Whole House Ventilation: Getting Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems

Copyright (c) 2015 Matt Reardon

When planning whole house ventilation systems in Australia, there are several requirements that need to be followed. This includes the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Australian Standard (AS 1668.2). In particular, Part 2 of AS 1668 is very specific on how air conditioning and ventilation systems are to be used in buildings.

Energy recovery house ventilation systems offer you a ventilation method that is within your control while cutting down on loss of energy. ERVs cut down on your bill of having to heat ventilated air during the chilly winter through transferring some good amount of heat from the warm exhaust air into the incoming cold fresh air. During the warmer summer, the cooler air inside cools the incoming warmer air, to also cut down on your cooling bill.

Types Of Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems (ERVs)

There Are 2 Main Types Of ERVs:

1. The heat-recovery ventilators or HRVs.
2. The energy-recovery ventilators or ERVs.

Both of these ventilation systems come with a heat exchanger, fan (one or more) for pushing air through the system machine and the control panel.

The Working Of ERVs

The major point of divergence in between the two is the manner in which the heat exchanger operates. While a HRV only transfers the heat, the ERV's heat exchanger also transfers some water vapor together with the heat energy.

As an ERV transfers a good amount of the moisture contained in your exhaust air into the less humid incoming one, the levels of humidity in your house air may remain constant. Effectively, it also warms your heat exchanger core minimizing potential freezing problems.

When Best To Use ERVs

The majority of top of the range ERVs can effectively recover between 70 and 80 per cent of the energy that is contained in your exiting warm air and deliver the same to the incoming cooler air.

They are however at their most cost-effective when used in regions that experience extreme summers or winters, and also in locations where the cost of fuel is high. This is because in climates that are mild, the additional cost of the electricity that is used by the ventilator fans could easily exceed the saving on energy from not having the air supply conditioned.

Installation Of ERVs

The International Standards Organization (ISO) has set standards ISO/DIS 16890 for ventilation and air-conditioning systems which when implemented together with the Australian Standards ensure you get a quality installation.

ERVs will generally cost you more in the installation compared to other systems. To save on the installation costs, the majority of systems operate within the existing house ductwork. The more complex systems like the ERVs may be more costly in the installation and maintenance, and consumption of power but what you get is worth every penny spent.

Additionally, ERVs installed in climates that are cold must come with special devices to avert formation of frost and freezing. This is due to the fact that extremely cold air could contribute to the formation of frost within the system's heat exchanger, possibly damaging it. Buildup of frost is known to reduce the effectiveness of ventilation.

ERVs Maintenance

On average, ERVs demand more intensive maintenance compared to other systems. They'll require more regular cleaning to prevent a drop in rates of heat recovery and ventilation, as well as in stopping growth of bacteria and mould on the surface of your heat exchanger.


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The home improvement team at Mould Buster, under the competent guidance of Matt Reardon, is always looking forward to giving a helping hand as you select and install your home ventilation system. Mould Buster has been installing home systems across the region for many years with great satisfaction by clients. To know more about their services browse http://mouldbuster.com.au/whole-house-ventilation/ .