What Is an HRV System? How It Works and Why You Need One
By Graham Mann | Published: 12/21/2025
Understand how an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) improves indoor air, saves heating energy, controls moisture, and what installation and maintenance involve.
What Is an HRV System? How It Works and Why You Need One A Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system improves indoor air quality while conserving energy. It replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, recovering 60% to 95% of heat that would otherwise be lost. This makes it ideal for airtight, energy-efficient homes where natural ventilation is limited. Key benefits include: - Better Air Quality: Removes moisture, odors, and pollutants like dust and VOCs. - Energy Savings: Reduces heating/cooling energy loss by about 65%. - Moisture Control: Prevents mold and condensation by managing indoor humidity. HRV systems typically cost $2,000 to $5,000 to install and use about as much energy as a 60-watt light bulb. They’re essential for maintaining a comfortable, efficient, and healthy home environment. Heat Recovery Ventilation Explained What Is an HRV System? A Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system, also known as mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR), is a device that exchanges sta...
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