Whole-house ERVs
Whole-house ERVs | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Oneida
Imagine every room in your Oneida home filled with crisp, fresh air—summer and winter alike—while your energy bills stay pleasantly low. HEP’s whole-house ERVs work hand-in-hand with our expert heating and cooling services, continuously exchanging stale indoor air for filtered outdoor air and reclaiming up to 90% of the temperature you’ve already paid to condition. The result is a quieter, more comfortable living space that actively removes excess humidity, odors, allergens, and airborne pollutants before you ever notice them.
Because top-tier ventilation and air quality shouldn’t be a luxury, our certified technicians custom-design each ERV system to fit your home’s square footage, ductwork, and lifestyle needs. From the first on-site assessment to ongoing maintenance, we make healthy air simple—so you can breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy every season in Oneida with total peace of mind.
FAQs
What is a whole-house ERV and how does it work with my existing HVAC system?
A whole-house Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilation device that continually exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two air streams. In winter, it captures heat from the outgoing air and pre-warms the incoming air; in summer, it expels heat and some humidity before the fresh air enters your home. The unit is ducted into your forced-air heating and cooling system or given its own dedicated ductwork. Because the ERV handles ventilation, your furnace/air conditioner can focus solely on temperature control, resulting in balanced airflow, reduced drafts, and consistent comfort throughout your Oneida home.
Why is balanced ventilation so important in Oneida’s climate?
Oneida experiences cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers. Without controlled ventilation, moisture can build up in winter, leading to condensation, mold, and poor indoor air quality. In summer, excess humidity can make rooms feel stuffy and cause your A/C to work harder. An ERV maintains a steady, balanced exchange of air year-round, removing pollutants and controlling humidity while recovering up to 70–80 % of the heat energy that would otherwise be lost. This balance protects your home’s structure, keeps indoor air healthier, and helps your HVAC equipment run more efficiently.
I already use high-efficiency furnace filters. Will an ERV still improve my indoor air quality?
Yes. Filters capture particulates such as dust and pollen circulating in your return air, but they do not add fresh oxygen or expel indoor contaminants like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors. A whole-house ERV provides the missing ingredient—continuous fresh air—while exhausting stale, pollutant-laden air. By combining proper filtration (for particulates) with an ERV (for ventilation and humidity control), you achieve a comprehensive indoor air quality solution that filters, refreshes, and balances your home’s atmosphere.
Will installing an ERV increase or decrease my heating and cooling bills?
A correctly sized and installed ERV usually lowers overall energy costs or keeps them neutral. Traditional passive ventilation (opening windows or exhaust-only fans) lets conditioned air escape, forcing your furnace or A/C to work harder. An ERV’s heat- and moisture-exchange core recovers much of that energy. While the ERV uses a small, efficient fan motor (typically 40–120 watts), the recovered energy often offsets the electricity consumed. Homeowners in Oneida commonly see reduced winter heating demand, better humidity control in summer, and fewer temperature swings, translating to steadier, more predictable utility bills.
How loud are ERVs, and where are they usually installed?
Modern ERVs are engineered for quiet operation, producing roughly 1.0–2.0 sones—comparable to a whisper from a few feet away. The unit is generally mounted in a basement, utility room, or attic, and connected to your ductwork with insulated flex or rigid ducts to further dampen sound. Because the main fan and energy core are located away from living spaces, most homeowners do not notice the unit running outside of routine maintenance checks.
What maintenance does a whole-house ERV require, and can I do it myself?
Maintenance is straightforward and largely DIY-friendly: • Filters: Clean or replace the ERV’s washable pre-filters every 3–6 months, depending on dust levels. • Core: Remove and gently vacuum or rinse the heat-exchange core every 6–12 months; let it dry before reinserting. • Condensate Drain: Verify the drain line (if equipped) is clear to prevent water backup. • Intake/Exhaust Hoods: Inspect exterior vents twice a year for debris, snow, or insect nests. Your annual HVAC service visit should include checking the ERV’s fan motor, controls, and airflows to ensure optimal performance. Regular upkeep can be completed in under an hour and significantly extends the life of the unit while safeguarding your indoor air quality.