Fresh Air in a Tight Home: HRVs and ERVs Explained
Newer homes in Vaughan are built much tighter than older ones. That’s great for heating bills, but it means stale air, cooking smells and moisture don’t leak out on their own. That’s what HRVs and ERVs are for.
What they do
A ventilator pulls stale air out of the house (usually from bathrooms and the kitchen area) and brings fresh outdoor air in. Inside the unit, the two airstreams pass each other in a core without mixing. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, so in winter you’re not bringing in freezing air. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) also transfers some moisture.
HRV or ERV?
In the GTA climate, both are used. An HRV removes more moisture in winter, which helps in homes with condensation on windows. An ERV keeps more humidity indoors in winter and lets in less humid air in summer, which suits homes that feel too dry in winter or have a lot of air conditioning. Many new homes in Ontario come with an HRV installed by the builder.
Common problems we see
- The unit was turned off years ago because someone found it noisy or thought it wasted heat.
- Filters and the core haven’t been cleaned, so airflow is close to zero.
- Outdoor intake hoods blocked by leaves, snow or a nest.
- Airflows never balanced, so the house runs under slight negative pressure.
Simple upkeep
Clean or replace the filters every two to three months, wash the core once or twice a year (check your manual), keep the outside hoods clear, and make sure the condensate drain on an HRV isn’t plugged.
Signs your home needs more ventilation
Condensation on windows in winter, lingering cooking smells, stuffy bedrooms in the morning, or musty basements. If you have an HRV that isn’t running, it may be the easiest improvement you can make.
See our indoor air quality services or contact us at 647-657-2977 to have your HRV or ERV serviced or balanced in Vaughan.
