Glossary · Heating, cooling & ventilation
ERV (energy recovery ventilator)
Also called: enthalpy recovery ventilator
Like an HRV, but its core also transfers some moisture between the outgoing and incoming air, which helps manage humidity.
What it means
In winter an ERV keeps some indoor moisture from being exhausted, reducing dryness; in humid weather it keeps some outdoor moisture out. It recovers heat like an HRV. It isn't a dehumidifier and won't fix a wet basement.
Why it matters in an audit
Choosing between an HRV and an ERV depends on climate and household moisture, so the auditor or ventilation designer should recommend which suits your home.
Typical numbers
Reference values with their sources. Your energy advisor’s report gives the figure for your own house.
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Heat recovered (NRCan, 2018) | 60%–90% (HRVs and ERVs) | natural-resources.canada.ca ↗ |
| When NRCan suggests an ERV | High cooling loads, very low indoor moisture loads or a very dry climate | natural-resources.canada.ca ↗ |