So What Exactly Is An HRV?

An HRV or Heat Recovery Ventilator is a system that keeps warm air in while pushing stale air out.

Due to today’s house building techniques and renovations being more thermally efficient, the air flow in our homes is lacking which results in fresh air changes only happening when doors and windows are opened. Opening a window can help, but it is not very economical. Thus, the HRV was born.

A typical unit has two fans – one to take out household air and the other to bring in fresh air. What makes an HRV unique is the heat-exchange core. The core transfers the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air. So while the old stale air is removed, the heat we pay for remains.

Not only does it ensure that the indoor polluted air is regularly being replaced by an equal quantity of fresh clean air, but many allergy sufferers have found relief from symptoms using an HRV as well. The system filters the air coming into the home before dispersing it and can remove many common allergens, such as pollen and dust, in addition to regulating humidity levels preventing mold and mildew issues.

A heat recovery ventilator can make your house a cleaner and healthier living environment; all while helping keep fuel bills down. Call us today for more information, we are your local HVAC contractor in Barrie and surrounding areas.

“Why having a humidifier can improve your home, your skin, and your overall health”.

Winter air is dry. This dry air can cause a multitude of problems for your family and your home. Dry cracking skin and lips, nose bleeds, and sore throats are just some of the symptoms of not having enough moisture in the air. Many people don’t realize the benefit that humidifiers actually offer. For the most part, they’re only used during the winter months in order to help with the air being so dry. The reason why the air gets dry during these months is actually because we put the heat on in our homes. While the heat is desirable for warming us up, it decreases the humidity in the air, therefore leaving you with a very dry environment and very dry skin.

Humidifiers, at the most basic level, emit water vapor into a space to increase the level of humidity. When air has more moisture skin is more hydrated reducing sore lips and throats. It even serves as a preventative measure, limiting or eliminating viruses and bacteria that thrive in dry air, restricting their ability to cause colds and flu infections.

Wood furniture, wood molding or wood floors are another reason having properly saturated air is so important. Wood contains small pores that absorb moisture. When the necessary amount of moisture is unavailable the pores in the wood will dry out and shrink causing cracks and costly damage.

Having a humidifier is both a health conscious and financially responsible choice. Having a humidifier may help you avoid getting sick this winter, but it can also give you softer, more glowing skin, and even help preserve your home.