Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) have become mandatory additions in most new-build homes in Ontario.

These ventilation systems offer many benefits and can positively impact your health. In this blog, we outline exactly what HRVs and ERVs are and why they are important.

What Are HRVs and ERVs?

Both HRVs and ERVs are mechanical ventilation systems that improve the air quality in your home. They work by introducing fresh air into your house, which is a key component of good indoor air quality.

An HRV transfers heat while bringing the humidity level closer to the outdoor humidity level, and replaces stale air with fresh air.

An ERV also replaces stale air with fresh air but has less of an impact on changing the indoor humidity level.

How Do HRVs and ERVs Work?

An HRV is a good choice if you don’t have air conditioning, or live in a less humid climate, as it helps to keep humidity down by transferring excess indoor moisture outside.

An ERV is an ideal option for the climate in Southern Ontario because we have months that are very humid and months where it is very dry. An ERV will help to keep moisture outside in the summer and inside in the winter.

What Are the Benefits?

All new-build homes are built to be completely airtight, which means that they keep everything inside: good air and bad air.

This isn’t good for anyone’s health, as it means that chemicals and bacteria can linger in your air, as well as food smells and everyday things like nailpolish and household cleaners. This can be especially difficult for allergy and asthma sufferers or homes with pets.

By law, you need to exchange the air in your home, which is why these ventilation systems are now mandatory in all new-build homes.

Older homes can also benefit greatly from an HRV or ERV because they help to control:

• Allergens
• Mould, bacteria, & germs
• Household chemicals
• Humidity imbalances
• Home odours
• Stale air
• Ozone
• Dry skin

If you have any questions about HRVs or ERVs, or how you can improve your home’s indoor air quality, please contact Bryan’s Fuel here. A member of our team will be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through determining what will improve the air quality in your home!