Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Luttrell
Breathe easier, save energy, and stay comfortable year-round in Luttrell with HEP’s cutting-edge energy-recovery ventilators. By capturing heat or coolness from outgoing stale air and transferring it to the fresh air coming in, our ERVs slash utility bills while constantly sweeping away pollutants, humidity, and lingering odors. You’ll enjoy crisp, conditioned air without wasting the hard-earned climate control your HVAC system already produced.
Trusted HEP technicians size and install the ideal unit for your home or business, fine-tuning airflow so every room feels balanced and inviting. The result is a dramatic boost in ventilation and air quality that helps fight allergens, protects building materials, and keeps your family healthier—no drafts, no stuffiness, no surprises on the energy bill. Ready to upgrade the way you breathe? Give HEP in Luttrell a call today and let fresh air pay for itself.
FAQs
What is an Energy-Recovery Ventilator (ERV) and how does it improve indoor air quality in Luttrell homes?
An Energy-Recovery Ventilator is a mechanical ventilation device that exhausts stale indoor air while simultaneously bringing in fresh outdoor air. As the two airstreams pass through a heat- and moisture-exchange core, the ERV transfers heat and humidity from one stream to the other. In Luttrell’s humid summers, it expels excess indoor moisture; in winter, it pre-heats and humidifies the incoming air, so your HVAC system works less. The result is a continuous supply of filtered, tempered fresh air that dilutes indoor pollutants, controls humidity, and maintains healthier air quality year-round.
How is an ERV different from a Heat-Recovery Ventilator (HRV), and which is better for the Luttrell climate?
Both ERVs and HRVs recover heat from outgoing air, but ERVs also transfer moisture. Luttrell experiences hot, humid summers and mild, occasionally dry winters. An ERV’s moisture transfer core helps remove excess humidity in summer and retain humidity in winter, making it better suited to our mixed-humid climate. HRVs are preferred in consistently cold, dry regions, but local building codes and occupant needs almost always point to an ERV in Luttrell.
Will installing an ERV increase my heating and cooling costs?
An ERV reduces the energy penalty typically associated with bringing in outdoor air. By recovering up to 70–80 % of the heat (and in the case of ERVs, humidity) from the exhaust air, the unit significantly lessens the load on your air conditioner in summer and your furnace or heat pump in winter. Most Luttrell homeowners see negligible changes—or even slight decreases—in annual HVAC energy use because the ERV allows their system to run at lower capacity and shorter cycles while maintaining superior air quality.
Can an ERV be integrated with my existing HVAC system, or will I need a complete replacement?
In most cases, an ERV is added as a separate ventilation component tied into the supply and/or return ductwork of your existing furnace or heat-pump air-handling unit. For homes without ductwork, a dedicated stand-alone ERV with small-diameter ducts can be installed. A complete HVAC replacement is rarely necessary unless your current equipment is undersized, obsolete, or already due for an upgrade. A qualified Luttrell HVAC professional can evaluate your system and design a retrofit that meets local code and manufacturer guidelines.
What kind of maintenance does an ERV require, and how often should it be performed?
Regular maintenance is straightforward: • Filters: Check and vacuum or replace the ERV’s intake and exhaust filters every three months, or monthly during high-pollen periods in Luttrell. • Core: Remove and clean the heat- and moisture-exchange core with a mild soap solution every 6–12 months. Let it dry fully before reinstalling. • Vents and grilles: Inspect exterior hoods for leaves and debris seasonally. • Fans and controls: During your annual HVAC tune-up, have the technician test fan operation, balance airflow, and verify damper and control settings. Following these steps keeps efficiency high and prevents airflow restrictions.
How do I size and select the right ERV for my Luttrell residence?
Proper sizing is based on the home’s square footage, number of occupants, ACH (air changes per hour) targets, and local building codes. ASHRAE Standard 62.2 typically recommends about 7.5 cfm per occupant plus 3 cfm per 100 sq ft of floor area. A 2,000 sq ft home with four occupants would therefore need roughly 90 cfm of continuous ventilation. Your HVAC contractor will also consider duct length, static pressure, and desired recovery efficiency. Selecting an ERV certified by AHRI or HVI ensures performance claims are verified. Choosing a slightly larger unit with multi-speed or variable-speed fans can provide flexibility for high-occupancy events without sacrificing energy efficiency.