HVAC ERV settings during smoke season in Greater Vancouver

An ERV (energy recovery ventilator) keeps a tight Greater Vancouver home supplied with fresh air while managing both heat and humidity. During wildfire smoke season, the same continuous fresh-air exchange needs to be reined in so you are not pumping smoky air into your bedrooms and living space.

What an ERV does and how smoke changes it

An ERV swaps stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while transferring both heat and moisture between the two streams, which helps with our damp coastal climate. That balanced ventilation is a plus in airtight homes and condos for most of the year.

Once smoke advisories begin, bringing in outdoor air works against you. The fine particulate in wildfire smoke comes in with the fresh-air stream, so during an advisory you want to minimize the ERV's outdoor exchange and rely on recirculating and filtering the air already indoors.

• Drop the ERV to its lowest ventilation setting or recirculate mode during smoke
• Skip boost and high-ventilation modes while the air outside is hazy
• Inspect and clean or replace the ERV's filters more often during an advisory
• Restore normal ventilation settings once outdoor air quality recovers

Keeping it maintained and configured correctly

The ERV's own filters capture incoming particulate and will load quickly during smoke, so check them on a tighter schedule and clean or replace them per the unit's instructions. Keeping them fresh protects both your air and the unit's airflow.

If your ERV lacks an obvious low or recirculate setting, or you want help balancing ventilation against air quality, a HeatLand technician can set it up for your specific home. Since ventilation improvements can be eligible for CleanBC and FortisBC rebates, ask about qualifying upgrades while you are at it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I set my ERV during a smoke advisory?

Reduce it to its lowest ventilation level or recirculate mode so it brings in as little smoky outdoor air as possible, while you keep indoor air circulating and filtered.

What is the difference between an ERV and an HRV during smoke?

Both bring in fresh outdoor air; an ERV also transfers humidity. During smoke, both should be dialled back the same way, since the concern is the particulate in the incoming air.

How often do ERV filters need attention during smoke season?

Check them every couple of weeks during a prolonged advisory. Smoke particulate clogs them faster than normal household air, and a clogged filter reduces airflow.

Can ERV upgrades qualify for BC rebates?

Certain ventilation upgrades may qualify under CleanBC and FortisBC programs. A technician can confirm which equipment and improvements are eligible for your home.

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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