Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) are growing in popularity with homeowners across the country. Whether you’ve heard about them or are just starting your research, these Energy Star-certified ventilation devices are perhaps best known for their ability to use less energy compared to standard models. However, they also offer several other benefits. From lower energy bills to better-quality air, HRVs are an excellent choice for improving home comfort, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of switching to one of these systems.
1. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Who doesn’t want to breathe a bit easier in their home? Indoor air quality is influenced by many factors, making it a bit challenging to improve precisely. That is, until HRVs. These devices are proven to reduce pollutants by effectively removing stale air. HRVs can also remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like perfumes from strong-smelling products, making the air in your home that much healthier.
It’s worth noting that normal air filters struggle to get rid of VOCs, largely because they can’t replace indoor air with outdoor air. HRVs, by contrast, continuously exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
2. Increased Energy Efficiency Through Heat Recovery
Advancements in technology mean that many of our devices are now made with energy efficiency in mind. This leads to reduced utility bills and better appliance functionality. HRV systems are capable of recovering and retaining heat from expelled air and transferring it to incoming air. This is a significant benefit, as it reduces the energy needed to warm outdoor air, meaning your home can be easily kept at a comfortable temperature.
Traditional ventilation methods and systems aren’t capable of exchanging air, and thus can’t match the energy efficiency of HRVs. Although this is an upgraded system, it will not impact your energy bills in a negative way and actually works to reduce your home’s carbon footprint through intelligent design.
3. Effective Humidity Control
Humidity isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also cause problems within your home. This additional moisture is hard to get rid of, let alone mitigate in the first place. Left unresolved, it might lead to mould growth and cause structural damage. But, you guessed it, HRVs can help put a stop to that. In addition to expelling stale indoor air, the device also removes moisture quickly and easily.
Worried about the air becoming too dry? HRVs maintain a certain moisture level, giving you more control during warm weather and cool temperatures. No more static energy or sore throats, meaning your home will be a haven of comfort in all seasons.
Quick Tips for Maintaining Your HRV System
- Leave your HRV system on at all times to ensure your home is always reaping the benefits of this device.
- Enlist a trusted and accredited contractor to service your HRV yearly. Ideally, this professional can service your furnace at the same time.
- Clean your unit frequently, and ensure the filter is changed every three months.
Quality Home Maintainance with Top Hat
The benefits of HRVs don’t end here. They can also increase your property value, have straightforward maintenance needs, and are praised for their quiet operation. At Top Hat, we’ve seen and heard firsthand from homeowners who can’t imagine their homes without an HRV system. As an accredited contractor, our team can install and maintain these devices with ease in homes of any size. To learn more about HRVs or schedule an appointment, contact us today.