All homes, rather all occupants, need fresh clean outside air. California building code requires a certain amount of outside air (OA) be introduced into our homes through a steady mechanical system. The OA system(s) are governed by California’s Energy and CALGreen Codes – referenced under the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Ventilation section.
As new construction builds become tighter, with less air-infiltration and exfiltration, we are starting to see more of our clients choose balanced ventilation systems in order to maintain the tight building envelope. Exhaust-only ventilation, such as a continuously running bathroom fan, meets the building code default minimum required ventilation, but also pulls makeup air through cracks in the building envelope, creating unwanted air infiltration.
Balanced ventilation systems can be as simple as one exhaust fan and one supply fan operating simultaneously. But for a more energy efficient system, and potentially a simpler installation, a ducted heat recovery or energy recovery ventilation (HRV /ERV) unit can be used. These units use a bypass system to recover heat (and in the case of ERVs, moisture) and exchange it between outgoing air and incoming fresh air.
Optimizing
While these products have been on the market for over a decade, we find that their performance and client benefit can be optimized by following a few tips.
First, noise levels are generally low for ERV/HRV units, but higher fan speeds can result in “humming” or vibrations. It’s always a good idea to consider options for isolating the unit from framing and/or using a duct silencer in the design.
Second, with any HRV/ERV system it is important to let the design/construction teams and the homeowner or maintenance personnel know that the code required MERV 13 filter needs to be changed regularly. Some HRV/ERV units can be ordered with HEPA filters, meeting and exceeding the MERV 13 requirement in California. Additionally, the interior of the unit and core will need periodic cleaning, typically done with a vacuum.
Lastly, because HRV/ERVs run continuously, it is important to let the homeowner or occupant know that in cases of very poor outdoor air quality, such as in wildlands fire, that the unit can be turned off manually, then turned back on after the air quality improves. Installers should provide an easily accessible and labeled on/off switch. Providing information near the unit on how to purchase replacement filters does wonders for actually making it happen!