Investing in proper home ventilation is a priority for many Edmonton homeowners–and for good reason! With the right system in place, you can enjoy improved home comfort, enhanced indoor air quality, and better energy efficiency in the long run. But, if you are considering an air exchanger installation, you’ll be faced with a key decision: should you install an HRV or an ERV? In this blog post, we’ll review how both these systems work, explain the difference, and offer some important considerations for choosing between an HRV and an ERV in Edmonton.
HRV and ERV Systems Explained
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) can both function as key parts of a proper heating and cooling system in Edmonton. In order to fully understand the difference between an HRV and an ERV, you need to understand what they are and how they work.
What is a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)?
We’ve covered the basics of HRV systems before, but here’s a recap: HRVs are whole-home ventilation systems that use heat exchangers and ducts to exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air. During this process, your HRV system transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, helping you save money when the outside temperature is colder than in your own home.
In Edmonton, you’ll find HRVs in most new homes. Modern construction often prioritizes an airtight design where less heat escapes and less cold air comes in. However, this energy efficiency comes at a cost: stale indoor air. HRV systems help combat this problem by regularly introducing fresh air into your home.
If your home does not have an HRV and you are considering installing one, talk to a local HVAC professional like Weiss-Johnson. While these systems are generally beneficial, installing an HRV system in an older home can come with some challenges. We’ll assess your current heating and cooling system, identify any roadblocks, and provide you with our recommendations.
What is an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?
Much like HRVs, ERV systems help introduce fresh air into your home–but they take this one step further. Instead of simply transferring heat, ERVs also transfer moisture. In warm, humid climates, this means that the system can help reduce humidity entering your home.
While some homes have them, these systems are generally less popular in Edmonton. One disadvantage of ERVs is that they are more expensive to install and maintain than HRVs. Additionally, ERVs are best suited for warm, humid climates rather than dry, arid ones (like Edmonton’s).
What’s the Difference Between an HRV and an ERV?
As we’ve mentioned, both HRVs and ERVs serve a similar purpose. The difference comes down to one key feature: moisture control.
HRVs only exchange heat. On the other hand, ERVs transfer both heat and humidity. What does this mean in the context of your home? Think of it like this: in some climates, ERVs keep moisture in during dry periods and keep moisture outduring humid periods. On the other hand, HRVs do not humidify or dehumidify air, regardless of the outdoor conditions. They simply introduce fresh air to your home while still keeping heat in or out, depending on the season.
Should I Get an ERV or HRV?
Many homeowners wonder whether an ERV or HRV is better for their Edmonton home. In most cases, HRVs are the more practical choice. Generally speaking, these systems perform better in dry climates (like ours!) where consistent moisture control is less of a concern. Plus, in some cases, ERVs can create excess moisture in your home, leading to condensation issues.
That said, every home is different. Factors like home size, insulation quality, occupancy, and even your personal comfort preferences can impact which system is best for you. If you are still feeling unsure, contact the HVAC professionals at Weiss-Johnson! We’ll walk you through your options, comprehensively assess your home, and make a recommendation based on this information.
Weiss-Johnson: Experts in Heating and Cooling in Edmonton
As professional HVAC specialists in Edmonton, Weiss-Johnson understands that every local home is unique. Whether you are exploring options to add extra humidity to your home, are interested in improving your home’s ventilation, or simply want to better understand your HRV system, our team of experts is here to help.
Interested in learning more about our heating and cooling services? We’ve been proudly serving Edmonton and the surrounding areas for nearly 50 years. Call our office, request a quote through our website, or follow us on social media for more!
