Balanced Ventilation Systems
Balanced Ventilation Systems | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Old Fort
Feel the difference a perfectly balanced system makes. HEP’s technicians pair cutting-edge heat and energy recovery ventilators with precision airflow tuning, so every room in your Old Fort home receives a steady stream of fresh, tempered air while stale, moisture-laden air is quietly expelled. The result is consistent temperatures, lower energy bills, and a welcome goodbye to lingering odors, dust, and excess humidity— all without opening a single window.
Because comfort is only part of the story, we place equal emphasis on ventilation and air quality. By controlling humidity, filtering allergens, and keeping CO₂ levels in check, our solutions help protect your family’s health, preserve your furniture and finishes, and create an environment where you can breathe, relax, and thrive year-round. Trust HEP to deliver responsive service, transparent pricing, and workmanship that stands the test of time.
FAQs
What is a balanced ventilation system and how does it work?
A balanced ventilation system uses two dedicated fans and separate duct runs—one to bring in fresh outdoor air and one to exhaust stale indoor air—at roughly the same rate. This keeps indoor air pressure neutral, which prevents unwanted drafts and moisture migration. Most modern balanced systems in Old Fort incorporate a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy-recovery ventilator (ERV). The HRV/ERV core transfers 60-90 % of the heat (and, with an ERV, some moisture) from the outgoing air stream to the incoming air, so you get continuous fresh air without a big penalty on your heating or cooling energy use.
Why are balanced ventilation systems important for homes and businesses in Old Fort?
Old Fort’s humid summers and cool winters create conditions where buildings are closed up for long periods, trapping humidity, odors, allergens and potentially radon. Because newer construction and many recent weatherization projects have greatly tightened local building envelopes, natural leakage is no longer enough to guarantee healthy indoor air. A balanced system supplies the ASHRAE-recommended amount of fresh air year-round, expels excess moisture that can foster mold, dilutes indoor pollutants from cooking and cleaning, and maintains comfort without causing drafts or energy waste.
Will a balanced ventilation system raise my utility bills?
When paired with an HRV or ERV, a balanced system typically has little to no net increase in energy use—and can even lower overall costs. The small fans consume about the same electricity as a couple of LED bulbs, while the heat-exchange core recovers most of the thermal energy you already paid to heat or cool. Because indoor humidity and pollutant levels are better controlled, your primary HVAC equipment often runs less, extending its service life. Duke Energy and other regional utilities also offer rebates of $150-$300 for qualifying HRV/ERV installations, further offsetting operating costs.
How do I know what size or type of balanced ventilation system my property needs?
Proper sizing is based on floor area, number of occupants, building tightness, and the intended use of each space. Our Old Fort team performs a blower-door test, evaluates existing HVAC capacity, and applies ASHRAE 62.2 or 62.1 ventilation standards to calculate the required cubic feet per minute (CFM). We then recommend an HRV for predominantly heating climates or an ERV if controlling summer humidity is a priority. Residential units usually range from 80-200 CFM, while small commercial spaces may require 300 CFM or more. A professional design ensures optimal air distribution, low noise, and code compliance.
What routine maintenance does a balanced ventilation system require?
Regular upkeep is straightforward. 1) Change or clean the intake and exhaust filters every 3-6 months to keep airflow efficient and protect the HRV/ERV core. 2) Inspect and wipe down the heat-exchange core annually; most cores slide out and rinse clean with a mild detergent. 3) Make sure condensate drains are clear and the frost-control damper operates freely. 4) Every two years, a certified technician should check fan bearings, balance the airflows, and verify controls. Following these steps keeps the system quiet, energy-efficient, and covered under manufacturer warranties.
Can a balanced ventilation system be retrofitted into an existing building, and how long does installation take?
Yes. Most HRV/ERV units are compact (about the size of a large suitcase) and can be mounted in a mechanical closet, attic, or basement. Flexible, insulated ducting is routed through joist bays or dropped ceilings, so only small ceiling diffuser grilles are visible. In a typical Old Fort home, installation takes 1-2 days, including commissioning and airflow balancing. Light commercial retrofits may take 3-4 days but can often be staged to minimize business disruption. If you’re already upgrading your furnace or air conditioner, combining projects can reduce total labor costs and qualify you for bundled utility incentives.