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Here in Georgia, we experience some incredibly hot and humid weather. Thankfully, you have an air conditioner that keeps your home cool and comfortable. It’s no secret that the way to keep that highly prized conditioned air inside is to keep your doors and windows shut when the AC is going.
However, by doing just that, your home’s indoor air quality can suffer. You’ve undoubtedly experienced the staleness of conditioned air and might be tempted to open a door or window to let some fresh air in. How can you enjoy optimal home comfort when you can’t open a window in the heat of summer at the risk of paying more for energy? This is why regular duct testing for air leaks is just as important as proper ventilation.
This is where heat and energy recovery ventilators can really make a difference. Read on to learn how these systems can invigorate and freshen up your home’s indoor air on the hottest days of the year without running the risk of a huge utility bill. Then give us a call to schedule your HVAC installation.
What’s the difference between an HRV and an ERV, and when should each be installed?
- HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator): Transfers heat between outgoing and incoming air, providing fresh air while retaining warmth. Best for cold, dry climates with long heating seasons.
- ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator): Transfers both heat and moisture, maintaining indoor humidity balance. Ideal for humid or warm climates with heavy cooling needs.
- Installation Tip: HRVs and ERVs are often added during HVAC installation to boost energy efficiency and indoor air quality based on climate needs.
What Are HRVs and ERVs in HVAC Systems?
HRVs and ERVs are indoor air quality systems that are designed to bring fresh air into the home without suffering the loss of conditioned air. They work by using the energy that’s in the air to adjust the temperature of the fresh air coming into your home.
HRVs are generally recommended for areas that have longer heating seasons than cooling seasons. ERVs are generally recommended for areas that have longer cooling seasons than heating seasons. ERVs are also better for humid climates, just like ours here in Georgia.
How HRVs and ERVs Work to Improve Indoor Air Quality
In a nutshell, an ERV system works by exchanging your home’s stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. But what about the temperature of the air? The ERV recovers part of the heat and moisture difference in the airstreams. This is why they’re called heat and energy recovery ventilators.
ERVs consist of two fans and a heat exchanger. One fan pulls fresh air into the home and the second pushes the stale, indoor air outside. The heat exchanger works to transfer heat and moisture from one air stream to the other, preventing any loss of heat from this ventilation method. To maximize efficiency, pairing an ERV system with proper duct insulation in your home ensures that conditioned air isn’t wasted during distribution.
Key Differences Between HRVs and ERVs for Home Ventilation
ERVs differ from HRVs in that they work to not only transfer heat, but moisture as well. ERVs have the ability to transfer moisture from the outgoing airstream into the incoming air. This will help keep your home’s humidity at a constant level.
In addition to bringing fresh air into your home, ERVs have the added advantage of helping to balance your home’s humidity. By helping keep moisture outside, an ERV system will reduce the workload of your air conditioner, saving on utility bills. Just like ERVs reduce energy waste, sealing and repairing leaks in your ductwork prevents air loss that can undermine your comfort and efficiency.
These systems save energy and improve your comfort easily and efficiently. Installing one of these systems into your home can give you the optimal level of comfort that you’ve been looking for—as long as you have a professional do the installation.
Contact Premier Heating & Air for HVAC installation in Warner Robins, GA and Experience the Premier Difference.