Choosing a high-performance, well-suited air exchanger for your home is essential to ensure optimal indoor air quality, improve overall comfort, and reduce your energy consumption. Between the two main types of air exchangers – the HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) and the ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) – it can be difficult to make an informed decision. At AirGreen, we put our expertise in residential and commercial HVAC in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to work for you, helping you choose the solution that best meets your needs.
Understanding the key differences between an HRV and an ERV
What is an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator)?
The HRV is designed to extract stale air from inside your home while recovering the heat from this air before expelling it. That heat is then transferred to the incoming fresh air, allowing you to warm up the incoming air without consuming additional energy. It is particularly recommended in cold regions like Greater Montréal, where preserving indoor heat in winter is a top priority.
What is an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)?
In addition to recovering heat, the ERV also recovers moisture from the indoor air. This helps balance indoor relative humidity, which is a crucial advantage during dry winter months or humid summers. It offers more complete air quality management, especially in homes where humidity plays an important role in overall comfort.
Advantages and disadvantages of each system
| Feature | HRV | ERV |
|---|---|---|
| Heat recovery | Yes | Yes |
| Moisture recovery | No | Yes |
| Ideal for | Cold and dry climates | Humid or variable climates |
| Humidity control | Low | High |
| Required maintenance | Filters, basic upkeep | Filters + moisture core maintenance |
| Upfront cost | Generally lower | Slightly higher |
When should you choose an HRV?
We recommend installing an HRV in homes located on the North Shore, in Laval, or in Montréal, where winters can be long, cold, and dry. If your home is well-insulated and you don’t have major sources of indoor humidity (e.g., no indoor pool, moderate occupancy), the HRV is a cost-effective, efficient, and low-maintenance solution.
Real-life example from an AirGreen project
We recently installed a Venmar EVO5 500 HRV in a two-story new-build home in Blainville. The house was extremely well insulated and had no particular humidity issues. The main challenge was ensuring excellent indoor air quality despite the home’s tight building envelope. Thanks to the HRV, we were able to provide efficient ventilation without compromising indoor temperature, thereby reducing heating needs.
When is an ERV the better choice?
The ERV is ideal for homes where humidity control is essential. If you live in an area like Longueuil or Brossard, where humid summer weather is common, or if your home generates a lot of moisture (many occupants, open kitchen, indoor hot tub), the ERV is the right choice. It reduces energy loss while preventing overly dry air in winter.
Client testimonial: Project in Saint-Bruno
In a fully renovated century-old home in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, we installed a Lifebreath 195 ECM ERV. The homeowners wanted to avoid excessively dry air during the winter, especially with young children. The system performed exceptionally well during a harsh winter, maintaining stable indoor humidity around 40%, contributing to optimal comfort and improved health for the family.
How to make the right choice between an HRV and an ERV?
Evaluate your needs based on:
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Climate conditions: Whether you live in a very dry or very humid area.
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Your home’s humidity level: Presence of indoor humidity sources.
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Your home's insulation: Tightly sealed homes require mechanical ventilation.
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Your lifestyle: Number of occupants, pets, kitchen usage, etc.
At AirGreen, we always perform a personalized in-home assessment, taking all these factors into account to recommend the most suitable equipment for your situation.
Brands of air exchangers we install
We work with the best air exchanger brands available in Québec, including:
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Venmar (EVO5, Constructo, AVS)
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Lifebreath
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Fantech
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Broan
Each model is selected based on the client’s specific needs, considering airflow (CFM), sound level, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
Available grants for air exchangers
Some grants may be available for purchasing and installing an energy-efficient air exchanger in Québec, notably through:
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The Rénoclimat program
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
We support you every step of the way to maximize your eligibility for financial assistance, depending on the chosen model, type of residence, and location.
AirGreen expertise: a mark of quality and trust
With our experience across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we have completed hundreds of air exchanger installations. Our trained, courteous, and efficient teams handle each project with the utmost care, from initial assessment to complete system commissioning.
We also offer regular maintenance services, ensuring your HRV or ERV stays efficient and long-lasting. Maintenance includes:
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Cleaning or replacing filters
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Checking motors and heat/energy cores
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Testing airflow
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Inspecting the exchange core (especially for ERVs)
Practical tips to properly maintain your air exchanger
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Clean the filters every 3 months, especially during heavy heating seasons or after major renovations.
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Have the system inspected annually by qualified technicians, ideally before winter.
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Avoid blocking vents with furniture or curtains.
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Make sure outdoor ducts are clear of debris (snow, leaves, insects).
Conclusion: HRV or ERV, the right choice depends on YOUR home
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between an HRV and an ERV should be based on a thorough analysis of your environment, your needs, and your comfort preferences. At AirGreen, we bring our know-how to serve your well-being and energy efficiency.
Still unsure between two models? Contact us today for a free on-site assessment. Together, let’s ensure healthy, comfortable air in your home.