Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Louisville
Louisville’s wild temperature swings can leave your home feeling stuffy in summer and bone-dry in winter. HEP’s advanced heat-recovery ventilators seamlessly pair with your existing heating and cooling system, extracting stale indoor air while capturing up to 80% of its heat energy to warm the incoming fresh supply. The result is whisper-quiet comfort, lower utility bills, and a noticeable boost in ventilation and air quality that helps keep allergens, odors, and excess humidity at bay.
From precise sizing and professional installation to routine tune-ups, our NATE-certified technicians handle every detail so you can breathe easier all year long. If you’re ready to experience the healthiest, most energy-efficient home in Louisville, reach out to HEP today for a free in-home assessment and see how a heat-recovery ventilator can transform your living space.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and why is it important for homes in Louisville?
A heat-recovery ventilator is a mechanical ventilation device that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously bringing in fresh outdoor air and transferring heat between the two air streams. In Louisville, our hot, humid summers and cold winters mean homes are often sealed tightly to stay energy-efficient, which traps moisture, odors, and pollutants inside. An HRV preserves your heating or cooling energy while providing the continuous fresh-air exchange needed for healthier indoor air quality.
How much energy can I expect to save with an HRV compared with regular exhaust fans?
Traditional exhaust fans simply expel conditioned air outdoors, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to replace it. An HRV captures 60–80 % of the heat (or cooling) in the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming air. Depending on home tightness and usage, Louisville homeowners typically see heating and cooling savings of 10–20 % annually, as well as reduced run-time on their furnaces and air conditioners.
Can an HRV help with indoor humidity and allergy problems common in the Ohio Valley region?
Yes. Louisville’s allergy counts are among the nation’s highest, and our summers are muggy. An HRV continuously expels moisture-laden, allergen-filled indoor air and introduces filtered outdoor air, helping keep relative humidity in the ideal 30–50 % range and lowering concentrations of pollen, mold spores, VOCs, and other irritants. Pairing the HRV with high-efficiency MERV-rated filters further boosts allergy relief.
Will an HRV work with my existing heating and air-conditioning system, or do I need new equipment?
In most cases, an HRV can be integrated into your current HVAC ductwork or installed as a dedicated duct system. Our technicians will perform a ventilation assessment to determine airflow requirements, locate the best placement for supply and exhaust grilles, and ensure the HRV is properly balanced with your furnace or heat pump. You don’t need to replace your HVAC equipment; the HRV simply enhances it.
What maintenance does an HRV require, and can I do it myself?
Routine maintenance is straightforward. Every 3–6 months, you should remove and wash or replace the intake and exhaust filters—easy DIY tasks. The core heat-exchange module needs an annual cleaning, which involves sliding it out, rinsing it gently, and allowing it to dry. Our service plans also include a yearly professional inspection to check fan motors, balance airflow, and verify frost-prevention controls for winter operation.
How long does installation take and are there incentives for Louisville homeowners?
A typical HRV installation in an existing single-family home takes one day, including duct connections, electrical wiring, and airflow balancing. For new construction, it can be completed during the rough-in HVAC stage. Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Energy rebates occasionally cover part of the cost for high-efficiency ventilation systems, and certain models qualify for the federal 25C Energy-Efficient Home Improvement tax credit (up to 30 % of the installed price). Our team will help you secure all available incentives.