May 04, 2015
In an effort to become energy efficient, many homes have upgraded insulation, windows, doors and HVAC systems. This is all very good for your home and for decreasing use of energy, but sometimes healthy ventilation can suffer, causing increased problems with the quality of your indoor air. However, there is a great device that can help you increase and improve your home’s indoor ventilation as well as further improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system: an energy recovery ventilator, also known as an ERV. The experts at Bronco Plumbing Heating and Air can install your ERV so that it integrates seamlessly with your existing HVAC system, enabling you to gain the benefits of the device for years to come. Why install an ERV in your Sacramento, CA, home? Here are two important reasons to consider it.
Reason #1: Better Ventilation
As mentioned above, homes are becoming more and more air tight, which can lead, unintentionally, to the problem of poor ventilation. Why is it important to have good ventilation? Within your home are a number of air pollutants, many of which come from basic cleaning solutions, paint, and exhaust from combustion appliances such as stoves, water heaters and furnaces. While your appliances are vented to remove the harmful fumes, these appliances and other household items can allow for a level of contamination in your home’s indoor air. The natural process of removing these contaminants lies in good ventilation; without it, you may be breathing air that can be less than healthy. An energy recovery ventilator allows for a continuous, fresh stream of air to enter your home via your HVAC system, so your home has a constant flow of fresh air that is the temperature you need it to be.
Reason #2: Increased Energy Efficiency
Most people don’t realize it, but your indoor air has energy in it – specifically, thermal energy. It also has moisture. The ERV takes advantage of both by applying this energy to the incoming air. As the ERV expels your stale indoor air, it applies the energy of the outgoing air to the incoming fresh air. This process pre-treats and humidifies or dehumidifies the air, depending on the season. Using pre-treated air takes the load off your HVAC system, allowing it to operate using less energy.
Think an ERV may be a good fit for your home? Give us a call today and work with one of our specialists.