Green buildings & technology
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)
Definition
Heat recovery ventilation is a balanced mechanical ventilation approach in which a heat exchanger transfers warmth between the exhaust air stream and the incoming fresh air stream — without the two streams mixing — so that continuous ventilation does not carry an energy penalty. Typical units recover around 70 per cent or more of the sensible heat that would otherwise be lost; energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) additionally transfer moisture.
References
Supports definition and framing.
Supports definition and framing.
Overview
What it means
Modern energy-efficient buildings are built nearly airtight, which saves heat but traps moisture and pollutants; HRV resolves the tension by providing fresh air while reclaiming the heat in the exhaust stream. It is a core component of Passive House and other high-performance building standards, reducing the load on heating systems while protecting indoor air quality.
How it is used
Specified in energy-efficient residential and commercial design, building-code ventilation compliance, and retrofit programmes in cold climates.
Why it matters
Buildings are a major share of energy demand; HRV shows how efficiency and healthy indoor environments can be achieved together.