Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is critical to your health. Among the many devices available to help, energy recovery ventilators are some of the most effective. Here’s a look at how an energy recovery ventilator can help you enjoy fresher air in your Rockport, TX, home:
The Basics of an Energy Recovery Ventilator
An energy recovery ventilator is also called an ERV ventilation system or an ERV air exchanger. Although these terms are different, they all refer to the same type of system.
Simply put, an ERV connects to your HVAC system and maintains a continuous circulation of fresh air. During cold months, the ERV ventilates your home while retaining heat that might otherwise escape. It also reduces the amount of air pollution, allergens and other contaminants that can enter your home.
The Inner Workings of an ERV
An ERV makes use of two fans. One fan pulls fresh air indoors and the second fan moves stale air to the outside.
When the air streams cross, a heat exchanger sends moisture and heat from one air stream to the other. This ventilation method prevents heat loss and captures allergens and pollutants before they enter the home.
Some Reasons for Choosing an ERV
Our customers give various reasons for wanting an ERV in the home. Stale air inside the home often contains allergens and contaminants. Not only does this affect air quality, but it can also irritate your lungs and sinuses. Stale air can eventually cause bad odors, too. An ERV provides automatic ventilation that circulates fresh and clean air throughout your home.
An ERV transfers heat energy from the stale air, leaving your home to the incoming air. It provides a more efficient way to ventilate your home. For example, you won’t need to open a window or a door for ventilation. This can lead to a lower power bill while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
Texas residents are no strangers to humidity. An ERV regulates heat and lowers humidity. It’s estimated that an ERV can reduce indoor humidity by up to 50%.
An ERV and an HVAC system can work well together. The ERV keeps filters and ductwork free of dust and dirt for an extended time. Overall, you can expect your HVAC system to last longer than if you didn’t have an ERV.
Considerations Before Installing an ERV
As you can see, an ERV provides several benefits. However, there are some possible disadvantages that you should know.
First, an ERV can possibly produce more noise than you’d like. It takes a lot of work to keep air circulating throughout your home. An ERV pumps air at a high velocity, and you may dislike the sound.
The solution is to install the ERV in a location that won’t cause a disturbance. Your service technician can help choose an appropriate installation area.
Second, if you already have a low power bill, an ERV probably won’t lower it more. If your current HVAC system uses very little power or you hardly use it, your power bill is likely minimal. In this case, adding an ERV probably won’t reduce your heating and cooling expenses.
An ERV is possibly more beneficial for homeowners who want to spend less on their heating and cooling costs. You can still get an ERV for its benefits, just realize you may not lower your power bill.
Get an ERV in Rockport, TX
Are you interested in learning more about how you can benefit from an ERV? Bodine-Scott can help. We’ve been meeting the HVAC needs of customers since 1961. Our customer service and expertise have made us a favorite in the community, and our highly trained technicians work hard to provide excellent service. Contact Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co. for your indoor air quality needs in Rockport, TX, and the surrounding areas.
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