Heat-recovery Ventilators
Heat-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Ooltewah
Ooltewah’s tight, energy-efficient homes can unwittingly trap stale, humid air—but HEP’s heat-recovery ventilators fix that instantly. These whisper-quiet units exhaust contaminated air while capturing up to 90 % of its heat (or cooling) and transferring that energy to the incoming fresh supply. The result is year-round comfort, lower utility bills, and a noticeable drop in odors, condensation, and allergens, all seamlessly integrated with your existing HVAC system by our NADCA-certified technicians.
By elevating ventilation and air quality, we help you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your home from mold or moisture damage—without ever cracking a window. From turnkey HRV installations to routine cleanings and emergency repairs, HEP delivers prompt, plain-spoken service backed by rock-solid warranties and 24/7 support. Discover how effortless healthy air can be; schedule your appointment with the hometown team that keeps Ooltewah comfortable in every season.
FAQs
1. What is a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) and how does it improve my home’s air quality?
An HRV is a mechanical ventilation device that continuously exhausts stale indoor air while bringing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the unit, a heat exchanger transfers up to 70–90 % of the heat (or cooling) from the outgoing air stream to the incoming air. This process removes contaminants, odors, and excess humidity without wasting the energy you’ve already paid for, resulting in cleaner, healthier air throughout your living space.
2. Why are HRVs particularly beneficial for homes in Ooltewah, TN?
Ooltewah experiences hot, humid summers, mild winters, and high seasonal pollen counts. Because newer houses are tightly built to conserve energy, indoor pollutants and moisture can easily build up. An HRV tackles all of these challenges at once: it lowers humidity during summer, helps retain warmth in winter, and continuously flushes out allergens such as pollen and dust. The end result is better comfort, fewer musty odors, and reduced mold risk—key concerns in the Tennessee Valley’s climate.
3. How much energy can I expect to save with a heat-recovery ventilator?
Savings depend on your home’s insulation, occupancy, and ventilation needs, but national studies show that HRVs can recover 60–80 % of the energy that would otherwise be lost through open windows, bathroom fans, or passive vents. For most Ooltewah homeowners, that translates to a 10–15 % reduction in annual heating and cooling costs compared with relying on natural ventilation alone, while still meeting ASHRAE fresh-air standards.
4. Can an HRV be integrated with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. Modern HRVs are designed to work alongside almost any forced-air HVAC setup. Our technicians typically connect the HRV’s supply and exhaust ducts to your home’s main return and supply plenums so that fresh air is distributed evenly through your existing ductwork. If you have a ductless mini-split system, we can install a dedicated duct run or a compact ceiling cassette to deliver fresh air directly to key rooms.
5. What maintenance does an HRV require, and how often should it be serviced?
Routine care is simple. Every three to six months, homeowners should check and vacuum or replace the unit’s washable filters. Twice a year, the core should be inspected for dust buildup, and exterior intake/exhaust hoods should be cleared of leaves or lint. Professional service is recommended annually; our Ooltewah technicians will clean the heat-exchange core, test the motors and controls, verify airflow, and ensure condensate drains are clear.
6. How long does installation take and what does it typically cost in the Ooltewah area?
Most retrofit installations are completed in one day, with minimal disruption to finished spaces. New-construction installs can be roughed in during framing and finalized during HVAC startup. Pricing varies by capacity and duct complexity, but a typical single-family home installation in Ooltewah ranges from $2,500 to $4,500, including equipment, ducting, and labor. We provide free in-home assessments and written estimates so you know the exact cost before we begin.