An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilation system that provides fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. Unlike a standard exhaust fan, an ERV transfers both heat and moisture between the outgoing and incoming air streams, helping maintain indoor comfort while reducing heating and cooling energy costs.
How an ERV Works
An ERV has two separate air streams:
Fresh outdoor air is drawn into the building.
Stale indoor air is exhausted outside.
Inside the unit, these air streams pass through a heat and moisture exchange core without mixing.
In winter:
Warm, humid indoor air transfers heat and some moisture to the cold, dry incoming air.
The incoming air enters the home warmer and less dry.
In summer:
Cooler, drier indoor air removes heat and some moisture from the warm, humid outdoor air.
The incoming air is cooler and less humid before reaching the air conditioner.
Energy Recovery Ventilator
An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilation system that provides fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. Unlike a standard exhaust fan, an ERV transfers both heat and moisture between the outgoing and incoming air streams, helping maintain indoor comfort while reducing heating and cooling energy costs.
How an ERV Works
An ERV has two separate air streams:
Fresh outdoor air is drawn into the building.
Stale indoor air is exhausted outside.
Inside the unit, these air streams pass through a heat and moisture exchange core without mixing.
In winter:
Warm, humid indoor air transfers heat and some moisture to the cold, dry incoming air.
The incoming air enters the home warmer and less dry.
In summer:
Cooler, drier indoor air removes heat and some moisture from the warm, humid outdoor air.
The incoming air is cooler and less humid before reaching the air conditioner.