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Last summer, we wrote a post about how an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) can benefit your home. Some of you may have noticed that energy recovery ventilators are often listed beside something called a heat recovery ventilator. Is this just the same device with a different name? Or does this “HRV” function differently? If it is different, which of the two should you get? Maybe get both?
We’ll address these questions in this post. We’re experienced with all types of indoor air quality services, and we’ve installed and serviced numerous heat and energy recovery ventilators in Dublin, GA and the surrounding areas.
The Shared Purpose of HRVs and ERVs
Both heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators are designed to improve indoor air quality by bringing fresh outdoor air into your home while exhausting stale indoor air. Modern homes are built to be tightly sealed for energy efficiency, which can trap pollutants, moisture, and odors indoors. HRVs and ERVs solve this problem by providing controlled ventilation without sacrificing comfort.
These systems use a heat exchanger to transfer energy between incoming and outgoing air streams. This process helps maintain indoor temperatures while continuously refreshing the air in your home.
How a Heat Recovery Ventilator Works
A heat recovery ventilator focuses solely on transferring heat. During the winter, an HRV captures heat from the outgoing stale air and uses it to warm the incoming fresh air. In the summer, it works in reverse by pre-cooling the incoming air with the cooler exhaust air.
HRVs are particularly effective in colder climates or in homes where excess humidity is not a major concern. They help maintain comfortable temperatures while improving air quality, but they do not manage moisture levels between air streams.
How an Energy Recovery Ventilator Works
An energy recovery ventilator transfers both heat and moisture. In addition to temperature exchange, an ERV balances humidity levels by allowing moisture to pass between the incoming and outgoing air streams.
This makes ERVs ideally suited for homes in more humid climates like Georgia’s, where controlling indoor moisture is just as important as maintaining temperature. By reducing excess humidity in the summer and retaining moisture in the winter, ERVs help create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment throughout the year.
Key Differences Between HRVs and ERVs
While these systems share similar components, their performance differs in important ways:
- HRVs transfer heat only, while ERVs transfer heat and moisture
- ERVs help manage indoor humidity levels more effectively
- HRVs are often preferred in colder, drier regions
- ERVs are ideal for humid climates or homes with moisture concerns
Choosing the right system depends on your local climate, your home’s construction, and your indoor comfort goals.
Which System Is Right for Your Home?
There is no universal answer to whether an HRV or ERV is better. Some homes benefit more from moisture control, while others need ventilation without adding humidity. Factors such as family size, existing indoor air quality issues, and HVAC system design all play a role.
With expert service and experience in advanced indoor air quality solutions, Premier Heating & Air helps homeowners choose the best system. We’ll help you breathe easier while protecting your HVAC investment.