HRV

Equipment and Systems - Home Energy and Building Envelope pillar

Also known as: Heat Recovery Ventilator, heat recovery ventilator

Heat Recovery Ventilator. A balanced ventilation device that exchanges stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while transferring heat between the two streams.

An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) is required by Ontario Building Code 9.32 in new homes and major renovations. It runs two parallel air streams through a counter-flow core: stale air leaving the house warms incoming fresh air without mixing them. Typical recovery efficiency is 60 to 85 percent. Properly installed and balanced, an HRV holds indoor humidity at 30 to 50 percent and prevents the back-drafting that causes CO problems in tight homes. Annual operating cost is $30 to $80 in Ontario electricity.

See the full Ontario HVAC and home energy glossary or browse the Home Energy and Building Envelope pillar.