Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Sweetwater
Breathe easier in Sweetwater with HEP’s energy-recovery ventilators, the smart way to exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air without wasting the heating or cooling you’ve already paid for. Our ERVs quietly transfer heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams, so you enjoy balanced humidity, fewer allergens, and consistently comfortable rooms—while your HVAC system works less and lasts longer.
From dusty West Texas winds to sweltering summer afternoons, Sweetwater homes face big challenges in ventilation and air quality. HEP designs, installs, and maintains custom ERV solutions that fit new builds, retrofits, and everything in between. Let our local, certified technicians show you how a single upgrade can slash energy costs, protect your family’s health, and keep every corner of your home feeling—and smelling—refreshingly clean. Reach out today and discover just how effortless fresh air can be.
FAQs
What is an Energy-Recovery Ventilator (ERV) and how does it work?
An ERV is an add-on ventilation appliance that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams. In winter it captures heat and some humidity from the outgoing air and pre-warms the incoming fresh air; in summer it rejects heat and excess moisture from the incoming air and pre-cools it before it reaches your air-conditioner. The result is balanced ventilation with minimal energy penalty compared with simply opening windows or using exhaust fans alone.
Why is an ERV especially valuable in Sweetwater’s climate?
Sweetwater experiences long cooling seasons with high humidity and short, mild heating periods. Traditional homes become sealed to conserve energy, but airtight construction traps moisture, odors, and pollutants indoors. An ERV provides the fresh-air exchanges recommended by ASHRAE without letting latent heat (humidity) flood your indoor space. You get healthier indoor air while reducing the load on your AC system, which is critical for comfort and energy savings in our hot, humid environment.
How much energy can I expect to save by installing an ERV?
Actual savings vary with home size, HVAC efficiency, and usage patterns, but studies show ERVs can recover 60-80 % of the heating or cooling energy that would otherwise be lost through ventilation. For a typical Sweetwater household, that can translate to 10-15 % lower annual HVAC operating costs compared with mechanical exhaust-only ventilation or frequently opening windows. Savings are greatest during peak summer when the ERV’s enthalpy core removes moisture and reduces the runtime of your air conditioner.
Will an ERV improve indoor air quality and help with allergies?
Yes. ERVs continuously supply filtered outdoor air while exhausting indoor contaminants such as VOCs, carbon dioxide, pet dander, and cooking odors. Because the unit operates in a balanced manner, it prevents negative pressure that can pull dust or mold spores from attics and wall cavities. Many ERVs come with MERV-8 to MERV-13 filters that capture pollen and other common allergens; upgrading to a higher-rated filter or pairing an ERV with a whole-house air purifier can provide even greater relief for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Can an ERV be integrated with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Absolutely. ERVs are designed to work with most ducted HVAC setups. A trained technician will connect the ERV’s supply and exhaust ducts to your main return or dedicated ventilation ducts, program the control board to coordinate with your thermostat, and set ventilation rates that meet building-code requirements. If you have a ductless mini-split system, a stand-alone ERV with small-diameter ducts can still provide balanced ventilation without major remodeling.
How often does an ERV need maintenance, and what does it involve?
Routine maintenance is straightforward. Filters should be inspected every 3 months and replaced or cleaned as needed—more frequently during Sweetwater’s high-pollen spring and dusty fall seasons. The enthalpy core and internal fans should be vacuumed or washed annually to maintain efficiency. A yearly professional tune-up includes checking airflow balance, cleaning the condensate drain, and ensuring controls are operating correctly. With proper care, an ERV can last 15-20 years.