Whole-home Ventilators
Whole-home Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
Breathe easier in your Kelso home with HEP’s advanced whole-home ventilators—systems engineered to usher out stale, contaminated air while continuously introducing a fresh, conditioned supply. By integrating seamlessly with your existing heating and cooling equipment, our ventilators balance indoor humidity, reduce allergens, and prevent the buildup of odors or harmful pollutants. The result is a consistently comfortable environment that supports better sleep, sharper focus, and healthier living for every member of the household.
From initial assessment to expert installation and ongoing maintenance, HEP’s local team handles every detail so you can focus on what matters most. We tailor solutions to the unique layout and climate challenges of Kelso, ensuring peak energy efficiency without sacrificing performance. When you’re ready to elevate your home’s ventilation and air quality, count on HEP to deliver a breath of fresh Pacific Northwest air—indoors, all year long.
FAQs
What is a whole-home ventilator and why is it important in Kelso’s climate?
A whole-home ventilator is a mechanical system that continuously exhausts stale indoor air and replaces it with filtered outdoor air through dedicated ductwork or your existing HVAC ducts. Because Kelso experiences damp, cool winters and warm, sometimes humid summers, homes are often sealed tightly to conserve energy. While that saves on heating and cooling bills, it also traps moisture, odors, and airborne contaminants. A balanced or recovery-type ventilator prevents mold growth, reduces allergens, and dilutes indoor pollutants without forcing you to open windows year-round.
How does an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) differ from a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), and which one is better for Kelso homes?
Both ERVs and HRVs capture the heat in outgoing air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, cutting ventilation-related energy loss by up to 70%. The difference is moisture management: • HRV – Transfers only heat. Ideal for very cold, dry climates where additional indoor humidity is welcome. • ERV – Transfers both heat and a portion of moisture. In Kelso, where outdoor air is often damp in winter and humid in summer, an ERV helps keep indoor humidity from climbing too high in the wet season and from dropping too low when the furnace is running. For most Kelso households, ERVs provide better year-round comfort and mold prevention, but our technicians can size and recommend the right unit after a home evaluation.
Can a whole-home ventilator be integrated with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Most modern ventilators are designed to tie into the supply or return side of your forced-air furnace or heat pump ductwork. The installer adds dedicated intake and exhaust ducts through the exterior walls or roof, a condensate drain, and a low-voltage control cable to either a stand-alone wall control or your smart thermostat. If your home uses ductless mini-splits or electric baseboard heat, we can install a self-contained ducted ventilator or a multi-port system that distributes fresh air to each room without relying on your current HVAC equipment.
What are the main benefits of installing a whole-home ventilation system in Kelso?
• Improved indoor air quality: Continuous dilution of VOCs, pet dander, smoke, and cooking odors. • Mold and mildew prevention: Balanced airflow keeps relative humidity in the 30–50% range that mold dislikes. • Energy savings: Heat- or energy-recovery cores reclaim up to 70% of the heating or cooling energy otherwise lost through exhaust fans or open windows. • Healthier living: Fresher air reduces allergy and asthma symptoms and helps occupants sleep better. • Building code compliance: Washington’s energy code now requires mechanical ventilation for most new and remodeled homes. • Increased home value: Buyers increasingly look for high-efficiency IAQ features.
How much maintenance do whole-home ventilators need?
Maintenance is straightforward: • Filters: Inspect every 3 months and replace or wash (depending on model) every 6–12 months. • Core cleaning: Twice a year, vacuum dust off the heat-exchange core and rinse it under lukewarm water. • Intake/exhaust hoods: Check seasonally for leaves, snow, or bird nests that might block airflow. • Professional tune-up: We recommend an annual service visit to verify airflow, clean the blower wheel, test controls, and sanitize the drain line. Following this schedule keeps the unit running quietly and efficiently for 15–20 years.
What do whole-home ventilators cost in the Kelso area, and how long does installation take?
Installed prices typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on capacity (CFM), ERV vs. HRV technology, the amount of new ductwork, and any smart controls you choose. Most retrofits in an average-sized Kelso home take 6–10 labor hours, so we can often complete the job in a single day. Larger homes or attic installations may require two days. Don’t forget to ask about Washington State energy-efficiency rebates, federal tax credits of up to 30%, and 0% financing options our company offers to help make healthier indoor air affordable.