ERV vs. HRV Mythbusting: Which Ventilation is Safer for Moisture and Humidity?

The myth that ERVs are an unsafe or unproven way to ventilate compared to HRVs is a bizarre twist- here's how to think through the question and come to the right conclusion in your own mind. Energy (or Enthalpy) Recovery Ventilator (ERV) cores equalize temperature and humidity, while Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) cores recover temperature alone.
Therefore, ERVs are better at shielding homes from humidity than HRVs in even extreme situations, as you'll see, but on the other hand they are NOT a replacement for dehumidifiers. Think of an ERV as a shield, or a buffer, or a battery, and put together the system of your next home's ventilation with greater clarity and elegance. Using my friend and dad-hero Bryan Orr (HVACRSchool.com)and his 10 kids as a hypothetical-cat-in-a-box, which I'm sure he'll enjoy.
Thanks to Renewaire for making great devices like the one shown here (Renewaire.com).
Take my Ventilation Training and learn all that I know about this complex topic: buildingperfor...
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[@timdestasiohvac]

I erroneously assumed that an ERV would be better than a dehu. In a spray foam house, I ended up installing a dehu on my dime. Lessened learned, ERVs do not dehumidify. In a super humid climate like the south, it cannot transfer enough moisture from fresh air to exhaust to break even, you will always net more moisture. Love the video.

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks Tim buddy- lessons learned the hard way are the best ones, I agree!

[@christophercrock]

I was under the impression that HRVs are only able to transfer heat that can be measured, for example, prewarming outdoor air in the winter using stale indoor air in the summer, whereas ERVs can transfer both sensible heat (heat that is measured) and the heat change from a phase change such as the cooling effect when changing from gas to liquid (I.e condensation). I think there is confusion about how these systems work. Let me know if I’m misunderstanding.

[@marcgallant5270]

Canada has cold climate ERV (see fantech) dry winters(20-30%) and humid summers(50-100%)

[@brettzeigerbacher2314]

Thank you so much for keeping this clear. For the last few years it's been a mess of misinformation or flat out using the wrong terms as people have tried to explain the differences between what these two do.

[@HomePerformance]

Rock on, Brett, and you’re welcome! Thanks for staying with me buddy.

[@joshuaallen7385]

What about the argument that the dew point created by the crossing of air leads to mold issues and HVR/ERVs?

[@57skies]

I live in eastern Europe, 1/2 a year we get very hot (30 to 40 celsius) humid air, and the other half we get cold air (from +7 to -15/20 celsius). Pretty much, like you would get if you would live in PA. In the cold season, from my understanding, I would not really need an ERV, an HRV would be just fine. In summer, an ERV would make a lot more sense (and please correct me if Im wrong). Now, the issue is, that where I live, an ERV is about 2/3 times MORE expensive then an HRV. So if an HRV for my 150 square meters house would be around 2k$ , an ERV would be around 4.5k$. For that price difference, it would make more sense if during summer, I would have a few small dehu in the house. They are very cheap, around 20$ and I would need around 4 of them. What would your advice be in this regard? Thank you for your great work!

[@N8TheSnake]

Thank you clarifying the use of ERV's in the south, particularly Florida. I know that it is designed to mitigate humidity, but this is Florida. In this state, you learn that not all "stainless steel" products are created equal for a reason. Our atmosphere is brutal on machinery of any kind.

[@superspeeder]

This is great info! I’ve been touting ERV>HRV for about 90% of North American climates. Regarding freezing, I’m not an expert in all models, but apparently newer ERV cores are as good or better than HRVs in colder climates. In really cold climates it’s probably worth installing a ground loop pre-heat system for incoming air.

[@garethbaus5471]

The ground loop idea makes a lot of sense.

[@TedTedness-wu4vb]

Whats a ground loop?

[@superspeeder]

@@TedTedness-wu4vb when you run a pipe below ground, circulate a fluid through it (usually a water/glycol mixture), and use that fluid to heat something by transferring energy from the ground, or cool something by transferring energy to the ground. A ground loop can be used to pre-heat (or pre-cool) the incoming air to an ERV, reducing the chance of a frozen core (or more likely defrost cycles) in the winter, or pre-dehumidifying incoming air in the summer.

[@cerealkilla4eva]

@@garethbaus5471here in Canada I’m getting quote for about $90k for vertical ground loop geothermal. Definitely doesn’t make sense here.

