Vents on the ceiling of a building what are connected to an energy recovery ventilator

With pollution, dust, and debris on the rise, having access to clean and fresh air has become critical. Because of this, most homeowners keep doors and windows closed to prevent contaminants in the air from infiltrating the indoors.

You could also be doing this because of constant allergy flare-ups and respiratory problems. While this may work, the chances of poor air quality indoors may follow—especially if you have a large family or pets staying inside your home.

However, there is a way to ensure clean and fresh air circulation and regulate humidity levels. And that is by installing an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) in your home. 

But, before you decide to invest in one, you might want to do your research and learn all about what an ERV is, how it works, and what benefit sit has to offer. This is surely going to have you content with the investment and be wary of the purchase you have made. To learn about it all, read ahead. 

What Is An Energy Recovery Ventilator?

An ERV is an intricate ventilation system with one core aim—drawing clean air from outside to make your home healthy to live. This ventilation system acts as a ventilator and air exchanger between the outdoor and inside air.

An energy recovery ventilator exchange component and vents on a home's exterior

The salience is the regulation and balancing of moisture and humidity in your home and improved air quality. They can be installed in residential homes and commercial properties and have become valuable additions to architectural structures.

How Does An Energy Recovery Ventilator Work? 

An energy recovery ventilator works by drawing in air from the outside and pulling it in. This process uses two ventilation ducts placed alongside each other to exchange two different streams of air—fresh air from outside and stale air present indoors.

Fans that do not allow the two types to cross are contained between these ducts. The fans filter the air, eliminating dust, debris, and any potential pathogens from coming inside your home. As this happens, poor quality and stale air from inside your home are released outside.  

As a result, you get clean and fresh air inside your home. ERVs also have a heat exchanger inside of them to balance out moisture and humidity levels as needed. As a result, you can expect your home to stay cool during the hot summer months and warm as temperatures outside start to drop. 

Benefits of Installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator

The benefits of ERVs are far-reaching, making them a truly worthy investment. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Consistent Humidity and Moisture Levels

One drawback of humidity inside the home is the potential development of mold spores. When left unattended and untreated, mold outbreaks can be hazardous to health, and can even lead to black mold poisoning.

If you suffer from frequent mold outbreaks, it’s time to regulate humidity levels inside your home. An ERV is an effective way to do this as it manages the moisture in the air. 

Clean And Fresh Air At All Times

Improved air quality is a given with an ERV. By extracting unwanted dust and debris, you can expect clean and fresh air at all times.

If you suffer from frequent allergy flare-ups or have respiratory problems, an ERV is an investment that can do wonders for your health. By removing contaminants and dust particles from the air, a safe and healthy environment can be ensured for you and your loved ones. 

Temperature Stability Throughout Your Home 

No one likes uneven temperatures in their homes, which can result in constant wardrobe changes when moving from room to room. However, you can achieve consistent temperatures throughout your home with an ERV. 

Tips to Maximize The Efficiency of Your ERV

ERVs come with payoffs that are pretty worth it. And there are a few ways to enhance these benefits. By following the proper maintenance and care tips, you can improve the life span of your ERV and optimize its efficiency. Here are some you should keep in mind when installing an ERV. 

  • Inspect your energy recovery ventilator every 4–6 months. You can do this yourself or get in touch with a professional service provider.
  • Have your ERV installed by a reliable provider, which is essential to ensure it operates efficiently. 
  • Stay up to date with your ERV maintenance and servicing.
  • Keep an eye out for the signs indicating wear and tear, including:
    • Build up of moisture on your walls and windows
    • Potent and foul odors inside your home
    • Frequent mold outbreaks
    • Knocking and rumbling sounds coming from your ERV
    • Air that is stuffy, hot, and humid 
    • Water leaking from your ERV 
  • Clean the filter twice a year at a minimum. The accumulation of dust and debris can impact the ERVs’ efficiency and compromise air quality inside your home. Regular cleaning is essential. However, try to avoid giving it a power wash as the pressure can damage the intricate components of the ERV. 

How Long Can You Expect Energy Recovery Ventilators To Last? 

On average, you can expect your ERV to have a life span of 15–20 years. However, this assumes proper maintenance and care is given.

The interface of an ERV system's control panel that reads, "maintenance"

Moreover, installing an energy recovery ventilator can add value to your home, fetching you a high selling price if you decide to sell. Despite being a bit heavy on the wallet, this added value is why an ERV is a fruitful long-term investment.

The Final Verdict – An Investment That Reaps High Returns!

Knowing how an energy recovery ventilator works can help you identify its potential benefits and make it easier to spot any discrepancies. As a result, you can ensure your ERV is operating efficiently.

ERVs have made their presence in many homes due to their long-lasting benefits. Finally, you can say goodbye to humidity, poor quality air, and foul odors once and for all!

However, make sure to invest in a high-quality ERV and have it installed by a professional service provider. 

To learn more about ERVs, visit our website. We have a wide variety of resources related to everything ERVs!

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