Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | New Tazewell
Breathe easier in New Tazewell with HEP’s advanced energy-recovery ventilators, designed to pull in crisp outdoor air while capturing heat or cooling from the air you’re already paying to condition. By continuously exchanging stale indoor air with a fresh, tempered supply, our ERVs help lower utility bills, protect your HVAC equipment, and keep every room feeling revitalized.
Whether you’re battling summer humidity or winter stuffiness, our certified technicians optimize ventilation and air quality by integrating ERVs seamlessly with your existing heating and air conditioning system. From the first consultation to ongoing maintenance, HEP delivers hometown reliability and big-city expertise, so you can enjoy cleaner air and consistent comfort all year long in New Tazewell.
FAQs
What is an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) and how does it improve indoor air quality?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation unit that brings fresh outdoor air into your building while exhausting stale indoor air. Inside the unit, a heat-exchange core transfers heat and moisture between the two airflows. In winter it captures up to 80 percent of the heat leaving your home and uses it to warm the incoming fresh air; in summer it does the reverse, expelling heat and excess humidity. The result is a steady supply of filtered, tempered air that dilutes pollutants such as VOCs, allergens, and CO₂ without dramatically increasing heating or cooling loads—giving you healthier, more comfortable air around the clock.
Why are ERVs particularly beneficial for homes and businesses in New Tazewells climate?
New Tazewell experiences humid summers, cool winters, and a growing number of tight, energy-efficient buildings that don’t "breathe" naturally. Without controlled ventilation, indoor humidity can soar in July and August and stale, dry air can dominate in January. An ERV addresses both issues: it rejects moisture during the muggy season to curb mold growth and discomfort, and it recovers heat and moisture in winter to prevent dryness and high heating bills. This balanced approach keeps indoor conditions in the recommended 30–60 percent humidity band year-round—ideal for occupant health, wood furnishings, and the building envelope.
Can an ERV be integrated with my existing HVAC system, and how do I choose the right size?
Yes. Most ERVs are designed to tie into the return-air plenum of a forced-air furnace or heat pump system, or they can be ducted independently if your layout calls for it. Sizing is based on the ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation standard, which considers floor area and number of occupants. As a rule of thumb, residential systems need 0.35 air changes per hour or roughly 15 cfm per person. Our technicians perform a blower-door test and ventilation calculation to recommend the proper airflow rate (commonly 80–150 cfm for a typical East Tennessee home). Oversizing wastes energy; undersizing won’t meet code, so professional sizing is important.
How much energy can I expect to save with an ERV compared to traditional ventilation methods?
With a standard exhaust-only fan, every cubic foot of air you send outside must be replaced by unconditioned outdoor air leaking in through cracks—air your HVAC system must heat or cool from scratch. An ERV recovers 60–80 percent of that otherwise lost energy. For a 2,000 sq ft home in New Tazewell, that typically translates to HVAC savings of 300–600 kWh of electricity and 100–150 therms of natural gas or equivalent heat-pump runtime per year, depending on usage. While exact savings vary, most customers see a 10–20 percent reduction in overall heating and cooling costs, often paying back the equipment in 3–7 years while enjoying superior air quality.
What maintenance does an ERV require, and how often should it be serviced?
ERVs are low-maintenance but do need periodic attention to perform at their best. 1) Filters: The supply and exhaust filters should be vacuumed or replaced every 3 months (more often if you have pets or high pollen counts). 2) Core cleaning: Once a year, remove the heat-exchange core and rinse it with a mild soap solution—never use harsh chemicals. 3) Condensate drain: In humid months, check that the drain line is clear to avoid water buildup. 4) Vent hoods: Inspect outside grilles each season for leaves, snow, or insect nests. During your annual HVAC tune-up, our technicians include ERV checks, calibrate airflow, and verify balancing dampers so you don’t have to climb into the attic.
Are there incentives or rebates available in Tennessee for installing an ERV, and can you help with the paperwork?
Yes. TVA’s EnergyRight program and some local utilities in Claiborne County offer rebates of $100–$250 for qualifying ERV installations that meet ENERGY STAR® efficiency levels. Additionally, if your ERV is part of a broader heat-pump or weatherization upgrade, you may qualify for low-interest financing or on-bill repayment. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act can cover 30 percent of the installed cost (up to $1,200 annually) when the ERV is part of a whole-home efficiency upgrade. Our office tracks current incentives, completes required airflow test documentation, and submits rebate forms on your behalf so you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.