[@garethbaus5471]

@@cerealkilla4eva Are you talking about burying some cheap ducting at the frost line, or a proper ground source heat pump? I was talking about the former which would be pretty easy to diy for a lot less than the cost of the latter(which definitely is expensive).

[@ABZD019]

This is a great video. One, it takes complex information and tries to simplify it in a way that's conversational, and not talking down to the audience. It also shows, like in science, when new information comes up that supercedes old information, the new information is accepted. I caught that comment about needing a dehumidifier AND POSSIBLY a humidifier. Humidifiers used to be a four letter word for you lol But I still have to admit ignorance about what exactly, besides water, humid air carries that can be so bad for indoor air quality.

[@HomePerformance]

Water is the fuel for life- it helps microbes flourish, which in turn add chemicals to the air. Cue the Lion King music. Thanks for coming with us on the journey buddy.

[@jeffpaterson5576]

What if you live in an area where the humidity stays in the optimal range year round? I live in an area of California where I almost never see the humidity outside go above 60% or below 40% at 72 degrees. I imagine an HRV would be fine in our conditions.

[@kingduck3192]

If that’s the case you need windows and cheap vent fans

[@jeffpaterson5576]

@@kingduck3192 It still gets cold/hot, it just doesn't get too humid or too dry.

[@ruslanmansurov5419]

@@jeffpaterson5576 ERV still makes more sense for California. The humidity level you are talking about is relative humidity. When a 60% hot air comes inside the house it becomes much more humid when cooled down by HRV core, so ERV can balance the humidity by transferring humidity from supply to exhaust. In the winter it's the opposite - the cold air outside even with 60% relative humidity is going to be dry when brought inside and warmed up. Again the ERV will help by adding some humidity so that it's not super dry.

[@squeekhobby4571]

Thanks for clearing the misconceptions

[@DK-vx5co]

There IS a more extreme example. A Jamaican family lived in Michigan and preferred (endeavored to maintain) hot, humid air, as in their home country. This created huge moisture issues in their home - up north, in the cold, in the winter. A bit worse than some showers. How do you handle this?

[@HomePerformance]

They should adapt to their new environment, I’d say. That’s an occopant behavior problem.

[@DK-vx5co]

@@HomePerformance I agree. It's ALWAYS an occupant problem, right? Problem is, there are just not enough caves to go around and not everyone wants to live in a cave. Keep up the science!

[@JordieG8]

I just swapped out my HRV to an Venmar N series ERV. I’m in Victoria B.C. Which is the most mild climate in Canada. My install is challenging in that it’s an attic with some decent runs of of flex. I’m going to rearrange it a bit and replace some of the flex with metal. But the auto balancing feature seems to work well, and as an added bonus, the supply from the ERV is going straight into the 8” line that runs to my Bypass HEPA system. 👌

[@efstro]

I live in the greater Seattle area and despite the common belief we rarely get below freezing for a sustained period of time (1-2 days typically, but rarely more than 1-2 week at a time over the winter) and the humidity swings greatly. At this very moment it's 61 degrees F and 85% humidity outside and inside my home it's 70 degrees F with 56% humidity. While I have a new 15 Seer central a/c, inside humidity varies greatly. I'm in the middle of air sealing and using aero barrier and bring the attic insulation to a R-49 level and crawl to R-30. I'm considering ventilation options and was recommended a HRV by a national high-end brand. What should my target humidity level be and what range should I maintain and what specific tools / equipment should I use to maintain these targets? Is it simply add a dehumidifier and a ERV tied into the HVAC system or seperate? Advice and reasoning would be greatly appreciated because I want to filter through the noise and make fact based decisions using science.

[@HomePerformance]

Hi Ed- you would probably benefit from an hour consultation. buildingperformanceworkshop.com/video-consulting But yes, you’re on the right track with dehum and ERV. Pressure balancing would also be important to plan for with other house fans.

[@efstro]

@@HomePerformance I think you're right and will sign up for a consult. Thanks

[@dmjmercer]

My home was always cold in the winter with an air exchanger. I bought a dehumidifier and now my home is no longer cold.

[@bretcrutchfield5622]

I live in climate zone 3B, hot and dry, but I'm coastal with little to no real humidity and a more of a mild climate because of the location to the coast. I got a quote from Zender, and they called for an HRV. What do you think in this scenario, ERV or HRV?

