A good ventilation system circulates fresh air into the home from the outdoors while getting rid of stagnant air already present in the living space. This means that the air you breathe is healthier, and the temperature inside your home is more consistent. When it comes to installing ventilation systems, ERV and HRV systems are the two main types. Which is the better option? Let’s take a look at each to help you decide which ventilation system is best for your home in California.
What Is an ERV System?
An ERV (energy recovery ventilator) is a ventilation system that moves both humidity and heat. It means that this type of system works well in locations that need heating and cooling throughout the year. Your living space will maintain the same temperature, regardless of the heat and humidity that is present outside. These units work well in drafty homes that may be older with less insulation.
Since these systems move humidity, a home that has more occupants might want to use this option. This is because indoor humidity levels increase greatly with more people taking showers and cooking. Humidity levels can also rise when plants are in the living space.
What Is an HRV System?
An HRV (heat recovery ventilator) is a ventilation system that focuses on moving heat in and out of the home. This type of system will work for newer homes that do not suffer from drafty doors and windows. It retains moisture in the living space to minimize dry air. The temperature indoors remains comfortable, and the fresh air tends to be free from allergens.
This type of system is great for a cooler climate that is relatively dry. It provides the effect of opening a window to let a cool breeze in without changing the humidity in the space.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Both of these ventilation options are viable in California. However, the state’s climate varies a bit, and the needs of someone living in Northern California won’t be exactly the same as those of someone living in the southern part of the state. Let’s compare both systems by looking into each in a more in-depth manner.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer is the main purpose of these units, so both will be good options for removing stale air and bringing in fresh air. Warm air from outside passes over a heat exchanger to cool it before it reaches you. The opposite happens when the air outside is cool. This cold air heats as it enters the home to help moderate the temperature inside.
An ERV system’s strength is removing moisture from the air. This is not an issue in California. The air is not typically excessively dry either, so the unit may be working to unnecessarily cut levels of humidity in your home. This can decrease the level of efficiency of the unit.
However, since heat alone is the main focus of an HRV system, it is more efficient. When trying to maintain a specific temperature in your home is your primary concern, you use less energy, making these units more viable for a home in California where temperatures are milder.
Energy Efficiency
Both of these systems are practical options, and either would be effective. However, when you live in a part of California like Roseville, an ERV might not be your best choice or your most energy-efficient alternative. Our area has very little humidity most of the year. Since an ERV system also manages humidity levels, relying on one might use more energy than you need to. When it comes to the numbers, both systems have efficiency ratings between 60% and 90%, but California has some of the highest energy costs. Selecting the solution that has the best efficiency for your particular needs will help lower your utility bills.
Air Quality
Regardless of your choice, both of these systems will improve your indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for your home. The ventilation they promote brings in fresh air to circulate in your residence. This reduces the presence of pollen, pollutants, allergens, mold, and other contaminants in the air, and that helps alleviate the symptoms of allergies and respiratory conditions.
Home Design
Moisture management is at the very core of the difference between an ERV and an HRV. HRV deals with moisture by crossing the incoming and outgoing air streams, which leaves the moisture on the heat exchanger as condensation or frost. This is why these types of units have defrosters. ERVs, on the other hand, move some of the moisture into the incoming air. When it comes to home design, the contrast is more significant.
With smaller and more simply designed homes, an HRV will better and more efficiently manage heat exchange, so there’s no need for humidity management. Conversely, with more complex and larger homes, there’s a distinct advantage to an ERV. Its humidity control, when coupled with differing insulation levels, will create a more even and comfortable ventilation experience.
Installation and Maintenance
Both ERV and HRV systems require a fairly high initial investment, but the potential savings on your energy bill should soon make up for the expenditure. With an ERV, you must set up drains for the moisture that collects after you connect it to the ducts in your existing HVAC system. In addition, you must wire the new installation into the electrical system so that it can operate.
This new equipment will require regular maintenance to keep its efficiency level high. You should change the filters routinely, and have a professional technician inspect the heat exchange core and clean the fan annually. This will extend the life of your ventilation system. With ERV systems, you will need to do some additional maintenance. Since the unit has a drain where condensation sits, clogs can occur occasionally. To prevent this, check and clean the drain. With regular maintenance, both of these ventilation systems will last up to 20 years.
Integration With Current System
The best feature of both ERV and HRV systems is how they integrate with current HVAC setups. Both are directly connectable to the return air duct of your system. This brings fresh air flowing freely into the device and allows it to push exhaust air out. Of course, this kind of installation requires a licensed HVAC technician like those we have on staff at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions. Arrange a consultation with us, and we can help you decide on which ventilation system best suits your home’s comfort profile.
Choosing a Ventilation System in California
When selecting which ventilation system works best, consider the core function of each, along with the size of your household and the climate where you live. HRV systems are ideal for milder climates that do not have a high amount of humidity, while ERV systems work best in a hot, humid environment. Fortunately, we’re blessed with a mild climate in Roseville, CA, and our team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions has been providing quality heating and cooling services to this area since 2010. We also offer plumbing services to the local community. Contact Environmental Heating & Air Solutions today for more information about ventilation systems!
