Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems are used in buildings to conserve energy and improve indoor air quality. They work by capturing and reusing the energy contained in normally exhausted building or space air, helping to condition incoming outdoor ventilation air in residential and commercial HVAC systems.

During the colder seasons, the ERV system works by transferring heat from the warm inside air being exhausted to the fresh (but cold) supply air. In the summer, the inside air cools the warmer supply air to reduce cooling costs.

There are two types of ERV systems:

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV): These systems transfer heat from the exhaust air to the incoming fresh air. They are most effective in colder climates where heating costs are a concern.

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV): These systems transfer both heat and moisture. They are most effective in climates where the air is hot and humid outside and air conditioning costs are a concern.

ERV systems not only save energy but also improve indoor air quality by continuously circulating fresh air, reducing the concentration of contaminants in the indoor air. They are particularly beneficial in tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes where the risk of indoor air pollution is higher because stale air and pollutants have less opportunity to escape.