High energy efficiency and good indoor air quality don’t always go hand in hand. While weathertight construction practices have resulted in homes that minimize heat transfer, they’ve also blocked fresh drafts from the outdoors, which naturally purify indoor air.
Since opening your windows when running your heating or cooling equipment is counterproductive, you have to go mechanical to get the fresh air you need. A heat recovery ventilator is a necessary addition to your Hader HVAC system if you want to expel stale indoor air without wasting energy.
Typically, this appliance has two fans; one for pushing out stale household air and one for pulling in fresh outdoor air. It also has a heat-exchange core, which helps keep the heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer.
Not 100% Efficient
Like other HVAC units, heat recovery ventilators aren’t 100% efficient, but they can recover up to 85% of the heat lost in the ventilation process. In other words, using one will cause your energy bills to increase slightly, as your HVAC equipment will have to replace the 15% that can’t be recovered.
Despite this, a heat recovery ventilator can help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently. It even comes with its own filter to keep outdoor pollutants like dust or pollen from getting inside. More efficient HVAC equipment requires less energy to operate, which helps make up for the energy a heat recovery ventilator can’t retain.
Not Suitable for Humid Climates
A heat recovery ventilator is one piece of technology that doesn’t perform well in areas with excessive outdoor humidity. Using one in an oppressive climate may increase indoor moisture levels, which can cause discomfort.
Unless you live in a place that enjoys dry outdoor air all year long, you might want to consider using an energy recovery ventilator. Unlike a heat recovery ventilator, it dehumidifies the air it pulls from the outside.
Choose a Product That Can Work With Your Hader HVAC System
With so many mechanical ventilation products on the market today, it would be a good idea to talk to a qualified Hader HVAC technician to narrow down your best options. Call us at (513) 612-9201 now to discuss your HVAC needs and figure out the most suitable way to enhance your indoor air quality.
