Should I get an HRV or an ERV?
I have a 40 yr home in Ottawa, Ontario Canada..where humidity is needed in winter and too much humidity in summer. Do I need a HRV or ERV unit...given the fact that I may not have an airtight home?
If yes....which is the best brand for my climate ???
Whether you are better to have an HRV Heat recovery ventilator or ERV energy recovery ventilator, depends on the humidity of your climate and of your home.
And ERV will keep the humidity on which ever side of the building envelope it originated, while and HRV will transfer the humidity. Have a look on this page for more help choosing –
Choose between an HRV and ERV, which is best for cold climates
The major difference between the two is that an HRV transfers moisture either in or out depending on where its more humid, whle an ERV keeps the moisture on the side of the wall where it already is. Ottawa is a humid climate, and can even be so in winter, so you may be best with an ERV to keep it in the house in winter and out in summer, but read over that page to be sure. For summers you could probably use some duhumifification, do you run a dehumidifer in your basement, or do you have AC?
And we don't have specific brands we promote, but you can Find ERVs and HRVS here in the Ecohome Green Building Products Directory.