What Is A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)?

What is a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)?

Many homeowners are familiar with the different types of furnaces, air conditioners and even humidifiers that are available for their home. However, one type of HVAC equipment that many people are unfamiliar with is Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV).

Airtight Homes

To understand the benefit of an HRV, we first have to point out advancements and improvements in home building. With better building practices and materials, homes are more airtight than ever before. That’s great for efficiency, but creates another problem — limited amount of fresh air being circulated throughout the home.

What is an HRV?

A Heat Recovery Ventilator is a system that exchanges the stale indoor air with fresh, outside air. During the heating season, an HRV also captures the heat from the exhausted air and transfers it to the incoming air, preheating it before it enters the home. During the summer, an HRV can reverse this process — removing some of the heat from the incoming air.

An HRV system can be installed to be used in conjunction with your current heating systems and use the established ductwork of a forced-air system.

Balancing an HRV System

It’s extremely important to have a balanced HRV system — ensuring the same amount of air is being expelled and brought in. An unbalanced system can result in poor airflow and poor heat recovery. It can also lead to a difference in air pressure inside and outside your home. When you have an HRV system installed, make sure the work is done by a reputable HVAC company that will take the time to balance the system.

Contact us today for more information.

Martino HVAC serves the GTA along with Durham, Halton, Peel, York, and Quinte & Kawartha regions. We provide reliable heating and cooling installation and repair to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

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