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Lifebreath Totoal Recovery Ventilator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an HRV and an ERV?

The core in an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) transfers heat from one air stream to the other. This is called sensible heat. The term ERV (energy recovery ventilator) is usually used to describe a unit with an enthalpic core that transfers moisture as well as heat from one air stream to the other. This (moisture transfer) is called latent heat.

Enthalpic - What does it mean?

Enthalpy is the term used to describe the energy content of air. This energy is a combination of the sensible and latent heat. Therefore a core that transfers energy is called an enthalpic core.

Is an ERV better than an HRV?

NOT NECESSARILY. In cold climates such as most of North America, an HRV works better than an ERV. This is because the air inside the home during the winter months will be more humid than the outside air. An ERV would transfer the latent heat (humidity) from the exhaust air back into the incoming air stream. This will aggravate moisture problems in the home and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. If the air in the home is too dry for comfort an ERV will not help. A humidifier should be used to increase the humidity to a comfortable level.

Where do you use an ERV instead of an HRV?

An ERV is recommended for warm, humid areas with heavy air conditioning use. As there is no defrost in an ERV it is not recommended for areas where the temperature drops below -4ºC (25ºF).

Why transfer moisture in the summer (cooling season)?

The enthalpic core will allow moisture to be transferred from a humid air flow to a dry air flow. This property is useful in the cooling season if an airconditioning system is used to lower the indoor humidity. You will then have dry, cool air in the exhaust of the ERV and warm humid air in the supply of the ERV. With these conditions the ERV will be able to transfer the moisture and heat of the supply air to the exhaust air. In this way the ERV will supply to the home air that is cooler and drier then outside. Remember that an ERV is not a dehumidifier and on its own will not take moisture out of the air.

So why use an ERV?

A properly operating air conditioner will not only lower the temperature in your house, but will also drop the humidity level. This will avoid a cold and damp uncomfortable condition. In fact about 2/3 of the energy used by the air conditioning system is to remove moisture. Therefore, when ventilating in the summer, the less moisture brought into the home means less work for the air conditioner and energy savings for you.

What are the differences in this type of core when compared with a rotary type?

Here is a list of characteristics of the fixed plate core:

  1. Because there are no rotating parts, maintenance is easy and the unit lasts a long time.
  2. t is very flexible in terms of installation.
  3. The core can easily be changed.
  4. Because the supply and exhaust air streams are completely separate, there is very little cross leakage of any dust or germs.