Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Lenoir City
Discover how HEP turns your Lenoir City home into a breath-of-fresh-air sanctuary with advanced heat-recovery ventilators. By capturing warmth from outgoing stale air and transferring it to the fresh air coming in, our systems keep rooms comfortable year-round while trimming energy bills. Every installation is handled by certified technicians who understand the region’s humidity swings and build a custom solution that balances temperature, humidity, and the all-important ventilation and air quality your family deserves.
From new-construction upgrades to retrofits in historic houses along the Tennessee River, we make healthier living effortless. Quiet operation, smart controls, and hospital-grade filtration mean dust, pollen, and lingering odors never get a foothold, and you’re left with nothing but crisp, clean comfort. Ready to feel the difference? Call HEP today, and breathe easy tonight.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it improve indoor air quality in Lenoir City homes?
An HRV is a whole-house ventilation appliance that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring up to 80 % of the heat energy between the two airstreams. In practice, it continuously exhausts humidity, odors, and pollutants (such as VOCs, pet dander, and airborne viruses) and delivers filtered, tempered outdoor air to the living areas. Because it captures most of the heat that would normally be lost during simple exhaust ventilation, you get the health benefits of fresh air without a large penalty on your energy bills—a key advantage in the mixed-humid climate of Lenoir City.
How does an HRV reduce heating and cooling costs, and is it effective in East Tennessee’s climate?
During winter, an HRV pre-heats incoming air with the warmth from the outgoing air, so your furnace works less. In summer, the process is reversed; outgoing cool air pre-cools the incoming warm air, easing the load on your air conditioner. Lenoir City sees roughly 3,000 heating degree days and 1,200 cooling degree days each year—ideal conditions for an HRV to recapture energy during both seasons. Homeowners typically report 15-25 % reductions in ventilation-related energy use compared with exhaust-only or open-window strategies.
Do I still need bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans if I install an HRV system?
Most HRVs are designed to serve as the primary exhaust system for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas through dedicated grilles. However, building codes in Tennessee require a separate, high-capacity range hood for kitchens to remove heavy cooking grease and smoke. We integrate that hood with back-draft dampers so it doesn’t interfere with the balanced airflow of the HRV.
How loud are modern HRV units and where are they typically installed?
Advances in ECM motors, vibration isolation, and acoustically lined cabinets keep sound levels in the 0.5–1.5 sones range—quieter than a typical refrigerator. The unit is usually mounted in an insulated space such as a conditioned attic, mechanical closet, or basement. Supply and exhaust ducts are insulated and balanced so occupants hear little more than a gentle background whisper when the system ramps up to its highest speed.
What maintenance does an HRV require, and how often should filters and cores be cleaned in our region?
1. Filters: Two washable filters protect the heat-exchange core. In Lenoir City’s pollen-heavy spring and dusty summer, we recommend rinsing them every 2 months and replacing them every 12-18 months. 2. Heat-exchange core: Remove and soak in a mild detergent once a year to maintain efficiency. 3. Condensate drain: Check annually for clogs to prevent water backup. 4. Vent hoods: Inspect exterior hoods each fall for leaves or insect nests. Total homeowner maintenance time is roughly one hour per year.
Is an HRV compatible with existing HVAC systems, and what is the installation process and typical cost in Lenoir City?
Yes. We can tie the HRV’s supply duct into the return side of most forced-air systems or run dedicated supplies to main living areas for the best balance. A standard retrofit involves: • Home assessment and Manual D ventilation design. • Cutting through an exterior wall or roof for two 6-in. vents. • Running insulated 4- or 6-in. duct to wet rooms and living areas. • Balancing airflow with digital manometers. Most installations take 1–2 days. Turn-key costs in the Lenoir City market range from $3,200 to $4,800, including labor, permits, and a first-year service visit. Federal tax credits of 30 % (up to $2,000) and TVA energy-efficiency rebates can offset part of that investment.