Heat Recovery Ventilators
Heat Recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Reliance
Breathe easier every season with HEP’s advanced heat recovery ventilators, purpose-built to keep your Reliance home comfortable without wasting energy. By continuously exchanging stale indoor air with fresh, filtered outdoor air—and capturing up to 90% of the heat you’ve already paid for—our HRVs strike the perfect balance between efficiency and healthy living. The result is a noticeable boost in ventilation and air quality that you can feel with every breath.
From reducing excess humidity in sticky summers to whisking away airborne pollutants in the depths of winter, our whisper-quiet systems work around the clock so you don’t have to think about them. Pair an HRV with your existing heating and cooling equipment, or let our certified technicians design a seamless, whole-home solution that cuts utility costs and enhances daily comfort. Discover how effortless it can be to enjoy cleaner air and lower bills—schedule your free Reliance consultation with HEP today.
FAQs
What is a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and how does it work?
A Heat Recovery Ventilator is a mechanical ventilation device that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously bringing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the HRV, a heat-exchange core transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air without mixing the two airstreams. In winter, this process pre-warms the incoming fresh air; in summer, it helps pre-cool it. The result is continuous ventilation, reduced energy loss, and balanced indoor humidity levels.
Why is indoor air quality so important for my heating and air-conditioning system?
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, and may cause lingering odors or excess moisture that leads to mold growth. An HVAC system that includes proper ventilation—such as an HRV—removes pollutants, controls humidity, and supplies oxygen-rich fresh air. This not only protects your family’s health but also helps your HVAC equipment run more efficiently, since clean airflows reduce strain on fans, coils, and filters.
How does an HRV improve energy efficiency in my home?
Traditional ventilation methods (like opening windows) let conditioned air escape, forcing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder. An HRV captures 60–90 % of the heat (or cooling) from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming fresh air. This heat-recovery process significantly reduces the load on your heating and cooling equipment, cutting energy consumption and lowering utility bills while still providing continuous fresh-air exchange.
How can I tell if my home would benefit from a heat recovery ventilator?
You may need an HRV if you notice persistent condensation on windows, stale or musty odors, frequent mold growth, or increased allergy or respiratory symptoms among occupants. Homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency often lack natural air exchange, trapping pollutants indoors. A professional IAQ assessment from Reliance can measure humidity, carbon dioxide, and contaminant levels to determine whether an HRV is the right solution.
What maintenance does a heat recovery ventilator require?
Routine care is straightforward: (1) Clean or replace the intake and exhaust filters every 3–6 months, more often if you have pets or heavy outdoor pollution. (2) Inspect and clean the heat-exchange core annually; most cores slide out and can be rinsed with mild soap and water. (3) Check the condensate drain for clogs and ensure exterior vents are clear of debris or snow. An annual tune-up by a Reliance technician will verify fan operation, balance airflow, and keep the unit running at peak efficiency.
Can an HRV be added to my existing HVAC system, and what is the installation process like?
Yes. HRVs can be retrofitted to most forced-air heating and cooling systems as well as ductless setups. During installation, a Reliance specialist will size the unit based on your home’s square footage and airtightness, then connect dedicated intake and exhaust ducts to the HRV and tie them into your main supply and return plenums. The unit is typically mounted in a mechanical room, attic, or basement, and wired to a wall-mounted control or integrated into your smart thermostat. Most installations are completed in one day with minimal disruption.