Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Palmer
Breathe easier through Palmer’s long winters and short, pollen-filled summers with HEP’s advanced heat-recovery ventilators. Our systems quietly pull stale, moisture-laden air out of your home while capturing up to 90 % of the heat you’ve already paid for, then supply every room with a steady stream of fresh, filtered air. The result is balanced temperature control, lower energy bills, and a living space that feels as crisp and comfortable as the Mat-Su Valley morning.
We’ve paired this technology with our full-service heating and cooling expertise to tackle the one issue that matters most: ventilation and air quality. From professional sizing and airtight installation to smart controls that adapt to Palmer’s wild temperature swings, HEP handles every detail. Schedule a free home assessment today and discover how effortlessly healthy air can flow through your doors, ducts, and daily life.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it work in Palmer’s climate?
An HRV is a mechanical ventilation system that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously bringing in fresh outdoor air and transferring heat between the two airstreams. In Palmer, where winters are long and cold but summers are mild, an HRV keeps your home supplied with fresh air without sacrificing the heat you’ve already paid for. A heat-exchange core captures up to 80-90 % of the heat from outgoing air and pre-warms the incoming air, reducing the load on your furnace while still preventing moisture buildup and indoor air-quality issues.
How will installing an HRV affect my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
An HRV complements rather than replaces your HVAC equipment. It connects to your ductwork (or runs on dedicated ducts) and operates in parallel with your furnace, boiler, or heat pump, exchanging air at a low rate throughout the day. By recovering heat from exhaust air, the HRV reduces the amount of energy your heating system must supply in winter and improves overall airflow, helping your HVAC equipment distribute conditioned air more evenly. In the short Palmer summer, it can also help vent excess indoor heat at night, easing the load on any cooling equipment.
How much energy (and money) can I expect to save with a properly sized HRV?
Savings vary by home size, insulation, and occupant habits, but in Palmer’s heating-dominated climate, an HRV can typically cut ventilation-related heating losses by 60-80 %. For a 2,000-sq-ft home, that often translates to $150–$300 in annual fuel savings compared with exhaust-only fans or frequent window airing. Because the unit runs on efficient ECM fans (about the same power as a couple of LED bulbs), the electrical cost is low—usually under $5 per month—so the net payback period is often 5-8 years when combined with state energy rebates.
What maintenance does an HRV require and how often?
Routine upkeep is straightforward: (1) Clean or replace the intake and exhaust air filters every 3-4 months—more often if you have pets or a dusty environment. (2) Inspect the core twice a year (spring and fall). Most HRV cores slide out easily; a quick vacuum or mild soap rinse removes dust and ensures maximum heat transfer. (3) Check the outdoor hoods for snow, leaves, or insect screens that could restrict airflow at least once per season. Annual professional service is recommended to balance airflow, test controls, and verify the condensate drain is clear, ensuring optimum performance and warranty protection.
Will an HRV help with indoor air-quality problems like excess humidity, odors, or allergens?
Yes. By continuously exchanging indoor and outdoor air, an HRV dilutes pollutants such as VOCs, radon, cooking odors, and off-gassing from furniture. The balanced airflow also controls indoor humidity—important during Palmer’s shoulder seasons when moisture can accumulate in well-sealed homes. Integrated MERV-rated filters capture dust, pollen, and outdoor particulates before they enter your living space, improving overall air quality for allergy or asthma sufferers. Consistent ventilation also reduces condensation on windows and mold growth in bathrooms and basements.
What is involved in installing an HRV in an existing Palmer home, and what does it cost?
Most retrofits take 1-2 days. A certified technician determines the required airflow (typically 0.35 air changes per hour) and selects a location for the HRV cabinet—often the mechanical room, crawlspace, or attic. Flexible insulated ducts run to outdoor intake/exhaust hoods and tie into your main supply/return or dedicated in-room grilles. Controls can be wall-mounted timers, dehumidistats, or smart thermostats. For a typical 3-bedroom home, installed cost ranges from $3,000 to $5,500 before rebates. Alaska’s Home Energy Rebate Program or federal tax credits can offset 10-30 % of that cost, and financing options are available through local utilities.