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What Is a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) System and What Does It Do?
These HVAC additions are a breath of fresh air for your home
Photo: Maskot / Getty Images
Photo: Maskot / Getty Images
Highlights
HRV systems circulate fresh and clean air through your home.
They also help warm your home and prevent heat loss.
HRV systems are used in new, airtight homes to add ventilation.
They’re similar to ERV systems, but HRV systems don’t transfer moisture.
Regular maintenance will keep your HRV system in good shape.
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Having a tightly sealed home is a great way to keep your house comfortable and manage energy costs—but without proper ventilation, your airtight home can feel muggy and stuffy. These days, one of the most common ventilation options is a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system, which replaces your stale air inside with fresh air from outside. Here’s what you should know about HRV systems, including how they work and who they’re best for.
What’s an HRV System?
As part of your home’s HVAC system, a heat recovery ventilator system (also known as an HRV or HRV system) is a piece of equipment that keeps your home well-ventilated, dry, and comfortable by circulating fresh air into your home and stale air out of it. HRV systems also ensure that the air you breathe is safe and healthy.
HRV systems work by collecting the stuffy air in your house and pushing it through a heat exchanger. At this point, the HRV system sucks heat and moisture from the outgoing air and uses it to warm up fresh air that it brings in from outside. Thanks to this heat transfer, there’s less stress on your furnace and the rest of your HVAC system. Plus, since the HRV removes moisture from the air, there’s less potential for mold and mildew to build up in your home.
Are HRV Systems Necessary?
It depends on the design and age of your house whether or not you really need an HRV system. Compared to older constructions, newly-built homes are far more airtight and have fewer leaky areas for air to flow between the inside and outside of your house.
While this is great for heat retention, it also means that dirty air can get stuck indoors. As a result, modern and renovated properties often need ventilation systems (like HRVs) to push old air out and pull clean air in.
Pros and Cons of HRV Systems
Should you buy an HRV system? Weigh the pros and cons as you make your decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Retains some humidity | Requires a lot of space to install |
| Energy efficient | Need to clean/replace air filters |
| Improves indoor air quality | Best for already airtight homes |
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HRV vs. ERV Systems
Photo: Schon / Moment / Getty Images
HRVs aren’t the only option you have in terms of ventilation systems. There’s also something called an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system, which works similarly to an HRV system. So, what is the difference between HRV and ERV systems? Here’s a quick overview.
| HRV | ERV |
|---|---|
| Pushes moisture outside | Removes humidity |
| Slightly more energy efficient | Slightly less energy efficient |
| Best for colder climates | Best for hot/humid climates |
On one hand, both HRVs and ERVs serve the same basic purpose: extracting stale air from inside your house and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. With either of the two, you won’t have to rely as much on your HVAC system, which could help to prolong its life span.
Here’s the main difference between HRV and ERV systems: While HRV systems take indoor moisture and push it outside, ERV systems circulate that moisture to keep your house warm and cozy. HRVs are also a bit more efficient than ERVs.
Trying to figure out which one is better for your home? Experts recommend HRVs for people who live in colder climates because these ventilation systems have built-in defrosting functionality. If your area is hot and humid, an ERV system is preferable because it removes humidity from the air more effectively.
HRV System Maintenance Tips
If you decide that an HRV system is right for your home, reach out to a local HVAC company to discuss your options. They can advise you on the best type of HRV system for your house, answer any ventilation-related questions, and schedule your installation.
After installation, use these HRV maintenance tips to make sure your system stays in tip-top shape.
Clean air filters every other month: Every two months, remove the air filters from your HRV system and vacuum any dust off of them. Then, soak them in warm, soapy water before rinsing them and letting them dry completely.
Replace air filters every six to 12 months: You’ll also want to replace your air filters when they’re super dirty or worn down. Once or twice a year should be fine for most households.
Keep an eye on the vents: Every so often, inspect your HRV system vents to make sure they’re debris-free. This is particularly important in winter when snow or ice can get inside your system.
Check out the rest of the system: Consult your user manual for specific instructions on which parts of your system you should check and clean. Some examples might include the condensate drain, heat exchange core, and ductwork.
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