[@honestogod]

hey did get clear on this? I also live on a 3B zone and the installers here don't really use ERV's but my family sometimes suffers from the dryness of the air

[@HomePerformance]

ERV 100%

[@brainfood101]

This is a good video, but I think you gloss over some key points with basic comparisons to make points that might confuse people. IF you have a typical environment of 60% unaided you don't need to focus on dehumidifying if you have a spike due to showers, cooking or a sudden increase of people. The only thing this requires is extraction. A shower can easily add 200ml of water into the air. Only when fighting with high outside humidity does the ERV benefit. Many climates don't have that high humidity and could skip over this very key point. IF your outside humidity isn't high, your humidity source is due to breathing, showers, cooking and condensation from heating / cooling (day/night) cycles then HRV's work great. Any good one has a humidity sensor and switches to extraction. If your fighting condensation this is fine. However like the video says IF your in a high humidity climate a ERV will help your house from climate spikes. But some people need to fix the shower issue. Simply installing a hrv with humidity extraction sensors is the answer. A simple ductless hrv in your bathroom and ideally another room will quickly get you back to where you need to be and are highly effective to reduce moisture without loosing all your heat.

[@burningdust]

Just had a Fantech Hero 150H HRV installed. Too much dehumidification. It’s difficult to keep RH above 30%. It also does not handle shower steam very well. at our regular winter temps (-32 - -38c) The core freezes up and the unit ends up in a perpetual defrost cycle. Considering efficiencies down around 60% at these temps I end up with a return air plenum temp of around -10 enough to shut down the furnace for under temp. Wish there was more testing data available. seems to be no shortage of fluffy sales speak on this stuff. Do you have any equipment recommendations for these OD temperature ranges?

[@TR-sd2mx]

I had an ERV and it plugged up with bugs.. Cheap intake filter..(VENMAR).. Couldn't clean out the ERV recovery core. If the core is soaked or gets wet, the recovery core gets ruined. .Very costly to be replaced. .How do you clean out a core if plugged with bugs.. Vacuuming would not work.. Cleaned it with water and Guess what? Ruined the core . Venmar wanted 1100 dollars for replacement and cost me 1200 for unit.. (No way I would buy another core)..HRV core can be washed, dried and reused.. So be careful in buying an ERV core which cannot be washed.. It will be very costly if ruined. .Very sorry I bought an ERV..(especially from Venmar, no support what so ever)

[@markthomasson5077]

Thanks, he said the ERV had a paper core! Yikes…that says it all. I guess he is selling them!

[@HomePerformance]

You bought an old unit. New ones are made with washable composite, not paper.

[@markthomasson5077]

@@HomePerformance so basically Tyvek type sheets…great I could easily DIY that!

[@sarae.1720]

Any big screen on the air intake on the outside would of prevented the

[@W0WHERMY]

I am confused what to do for our house. We had some mold issues in the past and want and air exchanger to get fresh clean air inside and get rid of stale/unclean air outside. We live in southern ontario in canada. Very humid here, but air gets pretty dry in the house when its cold outside, so i don't want to remove even more humidity from the house with the air exchanger. The air conditionner and furnace does a good job at keeping the house dry I would say. My main goal is to get rid of pollutants in the house. Filtration isn't enough really. I need to get rid of VOCs from the pollutants, since there is a bit of smell as well. Any tips would be great. What our tech recommended was an HRV from venmar, i think its one of those self-balancing, which sounds great, but as a telecoms tech, can be skeptical of anything auto. Sometimes its great, sometimes awful.

[@HomePerformance]

The Venmar AI series is great. But I advise you get an ERV instead, if possible. Check with Venmar to see if it’ll freeze up too often where you are.

[@tweake7175]

I think you glossed over that you need the mechanicals to set the humidty in the first place. The erv just makes it easier by trying to maintain the status quo. Erv is only part of the system and you need the rest of the system to work with it. Like in the tiny lab where you had the dehumidifier .

[@ronwilson330]

Furnace(propane) and air handler installed in attic due as it is a “pole building”. Central air with compressor outside. Vey tight. Whole house humidifier not an option due furnace location … possible freeze issues occasionally in attic. We live in mid Atlantic. Hot , humid in summer and as I write this it’s 23F outside. My HVAC person suggested an ERV as possible solution to dry air in house in winter. Room humidifiers are a pain and don’t seem to be all that effective. Even with cold dry air outside the OUTDOOR humidity generally stays in the 50+%. It seems most issues discussed are about dehumidification and adding whole house humidifiers. Is this a viable option in our case? Btw… due to allergy issues of my wife, windows remain closed year round… I like the idea of fresh filtered air. Thanks for your video!

