Do I need exhaust fans for bathrooms if I have an ERV that is connected to them?
I have spray foam in walls and ceiling and an erv that is connected to the bathrooms. Do Ii need exhaust fans in the bathrooms also?
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Using an ERV or HRV to pull exhaust air from the bathroom instead of a bathroom fan is an excellent alternative. A bathroom fan will depressurize the home and cause air to infiltrate through any holes in the building envelope, whereas if your heat recovery ventilation system is used as a bathroom fan then new air -warmed or cooled by exhaust air depending on the season – is very much preferrable. Does the bathroom fan switch have a timer on it? That is helpful as it will also boost the power of it to help remove moisture. Here is a page about why balanced air pressure in homes is essential for energy efficiency and durability.
Thinking the same thing with bathroom, elec dryer and kitchen vents. One bathroom has a steam shower, do you see any problems with the extra humidity there?
Just read this for ERV install:
Connecting appliances to the ERV is not recommended. These include: • Clothes dryer
• Range top • Stovetop fan • Central vacuum system • Bathroom exhaust fans unless they are specifically designed for this purpose
These appliances may cause lint, dust or grease to collect in the ERV, damaging the unit.
Clearly I did not fully understand your meaning at first, I completely agree with your above research, You should never connect any home appliance to your heat recovery air handlers, all the items you list above should be directly vented to the exterior. I thought you were referring to having an HRV or ERV exhaust intake in the bathroom in lieu of a bathroom fan that was vented directly to the outside.