Guides for Ventilation Systems including Fans, HRV, ERV, Air Conditioning in High Efficiency Homes

Modern air-tight homes need mechanical air ventilation or circulation, especially when built to Passive House, LEED, Passive Solar or ZNE specifications (to mention a few Green Building certifications) or when reducing radon in homes. The following Ventilation Guides help make informed choices for Ventilation easier when building or renovating a home...

HRV and ERV

How to keep your HRV clean and operating efficiently

Cleaning your heat recovery ventilation HRV unit will extend the lifespan and keep it running efficiently. Why cleaning HRV units is so important When any machine has its normal operation hampered, it will reduce its efficiency and ability to function properly. Many of us are probably guilty of forgetting about…

Ventilation

Ceiling fans and air circulation- video

To ensure comfort and get the highest efficiency from the systems in the Edelweiss House air must circulate. In order to ensure comfort and get the most from the various systems of our house air needs to move around. Our air source heat pump and our heat pump water heater work together in boosting the efficiency…

HRV and ERV

DIY Lunos HRV air exchanger installation video

The Lunos heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is a completely new approach to home ventilation, great for both new home construction and renovations. Ductless HRV ERV ventilation for renovations This heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system is very different than what people are probably used to seeing, where air…

HRV and ERV

Are ductless air exchangers any good?

Ductless wall-insert air exchangers offer alternative to conventional HRV systems. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) are an essential component of any air-sealed high performance home, bringing in fresh air and removing moistur e. An HRV uses the heat in stale exhaust air to warm incoming fresh air. Until now, this…

HRV and ERV

Choosing between an HRV and an ERV

A modern airtight home needs mechanical ventilation. The choices are Heat Recovery Ventilation or Energy Recovery Ventilation & this page explains the difference between an HRV & ERV to help choose which one you need. All homes need ventilation, whether natural or mechanical with an ERV or HRV system. Buildings and…

Ventilation

Ventilation & air exchangers

Are houses too airtight? No they aren't! Fresh air circulation is essential to prevent mold & mildew in today's modern energy-efficient homes so Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) is fitted. Homes built in the last 40 years in Canada are relatively airtight . Before that we…

Ventilation

In this section you can learn why you need a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system in a modern house, how to choose between an ERV & HRV system for a Green Home, all about ceiling fans & air circulation or even why Cleaning HRV Units is such a Great Idea!