Heat recovery ventilator / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Zehnder ERV installed in a laundry room
HRV and ERV

Top HRV and ERV Ventilation Units: 2026 Buyer's Guide for Homeowners and Pros

...Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) into new builds and renovations is essential. This buyer guide reviews the best models on the market, evaluating their mechanical performance, core heat exchange efficiency, and operational reliability. Understanding balanced ventilation: HRV vs ERV Ke...

The importance of Cleaning HRV intakes
HRV and ERV

How to keep your HRV clean and operating efficiently

...heat recovery ventilator) clean would be a good thing to keep high on the priority list. When I say ‘many of us’ are guilty of slacking off a bit, I include myself in that group, but after a recent discovery I will certainly up my game. I usually inspected and cleaned the filter on my HRV about once a year, likely a bi...

How to choose between an HRV and ERV system
HRV and ERV

Choosing between an HRV and an ERV

...ventilator core. Note that outgoing stale air and incoming fresh air never mix in the heat recovery process; they simply pass in separate channels in the ventilator core, the heat exchanger, allowing an exchange of heat through conduction. The 'efficiency rate' of an HRV unit determines how much energy will be saved by...

Condensation on windows leads to mold & mildew in homes, ERV & HRV systems help
Ventilation

Ventilation & air exchangers

...heat exchangers, HVACs (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) or HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators). The point of these systems is to remove moisture and provide fresh air to your home that is pre-heated by the outgoing air. © Van EE The core of an HRV has small separated channels that air passes through, allowing...