Energy recovery ventilator. A fixed-plate core or rotating wheel lets the two airstreams trade heat and water vapor without mixing much air, so incoming air arrives closer to indoor conditions in both summer and winter. An HRV, heat recovery ventilator, transfers heat only. ERVs suit humid climates and tight homes, and their cores and filters need regular cleaning to keep airflow and effectiveness up.
ERV filters are packed solid, that's why the bathrooms smell and the supply side is barely moving air.
Also heard as
- energy recovery ventilator
- enthalpy recovery ventilator
Related terms
Ventilation rate
The amount of outdoor air deliberately brought into a space to dilute indoor contaminants, usually in cfm per person and per square foot.
Latent heat
Heat tied up in moisture, added or removed when water evaporates or condenses without changing air temperature.
IAQ
Indoor air quality: how clean and healthy indoor air is, judged by contaminants, ventilation, humidity and comfort.
Building envelope
The walls, roof, floor, windows and doors that keep conditioned indoor space apart from the outdoors.