What is an ERV System and How Does it Work?
Are you a homeowner or builder looking for ways to have a healthy, energy-efficient home(s)?
Install ERV systems.
An ERV unit exchanges indoor air with fresh outdoor air, helping improve the indoor air quality in your Vancouver home.
It also traps pollutants and excess moisture in the indoor environment, making the air healthier.
An ERV system will also recover energy from the outgoing air, improving your home's energy efficiency and saving you money.
Our comprehensive guide will discuss what you need to know about ERV systems, including why you should install one in your Vancouver home.
Also, we'll discuss how they work to ensure you have a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
We'll also highlight Holtop Canada, a trusted supplier of HRV and ERV systems in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and British Columbia.
Read on.
What is an ERV Unit?
An energy recovery ventilation system, or ERV, is an advanced unit that transfers heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams.
This process makes it a reliable solution for maintaining indoor comfort throughout the year.
Whether in summer or winter, an ERV unit maintains optimal humidity levels in your home.
This begs the question: Do I need a dehumidifier if I have an ERV?
No, you don't.
A quality ERV unit from Holtop Canada will help manage your home's humidity while significantly reducing your energy bills.
What Does an ERV System Do?
Understanding how ERV systems work is crucial if you're looking for ways to improve indoor air quality.
Here are the main elements of ERV systems:
- Fans
An ERV unit is made of two fans: a supply and an exhaust fan.
The supply fan pulls fresh outdoor air into your home.
On the other hand, exhaust fans extract stale indoor air from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas and expel it out of the home.
- Heat Exchanger
This is the core of your ERV system.
The heat exchanger transfers moisture and heat between the incoming and outgoing air without mixing the two air streams.
- Filters
Filters trap dust, allergens, and other contaminants, ensuring clean indoor air.
- Air Ducts
Like fans, there are two air ducts—one that brings fresh outdoor air and the other that expels indoor, dirty air.
- Control System
This user interface screen allows you to adjust the settings of your ERV system based on the ventilation needs.
Some advanced ERV systems can be integrated with indoor air quality monitor to track CO2 levels, particulate matter, and other key air quality metrics.
The process starts when the supply fan pulls fresh outdoor air through the intake duct.
The fresh air passes through a filter to remove dust, pollen, allergens, etc.
Simultaneously, the exhaust fan extracts dirty air from inside your home.
This stale indoor air must also pass through a filter to ensure that larger particles like dust don't block or damage your ERV unit.
The two air streams enter the heat exchanger through close but separate ducts, allowing the transfer of heat and moisture.
Whether the heat and moisture is transferred from the incoming or outgoing air depends on the seasons:
- Humidity and Heat Exchange During Winter
Heat is transferred from warm indoor air to cold incoming air during winter.
So you might wonder, 'Should I run my ERV during winter?'
Yes, you should.
The heat exchanger core will pre-warm the incoming cold air, reducing energy heating bills.
The heat exchanger will also recover moisture from the outgoing air, preventing your Vancouver home from becoming too dry.
How Does An Energy Recovery Ventilator Work During Summer Season?
In warmer months, an ERV system works in reverse.
The heat exchanger transfers heat from the incoming, warm air to the outgoing indoor air.
This means that your air conditioning system won't have to work as hard to maintain comfortable living conditions.
The indoor, stale air will also absorb moisture from the incoming, hot air to manage the humidity levels inside.
Are you looking for the best ERV system in Vancouver?
Your search ends here.
At Holtop Canada, we have a wide selection of quality and efficient ERV systems for your Vancouver home.
Let us make your home energy efficient while ensuring a healthy indoor environment.
After passing through the heat exchanger, the now clean, fresh, and conditioned air is distributed through your home via ducts.
On the other hand, stale air is expelled into the environment, and the process repeats itself until you have a comfortable living space.
ERV System vs. HRV System
Another unit designed to improve air quality in Canada is a heat recovery system (HRV), which traps pollutants and minimizes energy loss.
HRV systems focus only on transferring heat between the incoming and outgoing air steam, depending on the season.