[@cjrob6151]

Another great video! Quick Question: How do we properly let in 'supply' for what the clothes dryer pushes out of the house?

[@HomePerformance]

Video coming buddy

[@ABZD019]

I've been giving that some thought too. I heard from a MEP engineer that since dryers tend to exhaust less than 200 CFM, it normally doesn't require any makeup air. But what about a super tight house? Or if you'd just rather try to bring in filtered air? My best guess is tying a boost function to the supply air device, since they already have something like that for HRVs, ERVs, etc. when they're also used as bathroom exhausts.

[@HomePerformance]

Guys, short answer: HEAT PUMP DRYER. Same price as a regular dryer. No brainer.

[@ABZD019]

@@HomePerformance That's what I'm budgeting for. Unfortunately, the vast majority are compact models here in the States. LG, Miele, Bosch all offer them in about 4.2 cubic feet. I don't care if it means more loads more often, since it's less energy even then. But being able to wash blankets and bedding makes that questionable. Not to mention bulky winter coats, pillows, whatever. Whirlpool offers 7.4 cubic feet options. So there's that at least. In fact, that's the one I'll be getting, and at $1,500 it's very competitive with the compact options.

[@HomePerformance]

We have a Miele- 20 year warranty, and no problem washing bedding or bulky stuff. Better design means more capacity.

[@shellderp]

what would cause mold to develop on an ERV core? Mine is moldy

[@HomePerformance]

Probably in an unconditioned space, right? Ventilation Upgrade: ERV Core Replacement after 8 Years of Continuous Ventilating in a Tiny House kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqHbeXiso5iUh6c

[@DrWarBear]

Thanks for the video Corbett! Question: I know some ERVs have a self balancing option to correct for pressure imbalances in the home, so would an alternate solution to solve for humidity be to use a regular exhaust only fan in the showers to eject the steam straight out, and then use an ERV that can increase the CFM going to the bathroom to makeup the lost air. Almost like a bath fan makeup air system. Or would that make it hard to then also ventilate the rest of the house?

[@cafekiva7892]

A peak performance video! Thanks, mate.

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks for following

[@hassiaschbi]

How long does a erv-core last? I imagine that mold could be an issue

[@HomePerformance]

Ventilation Upgrade: ERV Core Replacement after 8 Years of Continuous Ventilating in a Tiny House kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqHbeXiso5iUh6c

[@SublimeTree]

Great info. Thanks. What if you live in west Michigan where it's -5 to 32 degrees F. In the winter for 2 to 5 months and it's 75 to 100 degrees with high humidity in the summer for 2 to 4 months?

[@HomePerformance]

Same advice. ERV over HRV, if you need balanced ventilation.

[@walktxrn]

What about Ohio/PA for ERV vs HRV? Temps get down to -10 F outside, or do you only mean if the HOUSE freezes ? (lived in houses shouldn't ever freeze)

[@rockyboy976]

Fantastic video mate. Much appreciated :-) I live in Hamburg where its cold (goes to minus 5 at the most) and very humid inside and outside. What do I buy? Please let me know. Many thanks

[@HomePerformance]

Good Q- at -5 C there’s very little moisture in the air, and bringing that air in would dry your home out in fact. The Relative Humidity may be 100% and snowing, but cold air holds much less moisture than warm air. See this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV65qqSajtN4nK8si=LzazZLulWO3GMkcy

[@rockyboy976]

@@HomePerformance Many thanks for your kindness in replying :-) Unfortunately, my problem is the house is too humid and cold. In spring, worse than outside :-(

[@sergebosse9090]

I'm in Eastern Canada, just across the border from Northern Maine Which one would you suggest?

[@HomePerformance]

ERV- it won’t dry your house out half as bad as an HRV will

[@shenoyglobal]

For Florida what is the best erv de humidifier in the market which does both and connects with hvac

[@HomePerformance]

I don’t think that exists in one machine, Ganesh- you can have a Broan, Aprilaire or Santa Fe ventilating dehumidifier (not balanced or an ERV), or you can have a Renewaire or Broan ERV (not a dehu), or you can use both. I’d recommend the ventilating dehum for Florida, usually: www.broan-nutone.com/en-us/dehumidifiers/broan-whole-home-dehumidifiers

[@shenoyglobal]

@@HomePerformance thank you great content!

