ERVs vs. HRVs: Which Ventilation System Is Best for Your Home?
Proper home ventilation is essential for comfort, health, and energy efficiency—especially in Canada, where seasonal temperature and humidity swings can be extreme. Two of the most popular whole-home ventilation options are Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs). While both systems bring in fresh air and expel stale air, they differ in how they handle heat and moisture. If you’re considering upgrading your home’s ventilation, here’s what you need to know.
What HRVs Do
An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) is designed to transfer heat between outgoing stale air and incoming fresh air without transferring moisture. This means in winter, the system captures warmth from the outgoing air to preheat the fresh, cold air coming in—helping your furnace work less. In summer, the process works in reverse, reducing the load on your cooling system.
HRVs are particularly effective in cold, dry climates or in homes where excess indoor humidity is a problem during the winter. By bringing in fresh air without adding extra moisture, they help reduce condensation on windows, prevent mould growth, and improve indoor air quality.
What ERVs Do
An ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) transfers both heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams. This feature makes ERVs ideal for homes that experience both high humidity and overly dry conditions throughout the year.
For example, in winter, an ERV retains some of the humidity from your indoor air, so the fresh air coming in isn’t too dry. In summer, it helps reduce the amount of moisture entering your home with the fresh air, keeping indoor humidity at a more comfortable level. This can be especially helpful for households that run air conditioning frequently.
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
The best ventilation system for your home depends on your climate, the design of your home, and your overall comfort needs.
Choose HRV: if you live in a cold climate and frequently deal with condensation on your windows during the winter. It’s also ideal for homes that naturally have higher humidity levels and for those who want maximum heat recovery without introducing additional moisture into the air.
Choose ERV: if your region experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. This type of system helps maintain more stable humidity levels throughout the year, making it especially beneficial for homes that tend to feel overly dry in winter or muggy in summer.
In Ontario’s climate, both systems can work well, but many homeowners choose ERVs for their year-round moisture control, while HRVs remain popular in areas with persistent winter humidity issues.
The Importance of Professional Installation
No matter which system you choose, proper installation is essential for achieving the best performance and energy efficiency. A poorly installed unit can lead to unbalanced airflow, which may cause uncomfortable indoor conditions and unnecessary energy waste.
Working with experienced HVAC professionals ensures that your system is correctly sized for your home, that airflow is properly balanced for even ventilation, and that the unit meets all safety and building code requirements. Ashton Heating & Cooling are a Top Rated HVAC Company, providing HVAC Services in Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville and beyond!
Your Next Step to Better Indoor Air
At Ashton Heating & Cooling, we provide expert installation for both ERVs and HRVs. Our team can assess your home, recommend the most suitable system, and install it for optimal performance—whether your goal is to reduce winter condensation or maintain comfortable humidity levels year-round. Both ERVs and HRVs offer excellent ventilation while helping you save on energy costs.
If you’re still unsure, contact us today for expert advice and a professional home assessment. With the right system in place, you can enjoy fresh air, balanced humidity, and improved energy efficiency—no matter which option you choose.
For year-round peace of mind, consider protecting your investment with the Ashton Advantage Maintenance or Protection Plan. You’ll not only extend the life of your HVAC system, but also enjoy priority service, exclusive discounts, and the comfort of knowing our trusted team is just a call away.
