What does an HRV do? A heat recovery ventilation (HRV), also known as mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR), is an energy recovery system using equipment known as a heat recovery ventilator, heat exchanger, air exchanger, or air-to-air exchanger. This method utilizes a cross-flow or counter-flow heat exchanger (countercurrent) between the inbound and outbound air flow.
HRV's provide fresh air and improve climate control while saving energy by reducing heating costs. The exchange of old stale air crossing through a core made up of separate channels, heat up the fresh air coming into the house without physically touching the outbound air.
In Saskatchewan with our frigid winters, our furnaces work hard to heat our houses which can cause humidity issues. HRV’s can help to this cause and help reduce high humidity in housing, not to say that we don’t need moisture during the winters but we need to try and balance the moisture to avoid wet panes of glass and stale smells caused by the humidity.
As building efficiency improves with insulation and weather stripping, buildings are intentionally made more airtight, and consequently less well ventilated. HRV systems provide ventilation without the loss of heat or humidity, which could put stress on a building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HRV introduces fresh air to a structure and improves climate control while promoting efficient energy use.
We are an authorized Lennox dealer, but service all makes and models. Give us a call today to examine how an HRV in your home can enhance your air quality.
