Heat Recovery vs Energy Recovery Ventilators

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a Heat Recovery Ventilator and an Energy Recovery Ventilator?

A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) are systems utilized in buildings to introduce fresh air while recuperating energy from exhaust air. The main difference between HRVs and ERVs lies in the type of energy they recover. Let's walk through a comparison.

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)

• Focus primarily on heat recovery transferring sensible heat between the outgoing exhaust air and incoming fresh air streams
• Utilize heat exchangers to transfer heat, typically in the form of temperature differences, between the two air streams
• Are most effective in cold climates where there are significant differences in outdoor and indoor temperatures
• Help reduce heating costs by preheating the incoming fresh air with the heat from the exhaust air

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

• Recover both sensible heat and moisture (latent heat) from the exhaust air, providing more comprehensive energy recovery
• Incorporate desiccant materials to transfer moisture between air streams
• Prove beneficial in climates where humidity control is important, as they help maintain desired indoor humidity levels
• Are effective in both hot and cold climates, as they can recover both heat and moisture in various seasons

Key differences and considerations between HRVs and ERVs

Heat Recovery: HRVs focus on heat recovery, while ERVs recover both heat and moisture

Humidity Control: ERVs provide better humidity control by transferring moisture, especially beneficial in humid or arid climates

Seasonal Performance: ERVs maintain a balanced and comfortable indoor environment year-round by recovering both sensible and latent heat

Equipment Cost: ERVs require a higher equipment investment compared to HRVs

Pressure: ERVs have a slightly higher pressure drop than HRVs

Both HRVs and ERVs offer energy-saving benefits by reducing the load on heating and cooling systems. The choice between HRVs and ERVs depends on factors such as climate, humidity control requirements, equipment cost, pressure drop, and specific project application needs.

Consult with an HVAC professional or engineer to determine the most suitable ventilation system for your application.