[@toldt]

+1 Can you comment on your plan for bath exhaust with the ERV.

[@amiller8822]

So…. Don’t use an ERV “if it’s gonna freeze” -? 😳 😕 I’m so confused. Every time I think I understand it and have decided which one I need…. 😒 So how cold are we talking, then? How cold would it need to get in the winter’s, in order for someone to need an HRV instead of an ERV? And why would you ever need an HRV over an ERV, if an ERV does •both• preserving humidity AND heat, within the home-? 😶

[@charlespaine987]

Question would an ERV be of any value in ventilating a non conditioned crawl space vs simple screened vent holes. Would UVC LAMP be good enhancements to maintain a better environment within them. I never enjoyed entering dusty insect ridden crawl areas

[@brianmahoney2079]

Do Spot ERV's for one room focus have drainage pans? Do all ERV's have to be drained everyday? I have stale air problem and a dehumidifyer for wet cool air

[@abdulrahmanalfouzan7023]

Thank you, can I used in birds room? I’m not very good in English. Thanks.

[@HomePerformance]

Yes

[@wewe5dfbb]

Thank you for your video. I live in MD and want to have an ERV installed. I'm worried about the air intake side of the core building mold due to humidity air coming into the unit. Did you see this type of issue for ERV? I saw someone complained about it online.

[@shoyrushoyru]

Does ERV connect to an existing central air duct system on a finished house? Or is this the kind of thing that needs a whole second duct system alongside the central air?

[@HomePerformance]

You can do either

[@bretsherk]

I have a Broan hrv100h ... what should I be running it on low ? high ? I have no clue on this machine... thanks!

[@bretsherk]

I should have mentioned, I live in Iowa... DRY in winter... HUMID in summer..

[@HomePerformance]

Then an HRV will cause more humidity swing havoc for you than an ERV would. You may be able to just buy an ERV core from them. And it moves 100 cfm max, which is pretty low- unless your home is 500 sq ft you should probably run on high.

[@lesleyainsworth1860]

I am in Maine with a tight house with humidity problems in the winter- it becomes TOO humid and the windows condensate. I am about to purchase an ERV to get some fresh air in and stale moist air out- is this not the solution in this case? Thanks

[@jjmesbeth4309]

same Q here @HomePerformance

[@HomePerformance]

You CAN, but a constantly running ERV may be overkill. If you already have bath fans, the pressure won’t be balanced. If you have a duct system, the incoming air will get mixed and tempered automatically. And if you run it 24/7 it may overdry your air, making you less comfortable. Seen too many hopeful purchasers get let down after spending $$$$.

[@jjmesbeth4309]

Fair points. I wouldn’t likely run this thing 24/7. Just when needed. It’s got a wireless wall mount control panel. Which I believe has an integrated hygrometer. Its a Fantech VHR(?) 150R. I can get it for free which is why I’m doing research now. To decide on moving forward or not. The, err, unconventional, angle here is that I only have a 20K BTU gas rinnai & 4 DHP’s. No ducts. So I am considering turning this Fantech unit into a DIY’d ductless model. Mounting it on an exterior wall, framing an accessible cloaking box for her, running some rigid out the wall and slapping on a wall vent cap/cage. I also have free wiring supplies and a new sub-panel with available circuits. Have people done this? Internet shows not much on this. Not worried about being a guineapig nor the requisite materials/skills. But curious if it’s been done or documented.

[@MrJohnboyofsj]

Did your ERV workout? Similar situation to you planning on installing an HRV after several years of condensation around windows and on bedroom walls. The main threat is the transition from warmer humid days to cold nights and the humidity is still high in your home but the temp dips down to dew point. I've run dehumidifiers but they are extremely energy intensive and loud in a small space and then the air gets stale quick.

[@lesleyainsworth1860]

I am a year in with the ERV in Maine. It definitely helps with the condensation and humidity. We also have to make sure that our tight fitting window blinds are open on the top and bottom so that there is air flow behind them, otherwise they will still get damp. We run ours 24/7 until we open the windows in the summer. It was not too dry at all. It didn’t kill our electric bill either.

[@porqpine5]

When you say you swapped out the core of a HRV for an ERV, where does one get an ERV core? I've got a Venmar HRV that I'd love to turn into an ERV, but I can't figure out where to buy a paper core to swap into the unit...

