HRV and ERV installation in Vancouver from HeatLand — mechanical ventilation for Vancouver's newer airtight homes and heritage building energy upgrades. HeatLand installs Heat Recovery Ventilators throughout Vancouver, ensuring fresh air delivery without the heat loss of open-window ventilation.
What Is an HRV or ERV?
A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilation system that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering most of the heat (and, for an ERV, moisture) from the exhaust air. Modern airtight homes in Vancouver require mechanical ventilation to maintain healthy indoor air quality — natural air leakage in a well-sealed home is not sufficient to remove pollutants, CO₂, and moisture at appropriate rates.
HRV vs ERV for Vancouver Homes
An HRV transfers heat but not moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams — the right choice for most of British Columbia’s climate zones, where winter humidity inside a well-sealed home tends to be adequate without adding outdoor moisture. An ERV transfers both heat and moisture, making it a better choice for very dry climates or buildings with very low internal moisture generation. For most Vancouver homes, HeatLand recommends an HRV.
HRV/ERV Installation in Vancouver
HRV installation in a Vancouver home typically involves mounting the unit in a utility room or mechanical room, connecting intake and exhaust ducts through the exterior, and distributing fresh air through a dedicated distribution system or integrating with the existing forced-air duct system. Filter maintenance is required two to four times per year — the filters must be removed and cleaned to maintain airflow and heat recovery efficiency.
Related: Furnace installation | Annual HVAC maintenance