On the other hand, ERV systems transfer both heat and moisture between the two air streams.
Benefits of ERV Systems in Vancouver
Here are the reasons why you should consider installing an ERV unit for your Vancouver home or business:
1. Improved Indoor Air Quality
ERV systems trap contaminants such as dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds( VOCs).
For those who don't know, VOCs refer to harmful chemicals found in household items such as paints, furniture, cleaning agents, etc.
By removing these pollutants, ERV systems ensure a clean, healthy environment.
This is particularly beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Ready to make your home healthier and more comfortable?
Buy the best ERV systems from us, and we'll deliver to you whether you live in Vancouver, Lower Mainland, or British Columbia.
2. Prevent Mould Growth
The presence of moisture may encourage the growth of mould and mildew.
Exposing yourself or your loved ones to these harmful compounds may have adverse effects.
Also mould may also affect the structural integrity of your home.
An ERV unit will help prevent such issues by regulating indoor humidity.
Order effective and affordable ERV systems from us and enjoy free shipping, whether you're in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, or anywhere else in Canada.
Please note that orders delivered to addresses outside Canada will be charged a $200.00 shipping fee.
Send us an email at info@holtopcanada.com to ask questions or make an order.
3. Energy Efficiency
An efficient ERV unit may recover up to 99% of heat energy from incoming or outgoing air, depending on the season.
This makes it a far more energy-efficient way to ventilate your home than, say, opening a window.
It'll also reduce strain on your air-conditioning system.
And result?
You'll lower your energy bill while ensuring you have a comfortable living space.
4. Improved Odour Control
Odours from pets, cooking ingredients, etc. may affect your living space's comfort.
An ERV unit will remove contaminants from your house and incoming air, ensuring your home smells fresh, crisp, and clean.
Controlled Ventilation
Opening a window to let in some fresh air allows conditioned air to escape, leading to energy loss.
Also, this isn't practical during cold winter months.
However, an ERV unit lets you control how much ventilation your Vancouver home receives.
You can reduce or increase depending on the season or preference.
5. Increased Comfort Levels
An ERV unit improves indoor air quality, controls odor, and balances moisture levels, all while being energy-efficient.
This may enhance comfort and boost productivity in the long run.
Additionally, by reducing the risk of respiratory issues, it can help you save on medical expenses.
Choosing the Best ERV System for Your Home In Vancouver
Here are factors to consider to ensure you get the best ERV system for your Vancouver home:
- Budget
How much does an ERV system cost?
The cost of an ERV unit depends on the size of the system, its features, and the complexity of the installation.
Setting a budget will allow you to get an efficient, affordable ERV system.
The price of basic ERV systems ranges between $1,500 and $2,500 and is ideal for smaller spaces.
Mid-range ERV units have higher energy recovery efficiency and better filtration and may cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
If you have a larger home, consider buying a high-end energy recovery unit for about $3,500 to $4,500 or more. It has an advanced humidity control and other features.
When setting your budget, it's important to consider the installation cost, which can range between $2,000 and $4,500.
Although some homeowners may prefer to install ERV by themselves, it requires expertise and special tools.
Worry not.
At Holtop Canada, we offer premium installation services at affordable prices.
Call us at 604-222-2100 to get a quote.
- Home Size
The size of your Vancouver home is a key factor in choosing the best ERV system.
The capacity of the ERV system is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), which indicates how much air the unit can distribute per minute.
For buildings under 2,000 square feet, an ERV with 50-100 CFM rating may be sufficient.
If you're unsure, contact our knowledgeable team.
They will guide you throughout the process and ensure you get the right unit.
Hotlop Canada- Your One-Stop Shop for Buying Quality and Efficient ERV Units
Are ERV systems worth it?
Yes, they are, especially the ones bought from a reputable shop like Holtop Canada.
We have created a reputation for only supplying quality to Vancouver, Lower Mainland, and British Columbia homeowners.
Order from us today, and we guarantee your ERV unit will be delivered ASAP.
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