An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) is a ventilation system that brings fresh outdoor air into your home while removing stale indoor air, all while recovering heat energy to improve efficiency. An ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) works similarly but also transfers moisture, helping maintain more balanced indoor humidity levels throughout the year.
The main difference between an ERV and HRV is how they handle humidity. An ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) transfers both heat and humidity between the outgoing stale air and the incoming fresh air. An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) transfers heat only and does not transfer humidity.
An ERV helps manage moisture levels in addition to temperature, making it especially useful in climates with changing humidity levels like Ohio. An HRV focuses strictly on temperature recovery and ventilation without affecting indoor humidity.
For a more detailed look at ERVs and HRVS, check out this article.