[@juliesack2752]

How load is it? I need to put one in my condo so it will be in a bedroom. Will it be comfortable?

[@meowzic]

Is there an affordable option for a 700sqft house that wont set me back $6k? I live in the upper Midwest on lake Superior. Id lije humidity control ans fresh air exchange.

[@snorttroll4379]

Diy

[@makkavelli3972]

Hi what do i need if my bedroom is really dry and not much air?? due too a very small window,,even plants die a slow death in the bedroom..Thanks

[@HomePerformance]

A fan and a steam humidifier, my friend. Less than $100 total.

[@makkavelli3972]

@@HomePerformance Hi mate iv tried a Dehumidifyer but dosnt work as my bedroom is soo big and ceiling really high its an old Vicorian house that was renivated and too much cladding its soo air tight and dry as hell,,lips are always stook together in the mornings its really frusytrating

[@HomePerformance]

Not a dehumidifier- that makes it dryer. A steam humidifier pumps humidity into the air.

[@markramirezg]

Hi it is true that it is not recommended to use ERVs to extract air from the bathrooms? Thanks

[@HomePerformance]

NO, this is not true, I'm very sorry people have said this to you and we're working with several ERV manufacturers to remedy the messaging. Public statement from the manufacturers forthcoming asap on our channel.

[@markramirezg]

@@HomePerformance the specialist mentioned that it my require to clean more often dock ventilation air due to humidity accumulation, and actually can cause more problems than help

[@HomePerformance]

I will literally have the leaders of several ERV manufacturing brands personally correcting this in coming week or two, stay tuned.

[@cellocovers3982]

Are you saying that because most of the day you aren't using the shower, it doesn't matter that you are recycling the humidity from the shower back into the house? And that you could have a humidifier or dehumidifier hooked up to the ERV in order to control for that? I'm unclear about what your main point is.

[@billdenyar4157]

Towards the end of the video you mentioned you would comment on one marketing myth, “self-balancing” in a couple of months in another video. Did you make that video?

[@HomePerformance]

Haha great timing Bill! Coming up in next week or two.

[@mikepict9011]

I was thinking of an erv with braided plastic cores increased durability for cleaning. Think its a good idea ?

[@HomePerformance]

Plastic would make it an HRV, not ERV

[@mikepict9011]

@@HomePerformance why ? The permeability of air vs water . Any pipe that can transport air but not water can achieve that , maybe not with the same design, plastic strands woven together might be a better shell in tube wind sock . Whatever ill do it myself

[@canadalifevlog21]

I live in Northern Canada which means it's colder during winter the temp is around -9 to -40. Is ERV still advisable? Having problem with high condensation on my windows. What is your recommendations?

[@HomePerformance]

HRV is more made for your climate, BUT it’ll dry the house like crazy. There are also apparently pre-heaters that prevent frost on the ERV core I have yet to look into.

[@aldoogie824]

Great video on the subject. Can you do a video on how to safely humidify a home - tolerances, new air tight homes vs older homes, etc.

[@HomePerformance]

I’ll give it a shot, Aldoogie

[@johnwhite2576]

t if you build a very tight house in most climates that aren't manifestly overall arid, Im a bit surprised Corbett has encountered too dry air in his tight southern home

[@HomePerformance]

Any air that’s cold is automatically dry- made a vid using a psychrometric wheel calculator recently. 32 deg F 100%RH air brought inside and warmed up to 70 will be 25% RH. Happens everywhere it gets cold, even Florida.

[@aldoogie824]

@@HomePerformance Thank you! I think general location of registers, for both HVAC , and then HVAC & ERVS, is a topic I'm very curious about. How to make sure I'm not creating a vacuum where the ERV supply is now getting sucked into the HVAC return, which I suppose would provide "fresh conditioned" air, yet if that supply is close the ERV exhaust, then did the room ever get any good air - are we just bystanders watching these systems play ping-pong? Perhaps an extreme picture, but would love to know!!

[@tylerrasmussen8852]

I have an ERV in the Midwest… fight air being too dry in the winter and way too humid in the summer

[@HomePerformance]

An HRV would be much worse in that respect

[@frgggggdsedd6913]

Hi I live in Montreal Quebec our summers are hot and winters are really cold sometimes -15 or so do you recommend HRV or ERV. My heating is also baseboard electric

[@HomePerformance]

ERV is superior, if you can make it work. Might need a small pre-heater for your -15 weeks.

