What is a HRV or ERV? What is the difference?

HRV ERV UNIT

Heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV) are air exchange systems that help to enhance indoor air quality and minimize heating costs. They retain existing heat and optimize the interior moisture content in the air. These mechanical systems use fans to maintain a balanced airflow into the house while exhausting stale indoor air. HRV/ERV systems in Condominiums are tied in to your bathroom exhaust (more often then not)

In simpler terms a fan takes indoor air from your bathroom exhaust (some times other sources in home), passes it through a heat exchanging core then continues to exhaust outside. Another fan in the unit draws in fresh air from outside and passes through the core and into your home. The indoor air heats up the outdoor air in the winter and cools it in the summer.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN HRV AND AN ERV?

HRVs and ERVs are similar devices in that both supply air to the home and exhaust stale air while recovering energy from the exhaust air in the process. The primary difference between the two is that an HRV transfers heat while an ERV transfers both heat and moisture.

HRV ERV sequence