Does keeping your home comfortable and maintaining good air quality year-round feel challenging? Ontario’s long winters and humid summers can create stuffy air indoors, especially in modern, airtight homes that limit natural airflow.

To tackle this, Ontario’s building code requires Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) in all new homes since 2011. We’ve outlined why these systems are essential for both newer and older homes, and how to choose the best one for Ontario’s climate.

What Is an ERV, and Why Is It Necessary?

An ERV exhausts stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air, which improves indoor air quality. Without natural ventilation, contaminants, allergens, and moisture can accumulate inside, leading to an uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy environment. An ERV continuously circulates fresh air, making your home feel more pleasant and comfortable.

Why ERVs and HRVs Are Superior to Exhaust Fans

ERVs and HRVs go beyond what a standard exhaust fan can offer. While a regular exhaust fan simply expels air from your home, both ERVs and HRVs capture heat from outgoing air and use it to precondition incoming air, saving energy and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. This energy-efficient exchange makes them a smarter option than traditional exhaust fans, which don’t account for heat or humidity.

The Best Option for Ontario Homes

The main difference between ERVs and HRVs lies in humidity control. HRVs focus on heat recovery, making them effective at temperature regulation but less ideal for managing moisture. ERVs, on the other hand, control both heat and humidity, making them the preferred choice for Ontario’s climate, where both cold winters and humid summers impact comfort.

Retrofitting an ERV in Older Homes

If you live in an older home, you may have noticed issues with stale air, lingering odors, or uneven temperatures due to limited natural ventilation. Retrofitting an ERV or an HRV offers an effective solution, bringing fresh air circulation, temperature control, and humidity management to your space without requiring extensive renovations that disrupt your home’s original character or layout.

Selecting the best ventilation system can be simplified with expert guidance. Bryan’s Fuel is here to help you make the right choice for your home. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote and take the first step toward better air quality.