ERV and HVR Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air quality is one of the top 5 environmental issues. In addition, the EPA says that indoor air quality (IAQ) can be 5 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, even in cities where air quality is poor.

The American Lung Association finds that over 38 million children suffered asthma attacks in 2001 and lists indoor environmental factors as a frequent catalyst for the attacks. The ALA goes on to say that the number of children with asthma is rising and is one of the "top children's health priorities.

SO WHAT'S IN THE AIR YOU & YOUR FAMILY BREATHE?

It is estimated that 50 to 100 mold types have the potential for creating health problems. Exposure to mold has been identified as a potential cause of many health problems including asthma, sinusitis and infections.

The American Lung Association also finds Radon to be a high level concern because:

(1) Every state in the nation has Radon.

(2) 1 in 15 homes has Radon levels determined to be a health hazard.

(3) Radon is judged to be the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Formaldehyde from building materials and furniture, carpeting, fumes from paint, cleaning products and other volatile organic compounds (VOC's) like cigarette smoke, dust, even perfumes can threaten your health.

The American Society of Heating & Air Conditioning Engineers recommends 6 complete changes of air per day for a healthy environment in homes. Commercial buildings, schools and public buildings have even greater air changes rates.

WHY DOES YOUR FAMILY NEED AN AIR EXCHANGE VENTILATOR?

THE BOTTOM LINE... The desire to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and offices has created an excessive particulate and fume load. Our lungs must fight this toxic brew every day.

With the recommended 6 full exchanges of indoor air per day, how do you get that fresh air without a huge sacrifice in energy efficiency?

To better understand your options, let’s first look at the three types of ventilators available:

· ERV – Energy Recovery Ventilator – The most energy efficient IAQ solution; designed for year-round, continuous ventilation to help make a house a healthier home.

· HRV – Heat Recovery Ventilator – Eliminates excess moisture during the heating season while recovering precious heat from outgoing stale air.

· Air Exchanger – The most economical to install, yet an effective solution for removing excess humidity during the heating season, but doesn’t recover any of the heat from the indoor air being exchanged with outdoor air.

HOW AN ERV & HRV WORK

Indoor air loaded with pollutants is exhausted to the outside: its heating and cooling energy is transferred to the fresh outside air coming in via a highly efficient corrosion proof core.

HOW AN AIR EXCHANGER WORKS:

The conditioned indoor air is exhausted to the outside, while un-conditioned outdoor is brought in to replace the exhausted air.

While there is no recovery of energy (heat or cool) from the air being exhausted, but the fresh outdoor is replacing the stale indoor to improve air quality. For this reason, BFS Heating & Cooling do not recommend this option for most applications.

WHERE DOES THE ERV OR HRV GET INSTALLED:

Generally the ERV/RV is installed close to the furnace. Below is a graphic of a

typical installation of an ERV or HRV. The ventilator is connected to an outdoor

air intake to bring in fresh air. From there the fresh air is directed to house

through the return/cold air ductwork. There is an indoor intake bring the stale

indoor air into the ventilator. The final connection is to exhaust the stale indoor

air outdoors.