Is an HRV Ventilation System Worth It? Top Benefits Explained
Is it possible to have an airtight, energy-efficient home that's also ventilated and healthy? An HRV system might be the solution you're looking for.
The HRV ventilation system brings fresh air into your house without allowing heat to escape.
As the weather changes in Vancouver, finding the proper balance between staying comfortable and keeping the energy bills low can be challenging.
While fans can draw in fresh air from outside, they may also lead to uncontrolled air entry, energy inefficiency, and drafts.
On the other hand, an HRV system has a controlled air exchange plus a heat recovery feature, making it a suitable option for your home.
Not only are HRV ventilation systems energy efficient, but they also maintain good indoor air quality.
If you’re excited to learn more about the HRV ventilation system, this blog is for you.
Our detailed guide answers common questions about the home HRV system, including 'What is an HRV system?' and ‘How does an HRV system work?’
Additionally, we'll highlight Holtop Canada, where you can get the best HRV system in Canada.
Read on to understand how HRV systems can reduce your energy bills and ensure you enjoy fresher, cleaner air.
What is an HRV System?
When looking for ways to improve your home’s air quality, one of the questions that might come up is, ‘What is an HRV system?’
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system is a mechanical system that transfers heat from stale indoor air to fresh incoming air.
An HRV ventilation system has several components, including:
Heat exchanger: This is the core of the HRV system and is responsible for transferring heat without mixing the two air streams.
Filters: Made up of fine mesh, filters remove dust, pollen, and contaminants from incoming and outgoing airstreams. This ensures high indoor air quality and protects the heat exchanger from clogging.
Supply and exhaust fans: These fans drive air in and out of the HRV system. The two fans work together to ensure continuous airflow and ventilation throughout your home.
Controls: The system’s user interface allows you to adjust fan speed, temperature, and more.
However, some modern HRV systems automatically adjust the airflow based on humidity or CO2 levels.
Ventilation ducts: An exhaust duct removes stale air from rooms, while a supply duct moves fresh air into your space.
Drainage system: In winter, condensation can occur when using the HRV ventilation system. The drainage system collects and disposes of the moisture to avoid potential water damage.
Looking for the best HRV system in Canada? Visit us today and purchase an HRV system that effectively provides fresh air while saving energy.
How Does an HRV System Work?
What is an HRV ventilation system, and how does it work?
A home HRV system continuously supplies and removes air to and from your house while transferring heat between the two air streams.
The process begins with the exhaust fan extracting stale air from indoor spaces such as bathrooms or living rooms.
At the same time, the supply fan draws in fresh outdoor air through a separate duct.
Both air streams pass through a heat exchanger, transferring heat from stale indoor air to incoming fresh air.
The filters remove pollutants from the incoming and outgoing air, guaranteeing a clean air supply.
As the fresh air is distributed throughout your house, the HRV system continuously expels stale indoor air, maintaining balanced ventilation.
Now that we have answered the question of 'How does an HRV system work?' let's outline how it functions in different seasons:
- The Working of HRV Systems During Winter
During cold months, the home HRV system prewarms the incoming air before it enters the house, reducing the need for heating.
As the stale indoor air passes through the heat exchange, the warmth is transferred to the outdoor cold air.
You may ask, 'Should I turn off my HRV in winter?'
Turning off your HRV system during the cold months is not advisable, as it prevents heat recovery from outgoing air, leading to higher energy bills.
Additionally, you would need to sacrifice warmth to maintain good indoor air quality.
Buy an efficient home HRV system from Holtop Canada, Vancouver's best dealer, to improve ventilation and reduce energy consumption during cold winters.
- How Does an HRV System Work in Summer?
During summer, the HRV systems may work in reverse to cool the outdoor air by transferring some heat to the stale, outgoing air.
Some modern systems may have a bypass feature that allows the fresh air to be directly distributed into your house without passing through the heat exchanger.
How Much Does an HRV System Cost in Vancouver?
Understanding the HRV system cost is crucial when budgeting.
On average, an HRV system costs between $1,000 and $3,500 in Vancouver, and the installation fees range between $1,500 and $3,000.
However, the actual cost of an HRV system will depend on the size of the unit, the complexity of installation, and the system brand.
Purchasing an HRV ventilation system is a costly investment. Therefore, getting an efficient, affordable unit that will serve you for the longest time possible is crucial.
Visit our site today to discover the cost of the HVR system in Vancouver.
Benefits of Using an HRV Heating System in Vancouver
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider installing an HRV ventilation system in Vancouver:
1. Reduce Pollutants
Indoor air contains pollutants such as allergens, mould, and dust.
Continued exposure to these elements may negatively impact one's well-being, particularly if you have allergies.