[@frgggggdsedd6913]

@@HomePerformance thanks so much for the reply and there is no way I will have humidity issues right like excess humidity ?

[@HomePerformance]

Yes, ventilating introduces humidity issues. But an ERV helps you a lot more than an HRV will on that score.

[@frgggggdsedd6913]

@@HomePerformance oh wow so I could have high humidity because of an ERV? I need something thats running 24/7 to bring fresh air my co2 levels inside home is high

[@HomePerformance]

Yes, an ERV is the best choice for pressure balancing and humidity control. Just make sure to maintain it properly.

[@joebeauchemin]

I have two ervs in nh My large primary shower overwhelms the bathroom with humidity... thoughts on how to remedy without just getting a high cfm exhaust fan? Thanks

[@HomePerformance]

Test your ERV. If the port is IN the shower, and it’s pulling ~25cfm, you should be fixed.

[@Gr8ful7]

Ever since I had this installed in my house I’ve been getting an odd smell coming from my fence. Has anybody had these issues?

[@HomePerformance]

Check your filters at the core, and the intake outside your home

[@Gr8ful7]

@@HomePerformance would the intake be on the roof? Also, I don’t really turn it on much especially since I started noticing a weird smell but I still smell something even when it’s off.

[@Utopia915]

Living in New York in a ICF home, which would you recommend?

[@HomePerformance]

If you need balanced ventilation, ERV.

[@mark33545]

I want fresh air in my NJ basement, my plan was to install an ERV and run a dehumidifier. I was hoping the ERV would help dehumidify the basement by pulling out the stale moist air, but now i realize i was wrong. Is an ERV still my best option or something all together different? I just want my basement to have nice fresh air and keep it from getting stale/moist, it has no windows that open.

[@HomePerformance]

You’ve got a ton of options less expensive than an ERV, Mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGZcqGqhrikf6M

[@pinewindowcleaning3222]

Great video, do you happen to know a product better than the Panasonic WhisperComfort ERV, looking for an spot ERV, and this is the only one i found but i'd like to have more CFM capacity. Thanks!

[@HomePerformance]

This is the only spot ERV I'm aware of, sorry.

[@pinewindowcleaning3222]

How about a intake fan that could bring fresh air and damper the humidity that brings.

[@HomePerformance]

That’s called a ventilating dehumidifier- yes, Broan, Santa Fe and Aprilaire all make that.

[@love2hvac]

Thank you!

[@D2O2]

Wasn't Brian ultimately not happy with an ERV in his home and moved to a ventilating dehumidifier?

[@HomePerformance]

Haha if you mean Bryan O, possible. He's in humid FL, and they have to use ventilating dehus there to solve some special challenges.

[@howibuiltmyownhomeevenacav4944]

Thank you. Conundrum resolved 😁

[@turboflush]

I cut allot of sodium (soda drinks, and chips ) out of my diet.. I belive it helped my nose bleeds allot.

[@HomePerformance]

Interesting

[@melmcg383]

"a lot" not allot

[@turboflush]

@Mel McG Allot of comments are unnecessary. This is one of them. ;)

[@TheKonnoisseur11]

Wow so ideally my tiny house would need an hrv, minisplit, bathroom dehumidifier, and air filter?

[@cellocovers3982]

I think you could get away with a minisplit and filter, if you have the AC running it acts as a dehumidifier. You could just use trickle vents for ventilation.

[@lossless4129]

I mean, buy a cerv2 and it’ll do it all and far more efficient. These units came as building since was evolving but it is about 1/5 the solution. There are evolutions to this.

[@HomePerformance]

CERV takes up 5x more space and is a lot more to install and maintain- maybe you get what you pay for

[@bikewi3]

Well done as always!

[@HomePerformance]

Hey, thanks Dave!

[@-First-Last]

Does that ERV thingy crackled your voice so terribly ?

[@MaximumEfficiency]

ERV can grow mold when it's not working

[@HomePerformance]

So can HRV- don’t turn them off

[@MaximumEfficiency]

@@HomePerformance well that's a problem if I go on holiday

[@marky685]

10 kids !! 🫡

[@HomePerformance]

Ya I know

[@sp1200M3D]

I hear ERV’s raise the RH in homes.

[@HomePerformance]

Yes, all ventilation raises humidity when it’s warm and wet outside. ERV is best at keeping it down, but it still happens.

