Air Exchangers
Air Exchangers | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Speedwell
Imagine breathing in mountain–fresh air every time you walk through your front door. HEP’s expert team in Speedwell installs state-of-the-art air exchangers that seamlessly balance heating and cooling while continuously replacing stale indoor air with filtered, conditioned freshness. Our technicians fine-tune each system to your home’s unique layout, so temperatures stay comfortable, humidity is kept in check, and energy bills don’t climb.
From whisper-quiet fans to advanced filtration that captures dust, dander, and airborne contaminants, we focus on the details that protect your family’s health. Trust HEP to elevate your home’s ventilation and air quality, and feel the difference in every breath—season after season. Ready to upgrade? Call us today and discover why so many Speedwell homeowners rely on HEP for lasting comfort.
FAQs
What does an air exchanger do, and why is it important for my home in Speedwell?
An air exchanger (sometimes called an HRV or ERV) continuously removes stale, humid, or polluted indoor air and brings in fresh outdoor air while minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. In a tight, energy-efficient home this is critical because natural air leakage is very low. Without mechanical ventilation, moisture, odors, and airborne contaminants can build up, leading to condensation on windows, mold growth, lingering smells, and health issues. In Speedwell’s mixed-humid climate, an air exchanger balances indoor humidity and supplies a steady stream of fresh air without forcing you to open windows year-round.
How often should I run my air exchanger, and what settings are best for Speedwell’s climate?
For most homes, we recommend running the unit 24/7 at a low or "continuous" speed to maintain consistent air changes. During cooking, showering, or large gatherings, switch to a higher “boost” speed for 20–40 minutes to remove excess moisture and odors. In winter, set the defrost cycle as directed by the manufacturer to prevent ice buildup inside the core. In summer, if relative humidity outdoors is very high, you can reduce the runtime slightly or use an ERV mode (if equipped) to limit incoming moisture. Our technicians can program the controller to automatically adjust speeds based on indoor humidity levels for optimum comfort and efficiency.
Can an air exchanger be connected to my existing heating and cooling system?
Yes. We typically integrate the air exchanger’s ductwork with your furnace or heat pump’s return-air plenum so that fresh air is distributed evenly through the home. This approach avoids the cost of running separate ducts and ensures balanced airflow from room to room. In homes with ductless mini-splits, we install a dedicated small-diameter duct system for the air exchanger instead. Either way, we perform airflow calculations to confirm that the HVAC blower and the exchanger operate in harmony, preventing pressure imbalances that could cause drafts or higher energy use.
How much maintenance is required, and how often should I change the filters?
Basic homeowner maintenance takes only a few minutes a month. 1) Check the exterior intake and exhaust hoods to make sure they are clear of leaves, lint, or snow. 2) Inspect the unit’s pre-filters and clean or replace them every 3 months (more often if you have pets or live on a dusty road). 3) Twice a year, remove the heat-exchange core and vacuum or rinse it gently to maintain efficiency. 4) Replace any high-efficiency (MERV-rated) filters every 6–12 months. We offer an affordable maintenance plan that includes full inspections, filter changes, airflow balancing, and verification of the condensate drain to keep your warranty intact.
Will installing an HRV or ERV help lower my energy bills?
While an air exchanger is primarily a health and comfort device, it can also reduce energy costs compared with opening windows for ventilation. An HRV or ERV recovers 60–80 % of the heat (or cooling) from the outgoing air stream, so the incoming fresh air requires far less conditioning by your furnace or air conditioner. In new, airtight homes, this can translate to noticeable savings, especially during Speedwell’s cold winter nights and hot, humid summer afternoons. Choosing an ERV instead of an HRV can further improve efficiency in summer because it limits moisture transfer, reducing the latent load on the AC.
What indoor air quality (IAQ) issues can an air exchanger address, and are there add-ons you recommend?
An air exchanger dilutes indoor pollutants such as carbon dioxide, VOCs from cleaning products or paint, pet dander, and excess humidity. To tackle allergies, we can upgrade to a higher-MERV or HEPA filter on the fresh-air side. For odors, a carbon filter module is available. If you are concerned about viruses or bacteria, we can integrate a UV-C light or bipolar ionization device into the ductwork. Finally, a whole-home dehumidifier or humidifier can be paired with the system to maintain an ideal 30–50 % relative humidity range year-round, providing a comprehensive IAQ solution for your Speedwell home.