HRV - Heat Recovery Ventilation

The theory behind this technology is that fresh air should be brought into the home to improve air quality; however, if it is cold outside, excessive demand will be placed on the homes heating system. The basis of the HRV system is a heat exchanger.  As the incoming cool fresh air is moved through the unit, it is heated by exhaust air that is already hot. The exhaust air has been drawn out of circulation in the rooms via the existing cold air return vent and ducting.  The heat exchanger is designed to allow the heat to transfer without mixing of air sources.  The now warm, fresh air is then connected to the heating system and circulated throughout the house.  Once the exhaust air has done its job it is vented from the house. This ingenious process also works for an air conditioning application.  In that case, the warmer air from outside is routed through the heat exchanger and cooled by conditioned exhaust air from inside the home, again in advance of the air conditioning system.

R&B Plumbing has extensive experience in this type of ventilation as the North Shore is an ideal climate for it.  An HRV system is an excellent and cost effective addition to any home, and a very natural way to improve air quality.