Fresh-air Energy-recovery Ventilator
Fresh-air Energy-recovery Ventilator | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Maryville
Breathe easier in Maryville with HEP’s cutting-edge fresh-air energy-recovery ventilators, designed to bring a constant flow of clean outdoor air into your home while minimizing energy loss. Our systems quietly push out stale, humid air and replace it with filtered, conditioned fresh air—reducing allergens, odors, and excess moisture without overworking your heating and cooling equipment. The result is a healthier, more comfortable living space that actually costs less to maintain.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing HVAC setup or building new, HEP’s certified technicians customize every installation to maximize efficiency and elevate ventilation and air quality. Enjoy whisper-quiet operation, lower utility bills, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every breath you take indoors is as fresh as the Smoky Mountain breeze. Contact HEP today and discover how effortless great air can be.
FAQs
What is a fresh-air energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) and how does it improve indoor air quality?
An ERV is a dedicated ventilation appliance that pulls stale, contaminated indoor air out of your home while simultaneously bringing in equal amounts of filtered outdoor air. Inside the unit, a heat- and moisture-exchanging core allows energy contained in the outgoing airstream to pre-condition the incoming air. In practical terms, you get a constant supply of fresh air without wasting the heating or cooling you’ve already paid for. Because the incoming air is filtered and humidity-balanced, common Maryville irritants such as pollen, mold spores, and highway exhaust are greatly reduced, resulting in cleaner, healthier air for your family.
How does an ERV help reduce heating and cooling costs in Maryville’s climate?
Maryville experiences warm, humid summers and mild winters. When it’s hot and muggy outside, the ERV transfers a large portion of the heat and moisture from the incoming fresh air to the outgoing exhaust air. In winter, it captures warmth and humidity from the air you’re venting out and transfers it back to the incoming air. That means your air conditioner or furnace has less work to do, translating into energy savings that can reach 30–40 % of the ventilation load. Because you no longer have to "crack a window" for fresh air, conditioned air stays inside where it belongs and utility bills stay lower year-round.
Do I still need to open windows for ventilation if I have an ERV?
In most situations, no. An ERV is designed to meet or exceed the fresh-air requirements set by the International Residential Code and ASHRAE ventilation standards. It delivers a steady, measured amount of outside air 24/7, regardless of outdoor temperature, humidity, or pollen counts. You can certainly open a window for a breeze if you like, but you’ll no longer need to rely on window ventilation to control odors, moisture, or indoor pollutants—especially helpful on high-pollen or high-humidity days common in Maryville summers.
How is an ERV installed with my existing HVAC system, and will it fit in my home?
ERVs are compact—about the size of a large suitcase—and are typically mounted in an attic, crawl space, mechanical closet, or rafters in the garage. Our Maryville installation team ties the unit into your existing supply and return ductwork using two small, dedicated fresh-air ducts to the outdoors. Most homes have ample space and require no structural changes. Installation is usually completed in one day, and the ERV is wired to operate in sync with your HVAC blower or on a timed schedule, whichever best suits your home’s layout and occupancy.
What maintenance does an ERV require and how often in Maryville’s pollen-heavy seasons?
Routine maintenance is simple and homeowner-friendly. 1) Filters: remove and vacuum or replace the two air filters every 3–4 months (monthly during spring and fall when Maryville pollen counts spike). 2) Core: once or twice a year, slide out the heat-exchange core and rinse it under lukewarm water to remove dust and debris. 3) Vents: clear any leaves or lint from the outside intake and exhaust hoods seasonally. Our service department can include ERV care in your regular HVAC tune-up if you prefer professional maintenance.
Is an ERV noisy, and will it impact the comfort of my living spaces?
Modern ERVs are engineered for quiet operation—typically around 1.0–1.5 sones, about the level of a whisper. Because the unit is installed in a remote area (attic, crawl space, closet) and connected through insulated ductwork, most homeowners don’t notice it running. Unlike traditional exhaust fans, an ERV balances air pressure, so you won’t feel drafts or hear whistling around doors and windows. Instead, you’ll notice more stable humidity levels, fewer odors, and a general feeling of freshness throughout the home.