Many modern homes are made to be airtight. To ensure that there is adequate airflow, some mechanical ventilation will be needed. Two popular systems can help with this task. They are Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV). But which of these options should you be using?
What Is The Difference Between HRV And ERV?
Both of these systems play an important role within the home. Both are designed to help regulate the temperature and humidity levels in your house, for a more comfortable living environment. But they each work in a slightly different way.
An HRV system works by extracting the used air and taking it outside. To replace it, new air will be bought in. During this exchange, the intake and extraction pipes will run alongside each other. As a result, the air can be pre-heated before being bought into the house. The conditions will determine how fast the air is flowing in each pipe, for a consistent temperature.
ERV ventilation takes this approach one step further. It also allows the exchange of inside and outside air. But, unlike HRV, it also catches some moisture in the air. This allows it to more effectively control the humidity levels inside the home.
There are a few benefits that HRV and ERV systems can provide. First, they allow for the exchange of fresh and stale air. This allowsyou to refresh the air in your home, so it doesn’t become stale and dry. This is especially important in modern homes. Since they are sealed tightly, it can be a little harder for them to breathe.
Secondly, these systems will allow you to filter out pollutants and insects. This allows you to create a healthier environment in your home.
Thirdly, these systems will allow homeowners to save money. They make it easier to keep the air in your home at the right temperature. They also feature pipes that pass by each other, without touching. This provides a cost-effective way to heat the air in your home during the winter months. Sometimes, ERV companies can take this one step further, mixing ventilation with a heating system.
Which One Should You Choose?
The key difference between the two is how well they regulate the moisture levels within the home. ERV systems outperform HRV models in this criterion. There are a few reasons why the humidity level in your home is so important. First, it can prevent the growth of mold and fungus, which can damage health. Secondly, it can stop dry skin, which can cause itching during the summer months. Thirdly, regulating humidity will make running air conditioning units more effective, saving you money.
Because of this, it’s usually best to choose energy recovery ventilation Australia, especially if you are sensitive to changes in the humidity levels.
Conclusion
If you are searching for a way to regulate the humidity in your home, while providing fresh air, you might want to look into an ERV system. If you want more information about this area, you can talk to the team at Dehum, they can help you install the best ERV system for new home builds.
