If you live in a home that doesn’t have an adequate heating and cooling system, chances are you’re wishing you could upgrade to one that works better and costs less to run. A great option is installing a heat recovery ventilator, or HRV, to help you get rid of the excess moisture and heat in your home, which will help the indoor air quality and comfort level throughout your entire house. Here are the pros and cons of installing an HRV in your home so you can make the best decision possible.
What is a heat recovery system?
A heat recovery system is a device that helps to recover the heat that would otherwise be lost in your home. There are two main types of heat recovery systems: those that use air-to-air exchange and those that use ground-source heat pumps. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider before making a decision. Air-to-air exchanges typically cost less, but they do not perform as well during extreme weather conditions, such as when it’s extremely hot or cold outside. Ground-source heat pumps are more expensive but can help provide better heating during extreme weather conditions.
How do they work?
Home heat recovery systems come in two main types – central and ductless. Central systems are connected to your furnace and work by routing exhaust gases through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger captures the heat from the exhaust gases and transfers it to the incoming fresh air, pre-heating it before it enters your home.
Ductless systems are similar, but they don’t require a furnace. Instead, they have an outdoor compressor unit that’s connected to one or more indoor air handlers. Fresh air is heated by the heat exchanger outside, before being delivered inside your home.
Your family’s needs: What size of system do you need? If you live in a smaller house with less than three bedrooms and want to conserve energy, then consider getting a single-zone heating system. If you live in a larger house with four or more bedrooms, you may want to consider getting a multi-zone heating system instead which can evenly distribute hot air throughout the entire house without having to install vents for each room.
Benefits of heat recovery systems
There are many benefits of heat recovery systems. They can help to save energy, money and the environment. They can also improve the quality of your home’s air, reduce noise pollution and improve your home’s value. However, there are also some drawbacks to heat recovery systems.
They can be expensive to install and maintain, and they may not be suitable for all homes. If you live in a detached house with a well-insulated attic, then it is unlikely that you will need one installed. On the other hand, if you live in an old or drafty house with no insulation in the attic or gaps around windows and doors, then a heat recovery system would be beneficial.
Things to consider when you install a heat recovery system
- How much money are you willing to spend upfront?
- How large is your home?
- What is the climate like where you live?
- How often do you use your fireplace or wood stove?
- What is the efficiency of your current heating system?
- Are you planning on selling your home in the near future?
- Would you like to be able to control the temperature in different rooms of your home? 8. Do you have a central air conditioning unit?
- Do you have ductwork in your attic, basement, or crawlspace that needs insulation?
- How long would it take for the heat recovery system to pay for itself (in savings)?
- Will there be enough room for a heat recovery system on your roof?
Advice on deciding between ducted and ductless units
There are two main types of home heat recovery systems: ducted and ductless. Ducted systems are more expensive, but they are also more efficient. Ductless systems are less expensive, but they are not as efficient. So, which one is right for you? The decision comes down to the following questions: What size is your house? What size unit do you need? Do you need an air conditioner or a heater in addition to the air conditioner or heater in your HVAC system already installed in your house?