[@sp1200M3D]

@@HomePerformance thanks, and the ERV ramps this process up, on top of standard mechanical ventilation. Specifically in climate zones with more water vapor surrounding the exterior of the building envelope. So technically why not just use regular HVAC without an ERV and just use air purifiers to be safe? Not to mention, I would assume ERV filters get moist from the transfer of wet outside air passing through them before dumping their fresh air into a home?

[@MrTooTechnical]

Erv for life baby. Hrv can kiss my ass. Great vid.

[@21142317]

You are talking rubbish. I have a small single room MVHR in a drying room where I hang wetsuits and damp clothing and it drys them extremely quickly. It has a huge effect on humidity.

[@21142317]

In the UK it is always more humid inside an old property.

[@ilya8918]

Unfortunately ERV is so noisy

[@virgil3241]

ERVs are better then HRVs. and vice versa. All depends on your location and your own personal use. Tel me in -40 degrees Celcius that you want to recover humidity leaving your home when science says you should have 20% humidity in your home so you dont have issues with your home. So to say that your video is 100% correct, is invalid. Because they arent for every situation. Is 20% humidity fun, nope. But it has to happen when it gets extremely cold. Reading for years which one is better, and it always seems to be a pissing contest of which is better

[@HomePerformance]

Respectfully suggest you look further into humidity metrics- RH % is relative to temperature, so -40C is 0% RH when warmed to 22C.

[@virgil3241]

@@HomePerformance You said in your video yourself, these arent not to be used in the Yukon, or shouldnt be. Thats Zone 1 according the HRV/ERV climate map. Im in Canada and the prairies. Which is Zone 1 (HRv only) and Zone 2 (HRV or ERV). I understand humidity metric, I understand extreme cold air doesn't hold humidity like warm air. I know when cold air is brought in the humidity goes to nothing because it is now heated, been owning a home in these conditions coming up 30 years I will ask, do you live in a Zone 1 climate? Do you have experience with -40 and controlling humidity in a home. Respectfully suggest that it seems like any other video or website I have read, that if you support ERV, every HRV persons decision is wrong. While that isnt the case. Look up attic rain, or other pictures of higher humidity in homes when it gets very cold. And then tell me you want to retain that humidity in the home during those times. Lets face it, we are both right, and we are both wrong. Depends on the area, situation, and weather extremes on both ends. Thats why both are made.

[@HomePerformance]

@virgil3241 panasonic has been testing their ERVs at the Cold Climate Research Center for awhile now, in Fairbanks Alaska.

[@virgil3241]

@@HomePerformance Thats awesome. Fairbanks is Zone 1. I can give you some direct quotes from other HVAC KZbin channels and websites that contradict your information. Im not saying you are wrong at all, but you also arent 100% right either. No doubt you have more brains and experience than I ever will being a home owner, and technology changes as time goes on. But are you saying all HRV owners are wrong then? As well, any HVAC professional thats says to go HRV for the area they live in, are wrong as well?

[@HomePerformance]

@virgil3241 not about brains imho- I would bet money that anyone spec’ing an HRV in any climate has not lived with an HRV and an ERV. I have, and I have felt the difference through changing seasons. HRV is inferior for comfort control.

[@Voidy123]

Honestly, you must be scared to go outside in case you get a humidity spike....really...a shower should kill you on contact I assume...this whole ERV HRV crap seems like a money making thing.

[@HomePerformance]

Very cheeky. We spend plenty of time outside. Sounds like you’re not into high performance things.

[@lawrencebarnes6893]

Biggest waste of money in my new house. Noisy. Expensive. Energy hungry. Basically a very over priced fan. Its a scam. Its just a Greenwashing Scam. Some one is getting rich and ERVs are a bunch of green hyped BS

[@HomePerformance]

Sounds like you let them buy a bad one and install it wrong. Better luck next time buddy.

[@lawrencebarnes6893]

@@HomePerformance top of the line ERV. The best part: when i turn it off nothing goes wrong. No humidity problems. I dont suffocate in my sleep like the ERV salesman said i would. The only thing i notice when i shut off that stupid thing is A) the house is quieter and B) my electric bill goes down. Its a bunch of Greenwash Greed thats pushing people to spend $6k or even $9k on a stupid fan and simple heat exchanger. They try to scare us by telling “How Tight” modern homes are and that we will suffocate unless we shell out $$$$ for a fan. Total Rip Off. Fearmongering.

[@mikepict9011]

Like Chinese finger traps

[@mtauta]

Horrible audio quality