ERV for new builds in Greater Vancouver

New homes and additions in Greater Vancouver are built far tighter than houses of a generation ago, which is great for energy use but means fresh air has to be brought in deliberately. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is the ventilation many new builds rely on. Here is what to know if you are building, buying new, or finishing a laneway suite.

Why New Builds Are Designed Around an ERV

Today's building practices wrap homes in air barriers, sealed sheathing, and high-performance windows. The result is a home that loses very little heat, but also one that cannot dilute indoor moisture, cooking odours, and everyday off-gassing on its own. New construction materials, finishes, and furniture also release more odours when a home is fresh. An ERV gives the home a planned, continuous supply of filtered fresh air and a path for stale air to leave.

Because it recovers heat and moisture from the outgoing stream, an ERV ventilates without undoing the efficiency the tight envelope was built to deliver. In many new Vancouver homes the ERV is integrated into the design from the start rather than added later.

• New builds are sealed too tightly to ventilate naturally
• Fresh finishes and materials release more odours early in a home's life
• An ERV supplies filtered fresh air and removes stale, humid air
• Heat and moisture recovery keeps ventilation efficient

Setting Up Ventilation for a New Vancouver Home

For a new build, the ERV should be sized and balanced to the home, with supply and exhaust points placed so fresh air reaches bedrooms and living spaces while stale, damp air is pulled from bathrooms and the kitchen area. Getting the ducting and balance right at the outset avoids the stale-air complaints that come from ventilation that was added as an afterthought.

Laneway suites and secondary suites have their own ventilation needs and are often required to have a dedicated fresh-air strategy. HeatLand can help plan, size, or commission an ERV so a new build or suite is comfortable and properly ventilated from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an ERV required in a new home?

Modern building requirements generally call for mechanical ventilation in new homes, and an ERV is a common way to meet that. The exact requirement depends on the home and local code, so confirm with your builder or a technician.

Why does my brand-new home smell stuffy?

New materials and finishes off-gas more when a home is fresh, and a tight envelope traps those odours. Running and properly setting up the ERV helps clear them, as does verifying the unit is balanced and ducted correctly.

Does a laneway suite need its own ERV?

Secondary and laneway suites usually need a dedicated fresh-air solution because they are sealed and self-contained. A technician can advise on the right ventilation for that space.

Can ventilation in a new build qualify for rebates?

Depending on the project, ventilation can sometimes tie into FortisBC or CleanBC programs. HeatLand can tell you what currently applies.

HeatLand Heating & Cooling is a licensed and insured, TSBC-certified HVAC company serving homeowners across Greater Vancouver. Our technicians diagnose the real fault, explain your options in plain language, and complete the work safely and to code.

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