Energy-recovery Ventilators
Energy-recovery Ventilators | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Philadelphia
When Philadelphia’s seasons swing from steamy summers to icy winters, HEP’s energy-recovery ventilators quietly go to work, capturing the conditioned air you’ve already paid to heat or cool and using it to pre-treat the fresh air coming in. The result is a balanced, draft-free home that feels comfortable in every corner while trimming utility costs. Paired with our precision-engineered heating and AC systems, these ventilators extract stale indoor air laden with pollutants and allergens, replacing it with a continuous stream of clean, tempered air—no open windows required.
Homeowners notice the difference almost instantly: fewer odors lingering after dinner, less dust settling on furniture, and a welcome drop in humidity swings that can warp wood floors or trigger mold growth. Every installation is custom-sized for your square footage and lifestyle, and our certified technicians handle everything from airtight ductwork to easy-to-use smart controls. Choose HEP for ventilation and air quality solutions that protect your family’s health today and safeguard your home’s value for years to come, all backed by a hometown team that’s been serving Greater Philadelphia with pride.
FAQs
What is an Energy-Recovery Ventilator (ERV) and how does it work?
An ERV is a mechanical ventilation device that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams. In winter, it captures heat and humidity from the outgoing air and pre-warms and humidifies the incoming air. In summer, it expels heat and humidity from the incoming air to keep the interior cooler and drier. This energy exchange reduces the workload on your heating and cooling equipment while ensuring a steady supply of fresh air.
Why are ERVs especially beneficial in Philadelphia’s climate?
Philadelphia experiences hot, humid summers and cold, often dry winters. ERVs help moderate both extremes: in summer they lower the temperature and humidity of incoming air before it reaches your A/C coil, and in winter they recover heat and moisture that would otherwise be lost during ventilation. This dual-season efficiency keeps indoor conditions comfortable year-round and is ideal for the Mid-Atlantic’s wide temperature swings.
How can an ERV improve indoor air quality in my home or office?
Modern buildings are tightly sealed for energy efficiency, which can trap pollutants such as VOCs, allergens, and excess CO2. An ERV provides controlled, balanced ventilation—exhausting stale, contaminated air while supplying filtered outdoor air. Because it maintains neutral pressure (equal amounts of air in and out), it prevents back-drafting of combustion appliances and reduces infiltration of unfiltered air through cracks, resulting in cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Will installing an ERV reduce my heating and cooling costs?
Yes. By reclaiming up to 70–80% of the heat and humidity contained in exhaust air, an ERV significantly lowers the energy required to condition incoming air. In Philadelphia, studies show homeowners can save 10–20% on annual HVAC operating costs compared with exhaust-only or window-ventilation strategies. Savings are highest in homes with efficient, well-sealed envelopes and in commercial spaces that operate ventilation continuously.
How is an ERV integrated with existing HVAC systems in Philadelphia homes?
An ERV is typically ducted to your central HVAC system or installed as a standalone unit with its own dedicated ducts. For retrofit projects, our technicians tie the ERV supply side into the return plenum so the fresh air mixes with indoor air before passing through the furnace or air handler. The exhaust side pulls stale air from high-humidity areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or the main return trunk. Controls can be standalone, tied to your thermostat, or connected to smart home systems to modulate airflow based on occupancy, humidity, or outdoor conditions.
What maintenance does an ERV require and how often should it be performed?
ERVs are low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. We recommend: • Inspecting and replacing or cleaning the intake and exhaust filters every 3–6 months, more often if you have pets or live near heavy traffic. • Cleaning the core (heat- and moisture-exchange matrix) annually; many cores slide out and can be vacuumed or rinsed per manufacturer instructions. • Checking and cleaning the condensate drain (if present) twice a year to prevent clogs. • Verifying fan operation, airflows, and controls during your annual HVAC tune-up. Regular maintenance maximizes energy recovery, preserves indoor air quality, and protects your warranty.