Breathe Easier With an HRV or ERV
Proudly Serving Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph & Surrounding Areas
Looking to enhance your home’s air quality? If you’re considering an HRV or ERV, the experts at Able Air are ready to assist you. Our experienced ventilation system specialists have the knowledge to optimize your home’s air quality and ensure maximum indoor comfort.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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What Are HRVs & ERVs and How Do They Work?
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)
An HRV improves indoor air quality by continuously replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. As it does this, it captures heat from the outgoing air and transfers it to the cooler incoming air, reducing heat loss and working efficiently alongside your furnace. By preheating the fresh air, HRVs ease the load on your heating system while maintaining good ventilation. Additionally, during the colder months, HRVs help control high indoor humidity by exchanging moist indoor air with drier outdoor air.
Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
An ERV functions like an HRV by replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat. What sets it apart is its ability to also transfer moisture between the air streams, helping to maintain balanced indoor humidity. This reduces the workload on your humidifier and dehumidifier, improving overall energy efficiency. ERVs are especially effective in climates with high outdoor humidity and dry indoor air.
Comparison Chart
| HRV | ERV | |
| Provides fresh indoor air while reclaiming the heat in winter months | Yes | Yes |
| Removes humidity with the exhausting air in winter months | Yes | Yes* |
| Transfers outgoing humidity to the incoming air in winter months | No | Yes |
| Transfer incoming humidity to the exhausting air in summer months | No | Yes |
| * – up to 50% humidity removal |
ERV or HRV – Which to Choose?
Choosing between an HRV and an ERV depends on your climate and home needs. If your home is too humid in winter (over 60% RH), an HRV is the better option as it effectively removes excess moisture. If your home tends to be too dry, an ERV helps retain humidity, reducing the need for a humidifier.
In hot, humid summers, an ERV is generally better than an HRV, as it limits the amount of outdoor humidity brought inside. While it may not replace a dedicated dehumidifier, it can ease the load on your air conditioner.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; your ideal choice depends on your local climate, home conditions, and comfort preferences. In a perfect world, we’d have a system that automatically adjusts, but for now, it comes down to selecting the best fit for your situation.
Turning On Your HRV System
To turn on your HRV system, start by consulting the owner’s manual, as controls can vary by model. Most systems share common settings, with “Minimum” or “Vent” mode being the standard for continuous operation. For improved efficiency, many models also offer an “Intermittent” or “20/40” setting, which runs the system for 20 minutes every hour.
Best Times to Run Your HRV
Homeowners should run their HRV systems year-round to maintain optimal indoor air quality. Anytime windows and doors are closed, using the HRV ensures a steady supply of fresh air. In summer, HRVs can also help pre-cool incoming air by transferring heat to the outgoing stream, just as they transfer warmth to incoming air in winter.
