and how is it determined?
The required airflow is based on your home’s square footage, number of bedrooms, and overall tightness, following ASHRAE Standard 62.2. As a rule of thumb, a three-bedroom, 2,000 ft² house in Kelso needs roughly 70–100 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of continuous ventilation. Our team performs: • A blower-door test to measure air-leakage rate (ACH50). • A room-by-room ventilation demand analysis. • Climate-specific heat-recovery efficiency calculations. These data ensure the selected ERV/HRV can meet fresh-air targets without over-ventilating, which could waste energy or create pressure imbalances. Once sizing is confirmed, we provide model options, estimated operating costs, and available utility rebates for Cowlitz County residents.