As the HRV ventilation system pulls in fresh air, it filters out pollutants, ensuring a continuous supply of clean outdoor air.
Order an HRV system from us and reduce contaminants in your living space.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint
As discussed above, an HRV ventilation system transfers energy from outgoing indoor air to the incoming air.
Hence, your heating system can work less hard to maintain the indoor temperature, reducing carbon emissions.
This will not only benefit the environment but also your pockets.
3. No Additional Kit Required
Any system you install should seamlessly align with the design and layout of your home.
An HRV ventilation unit is a discreet addition that doesn't require extra equipment like background ventilators to improve indoor air quality.
4. Prevent Mould Growth
Stale indoor air may contain moisture that encourages mould growth.
Mould can affect the home's value and may contain harmful elements.
However, an HRV ventilation system may help prevent mould growth by continuously replacing the indoor air with fresh, dry outdoor air.
Protect your home from mould and mildew by installing an efficient HRV heating system to reduce indoor humidity levels.
So, is an HRV system worth it?
Yes, totally!
The HRV ventilation system efficiently improves your home's indoor environment while conserving energy and reducing costs.
Tips for Choosing the Best HRV System in Canada
Now that you know 'What is an HRV ventilation system' let's explore how to get the best HRV systems in Canada.
- Sensible Recovery Efficiency
An efficient HRV heating system recovers more heat, which translates to lower energy bills.
Always choose a system with a higher sensible recovery efficiency( SRE).
For those who don't know, SRE is the amount of heat recovered by the incoming fresh air from the exhaust air.
The system must also be certified by organizations like ENERGY STAR, a trusted label that identifies products that meet high energy efficiency standards.
- Size of the System
You should get an HRV ventilation system that meets your household needs.
A too small unit might be ineffective in supplying fresh air, while an oversized one might be more expensive than necessary.
Contact us and we’ll assess your home's needs and advise on the ideal system size.
- Ease of Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the system operates at peak efficiency throughout its lifespan.
You should always opt for HRV systems that are easy to maintain.
You should also check whether the replacement parts are readily available in Vancouver, Canada.
HRV System Installation: Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for a DIY HRV system installation, our step-by-step guide will walk you through it.
However, while DIY HRV system installation can be slightly cheaper, some steps require expert skills. As such, it's best to leave the installation to professionals.
For those who have decided to take on the challenge of installing an HRV system themselves, here are detailed instructions:
- Plan the Installation
You'll need to plan accordingly for a successful DIY HRV system installation.
Determine the ideal locations to install the HRV ventilation system and mark them. Ensure you choose a location where the unit can be easily accessed for maintenance and is near a power source.
Then, identify where the intake and exhaust vents will be placed.
Also, map out the ductwork routes, avoiding sharp bends and long runs.
Before starting the HRV system installation, check and comply with the local building codes.
Tip: consider consulting an expert to save time and prevent costly mistakes.
- Gather Materials and Tools
You'll need:
HRV ventilation system
Marker
Insulated ducts
Vent hoods
Mounting brackets
Measuring tape and level
Foil tape
Waterproof sealant
Screwdrivers, drill, and hole saw
Jigsaw
- Cutting and Joining Ductwork
Cut the ducts to the required lengths using a jigsaw. Then, crimp the ends and join the ducts. Use screws to secure the connections and add a foil tape.
- Install The HRV Unit
Use the brackets and screws to secure the HRV system to a wall and ensure its level.
Attach a drain line to the HRV unit and route the line to a sump pump.
Mount the control panel in a convenient spot, like the kitchen, and run the necessary wiring.
If you don't have electrical knowledge, it's advisable to call in a reputable professional electrician in Vancouver.
- Run Ductwork
Cut openings through walls using the hole saw for the fresh air intake and exhaust vent hoods.
If you have brick walls, use a rotary hammer.
Then, attach the vent hoods to the home's exterior and seal them.
Now run the insulated ductwork from the HRV unit to the intake and exhaust vents and the supply and return ducts inside the house.
Ensure all the joints are tightly sealed to maintain airflow efficiency.
- Connect Electrical Components
Following the instructions in the user manual to connect the HRV unit to your home's electrical system. Finally, wire the control panel to the HRV system.
Electrical work can be dangerous if poorly done. That's why it's always advisable to have experts handle this part of the HRV system installation.
- Test the System
Turn on your system and check if there's any issue.
If properly installed, the HRV system draws fresh outdoor air and expels stale indoor air without any issues.
If you have issues during the installation process, don't hesitate to call in experts- they can save you time, money, and hassle.
Where to Buy HRV Systems in Canada?
Wondering where you can buy an HRV system for your Vancouver home?
Holtop Canada is a leading provider of top-notch, efficient ventilation solutions in Vancouver, Canada.
Buy the HRV unit from us to improve your indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.
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