Most buildings constructed over the past couple of decades have been designed to be as airtight as possible. This is to make climate control easier by aiding in insulating the building. Unfortunately, as a side effect of this design strategy, buildings have been cut off from much of the fresh air flow that is necessary for maintaining high indoor air quality. That is where an energy recovery ventilator comes in. Let’s take a closer look at energy recovery ventilators, and some of the advantages of installing one.
What Is an Energy Recovery Ventilator?
An energy recovery ventilator (also known as an ERV) is a device that is meant to circulate fresh air through a home, without resulting in the loss of climate control. It does this through a short, separate piece of ductwork, leading from the air return vent of your forced air system outside the house. Inside the ductwork, the energy recovery ventilator draws in outside air. Before the air enters the ductwork, though, it passes through a heat exchanger that heats or cools it to closer to the temperature indoors.
Why Install an Energy Recovery Ventilator?
An energy recovery ventilator allows you to use your forced air systems without degrading your indoor air quality. Both air conditioners and heaters act as dehumidifiers, siphoning much of the moisture out of the air during operation. Low humidity can have a number of negative health effects, including weakening your body’s defenses against disease. Depriving your home of fresh air flow also allows contaminants like dust, pollen, and germs to build up in your home, increasing allergy attacks and instances of sickness. An energy recovery ventilator solves for these problems without otherwise affecting your climate control.
If you’d like to know more about energy recovery ventilators, call Roznovak’s Services. We provide energy recovery ventilators throughout Taylor, TX.
