Sheet Metal & Ventilation · Property Services

Fresh-Air Ventilation (ERV & HRV) Installation

Modern, airtight homes keep energy in, but they also keep stale air, moisture and pollutants in. A whole-house ventilation system brings fresh air in and exhausts stale air out while recovering most of the heat or coolness. NorTech connects you with vetted licensed HVAC contractors who set their own price and design balanced systems.

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HRV or ERV: what is the difference

Both units move air in and out through a heat exchange core. An HRV recovers heat, which suits cold climates, while an ERV recovers both heat and moisture, which helps in humid or mixed climates. The right choice depends on your climate and indoor humidity. Sizing follows ventilation standards based on floor area and the number of bedrooms. Describe your climate, your humidity problems and how many people live in the house, since those details guide the choice between an ERV and an HRV.

Ducts, controls and balance

The unit connects to supply and exhaust ducts or to the existing HVAC system. Fresh air intakes are placed away from exhaust outlets, plumbing vents and garages. Controls adjust fan speed by schedule, humidity or CO2. After installation, a technician balances airflow so supply and exhaust match. An unbalanced system pressurizes or depressurizes the house. Ask the contractor where the intake and exhaust will terminate and how far they will be from vents, dryers and garage doors to avoid pulling in odors.

Maintenance and benefits

Filters need replacing every few months and cores need cleaning once or twice a year. In return, you get steady fresh air, lower humidity, fewer odors and less condensation on windows. Ventilation also helps dilute pollutants from cooking and cleaning. Keep manuals and filter sizes in a convenient place. Ask for a maintenance guide with filter sizes and the cleaning schedule for the core, and note the dates when you service the unit. Keep the commissioning sheet with airflow readings for each room, and ask the contractor to recheck the balance after the first season of use.

When to book fresh-air ventilation (erv & hrv) installation

Your house feels stuffy or humid.

You have an airtight new or retrofitted home.

Condensation forms on windows.

Allergies or odors are a problem.

Code requires mechanical ventilation.

You are upgrading to a heat pump system.

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Backed by your provider’s warranty. If covered work fails, your provider makes it right — free.

Frequently asked

Fresh-Air Ventilation (ERV & HRV) Installation — common questions

Tight homes benefit, and new codes often require it. The contractor can assess your house. A clear scope of work protects both you and the provider. A short written scope keeps expectations clear for both sides.

It recovers most of the heat or coolness that would be lost with ordinary ventilation. Ask the provider to explain the trade-offs between the options they recommend.

Current units run at a low hum, especially when they sit on vibration pads away from bedrooms and use flexible connectors. Sound varies by model and speed, so ask for the rating and where the unit will be placed.

Replace the filters about every three to six months, depending on air quality, and rinse or vacuum the core once or twice a year. Your installer can leave a schedule and the filter sizes.

Many installations take one to two days, with the time depending on how much ductwork is needed, how hard the attic or crawlspace is to reach and whether new wall penetrations are required.

The HVAC contractor stands behind its ducting, wiring and balancing work for 90 days after startup. The ERV or HRV itself carries the manufacturer’s warranty, which often covers the core and motor for several years.

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