ERV – Energy Recovery Ventilator

ERV’s are suitable for all climates including those with hot, humid summers, where homes are air-conditioned and possibly dehumidified during large parts of the year. As the HRV, the ERV recovers the heat in cold season, however, it also recuperates the energy trapped in moisture, which greatly improves the overall recovery efficiency. The ERV process is as follows: In humid climates and air conditioned homes, when it is more humid outside than inside, the ERV limits the amount of moisture coming into your home. In dry climates and humidified homes, when the humidity level is reversed, the ERV limits the amount of moisture expelled from your home.

Today’s homes are so well insulated that they trap moisture and pollutants inside. Fresh air is missing. So, without fresh air, carbon dioxide, odors, dust, airborne pollutants and excess humidity are kept indoors. More than half of all houses have visible signs of moisture and develop mold that affect the occupants. Without ventilation, there are no indoor air quality, lower comfort and a deterioration of the structure of the house.

Ventilation is a necessity. According to experts, whole-house ventilation and filtration effectively eliminate airborne pollutants and excess moisture, thereby protecting the health of your family and the structure of your home. A balanced mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery an ideal way to protect your investment and keep your home comfortably healthy.

Traditionally homes were very dry during winter due to excessive air leakage, so humidification was required for comfort and health. Once energy efficient air-sealed, homes started being built, they retained moisture and chemical contaminants that were unhealthy for the occupants and the building.

The University of Saskatchewan developed plans for an air-to-air heat exchanger built of plywood and plastic sheeting. It soon became the standard product for high performance builders who would build one for each home.

Dirk vänEE who had extensive experience from his work with the University of Saskatchewan Engineering Department joined with Rick Olmstead to develop a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) that would be small enough to be easily transported, light enough to be moved into basements and with excellent ventilation and heat recovery performance.

The Hayter Group sells and installs this ‘born in Canada’ product line. Click here to see our most popular vänEE HRV’s and ERV’s.

Air Purification

Allergies and long-term health can all be affected negatively by the quality of the air inside your home. The air inside your home can be up to 10 times worse than the outside air. It is difficult for our immune system to keep up with all the particles, germs and gases that are locked inside energy-efficient homes. Click here to learn more.