Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Rockford
Breathe easier all year in Rockford with HEP’s cutting-edge Energy-Recovery Ventilators. By capturing up to 90% of the energy from outgoing air, our ERVs pre-condition fresh air before it enters your home, keeping temperatures consistent while easing the load on your furnace or AC. The result is lower utility bills, balanced humidity, and a constant supply of crisp, filtered air—no more stuffy rooms or lingering odors, even during peak Midwest weather swings.
Pairing an ERV with our proven heating and cooling solutions gives you full control over ventilation and air quality without sacrificing comfort. From seamless installation to 24/7 emergency service, our local technicians fine-tune every system to your home’s unique layout, ensuring pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture are whisked away at the source. Discover how effortlessly sustainable healthy living can be when you trust Rockford’s own HEP.
FAQs
What is an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) and how does it improve indoor air quality in Rockford homes?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation device that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams. In Rockford’s climate—where winters are cold and summers can be muggy—this heat-and-moisture exchange is critical. In winter, the ERV captures warmth and humidity from outgoing air to pre-condition the incoming cold, dry air, reducing drafts and static while keeping your furnace from running overtime. In summer, it expels heat and excess humidity before the fresh air enters your ductwork, easing the load on your air conditioner. The result is continuous fresh air, lower concentrations of pollutants like VOCs, pet dander, and viruses, and noticeably more consistent comfort throughout the home.
Why is an ERV a smart investment for the Rockford area compared with a traditional heat-recovery ventilator (HRV)?
Rockford sits in a mixed-humid climate zone. An HRV only transfers sensible heat, so it can overdry your home in winter and add unwanted moisture in summer. An ERV transfers both heat and moisture, allowing it to maintain balanced humidity year-round. That means fewer winter nosebleeds, less summer stickiness, and lower energy bills because your humidifier and dehumidifier—or your furnace and A/C—don’t have to work as hard. Local energy codes recognize this efficiency advantage, and ComEd and Nicor frequently offer rebates on qualifying ERV installations, making the payback period even shorter.
How much energy can I expect to save by adding an ERV to my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Savings vary by home size, insulation levels, and occupant habits, but ERVs typically recover 60–80 percent of the heat and moisture that would otherwise be exhausted. For many Rockford homeowners, that translates to 10–20 percent lower heating costs in winter and 5–15 percent lower cooling costs in summer. Because the equipment also reduces the need for standalone humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and bathroom fans, total electrical demand often drops by a few hundred kilowatt-hours per year. Most homeowners recoup the installation cost in 3–7 years through utility savings and rebate incentives.
Will an ERV work with my current HVAC setup, or do I need to replace my furnace or air conditioner?
In most cases, you can integrate an ERV with your existing forced-air system. The unit ties into the return-air plenum and uses dedicated supply and exhaust ducts to the outdoors. A small inline fan circulates the air, so your main blower doesn’t have to run continuously. If you have a ductless heat pump or radiant system, we can install a standalone ERV with its own low-profile ductwork or ceiling diffusers. Our technicians perform a free airflow calculation to ensure the ERV you select provides sufficient air exchanges without affecting the static pressure of your current equipment.
What does the installation process look like, and how long does it take for a typical Rockford residence?
A standard retrofit in a single-family home takes one working day. We start with a site assessment to locate an exterior wall or roof penetration away from exhaust vents or dryer outlets. On installation day we: 1) cut two 6-inch openings for fresh-air intake and stale-air exhaust, 2) mount the ERV in the basement, utility room, or attic, 3) run insulated duct runs to your HVAC return and to key living spaces, 4) connect condensate drainage, 5) seal and insulate all joints to ICC code, and 6) commission the unit, balancing airflow to 0.35 air changes per hour as recommended by ASHRAE. We leave you with a written report of airflow readings and manufacturer warranties.
How often should an ERV be serviced, and what maintenance can I do myself?
ERVs are low-maintenance, but regular care protects performance: • Monthly/seasonal: Check the washable filters; vacuum or rinse with warm water when dirty. • Twice a year: Inspect the core for dust and pollen buildup; gently vacuum or soak per the manual. • Winter: Make sure exterior hoods are free of snow and ice. • Spring: Confirm that the condensate drain is clear before humid weather arrives. We recommend a professional tune-up every 12 months to verify motor operation, clean the fans, lubricate bearings, and rebalance airflow. A full service visit takes about an hour and typically coincides with your annual HVAC inspection, so you can bundle the appointment and save on labor costs.