HVAC HRV settings during smoke season in Greater Vancouver

An HRV (heat recovery ventilator) is built to bring fresh outdoor air into your home efficiently, which is a real benefit in a tight, modern Greater Vancouver house most of the year. During smoke season, though, the same unit needs different settings so it does not deliver smoky outdoor air to every room.

How an HRV works and why smoke changes the plan

An HRV continuously exchanges stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while recovering heat from the outgoing stream, so you ventilate without throwing away energy. That makes it valuable in airtight homes and condos that would otherwise trap moisture and stale air.

When wildfire smoke blankets the Lower Mainland, that continuous fresh-air exchange becomes a liability, because the incoming air carries fine particulate. During an advisory you want to minimize the HRV's outdoor air exchange and lean on recirculating and filtering indoor air instead.

• Reduce the HRV to its lowest ventilation setting or a recirculate mode during heavy smoke
• Avoid boost or high-ventilation modes while smoke is in the air
• Check and replace the HRV's filters more often during a smoke event
• Return to normal ventilation settings once the advisory lifts

Maintenance and getting the settings right

HRVs have their own filters that load up fast during smoke. Inspect and clean or replace them more frequently during an advisory so the unit is not pushing dirty air through. You can do this yourself by following the unit's filter-access instructions.

If your HRV does not offer a clear low or recirculate setting, or you are unsure how to balance ventilation during smoke season, a HeatLand technician can configure it for your home. Because ventilation upgrades can qualify for CleanBC and FortisBC rebates, it is worth asking about eligible improvements at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn off my HRV during a smoke advisory?

Reduce it to its lowest setting or recirculate mode rather than relying on full ventilation. The aim is to limit the smoky outdoor air it brings in while keeping indoor air moving and filtered.

How often should I clean the HRV filters during smoke season?

More often than usual. Smoke particulate clogs HRV filters quickly, so check them every couple of weeks during an extended advisory and clean or replace as needed.

Can I damage my HRV by running it during smoke?

You are unlikely to damage it, but you will load its filters fast and bring in smoky air. Dialling it back during the advisory protects both air quality and the filters.

Are HRV upgrades eligible for rebates in BC?

Some ventilation improvements can qualify for CleanBC and FortisBC programs. A technician can tell you which upgrades and equipment 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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