FAQ

An ERV (energy recovery ventilator) recovers both sensible heat (temperature) and latent heat (moisture) from exhaust air. An HRV (heat recovery ventilator) recovers sensible heat only. In practice an ERV is used for commercial buildings with air-conditioning loads, and an HRV for residential buildings in cooler climates where heating is the dominant load and dehumidification is not required. The distinction is not a naming convention — it changes what the equipment can do for the building, because in most commercial climates moisture is at least as expensive to remove as temperature.

See also: ERV vs HRV for Commercial Buildings · Medium Ceiling-Mounted Total Heat Recovery Unit · Single-Flow Fresh Air Ventilator