Although you’re nestled inside your cozy home, for some reason, you feel a little bit like a caged bird. Here’s why: When your home was built or improved for greater energy efficiency, it was sealed up tight. Unfortunately, this took away your fresh-air freedom. Or did it?
What if our team at Swanton Energy Services told you that we could help you bring fresh, outdoor air inside your home without opening a single window or door? Believe it or not, it’s true. Our ventilation systems, including energy recovery ventilation systems and balanced ventilation systems, will get your home in gear for a crisper indoor environment while still retaining its airtight efficiency.
Our advanced ventilation systems work by exchanging the stale, exhaust air in your home with clean, outdoor air through our carefully designed duct systems. This process not only improves your indoor air quality but also ensures a comfortable and healthy living environment. So, even though your home is sealed tight for energy efficiency, our balanced ventilation system is your solution to breathing in fresh air without compromising on energy savings. If you have any questions, contact us today to speak with one of our experts!
Signs You Need a New Ventilation System
- Poor air quality, odors, increased dust
- Temperature control problems, uneven heating/cooling
- Rising energy bills, system inefficiency
- Noisy operation, unusual sounds
- Aging system (over 10-15 years)
- Frequent repairs, high costs
- Reduced airflow, weak air movement
- Humidity issues, mold growth
- Increased allergies, health concerns
- Outdated technology, high energy costs
- Space changes, insufficient system
- Safety risks (CO, fire)
- Lack of zoning control
- Non-compliance with codes
If you spot these signs, consult us for a ventilation system replacement.
Let’s Clear the Air
Nowadays, homes are sealed tight for energy efficiency. On one wing (or hand if that’s your thing), this prevents air from leaking in and out of your home. But on the other, it steers your space toward poor air recirculation.
So why should this issue be on your radar? The tighter your home is sealed, the more caged off it is from taking in fresh air. This traps dust, allergens, and other dangerous contaminants inside, giving them free rein to peck away at your indoor air quality. With the average person spending 90 percent of his or her time indoors, you’re constantly breathing dirty, contaminant-filled, stale air. It’s no wonder your desire for fresh air is at new heights.
At Swanton, our Heat Recovery Ventilator systems and Energy Recovery Ventilator systems use fans and a duct system to send stale, contaminated air outside while replacing the dirty air with fresh, outdoor air. This process feathers your nest by:
- Enhancing your indoor air quality
- Minimizing heating costs by recovering the heat from the exhaust air
- Retaining your space’s existing temperature
- Optimizing your home’s humidity level
But all of this chatter about ventilation leads to an important question: Which system is right for you? Even though both balanced ventilation systems bring fresh air into your home in an energy-efficient and cost-effective way, and they recover 80 percent of the heating and cooling energy of the exchanged air, only one will fit your home’s bill.
What Are the Parts of a Ventilation System?
A ventilation system comprises two main components: an air supply system and an air filtration system. The air supply system, also known as the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, is composed of various components. The exhaust system, on the other hand, consists of different items. Examples include supply fans, ducts, filters, and air diffusers. All of these components work together to provide the right amount of ventilation in industrial spaces.
A Deeper Look at the Types of Ventilation Systems
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Systems
Energy recovery ventilation systems (ERVs), also known as heat recovery ventilation systems (HRVs) or balanced ventilation systems, play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. These ventilation systems efficiently handle the exchange of stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
Typically, a balanced ventilation system, like an HRV, consists of a fan and duct system that facilitates the circulation of air. As the HRV operates, it not only brings in fresh air but also removes indoor pollutants, contributing to a healthier living environment.
One of the notable advantages of HRVs is their ability to recover energy from the exhaust air. During the ventilation process, they capture and transfer heat from the outgoing air to the incoming fresh air. This feature makes HRVs an energy-efficient solution for homes, especially during the winter months when heating can be costly.
Moreover, HRVs are essential in homes with sealed dividing walls to prevent humidity-related issues. In regions with high humidity levels during the winter season, HRV systems act as your reliable co-pilot. They help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels while ensuring a constant supply of fresh air. This balanced ventilation system can significantly enhance indoor air quality by reducing the buildup of pollutants and moisture.
Overall, HRVs, or balanced ventilation systems, are indispensable for homes seeking to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency. By efficiently exchanging indoor and outdoor air, these systems create a healthier and more comfortable living environment while conserving energy.
Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) Systems
Energy recovery ventilation systems (ERVs) are a crucial component of modern mechanical ventilation systems. These systems ensure a continuous supply of fresh air while also maintaining a balanced ventilation system that exhausts and supplies approximately equal quantities of air. In a typical balanced ventilation system, ERVs play a pivotal role in recovering the energy from the outgoing exhaust ventilation system and using it to precondition the incoming supply of ventilation air. This process not only helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment but also significantly reduces heating and cooling costs. Unlike natural ventilation or other ventilation systems, mechanical ventilation with ERVs guarantees a consistent and controlled flow of fresh, warmer supply air into the living spaces, making it a highly efficient and effective solution for maintaining indoor air quality and comfort.
Which System Will Send Your Serenity Soaring Higher?
When considering ventilation systems for your home, it can be challenging to determine which one is the right choice. So, before you take to the skies, let’s take a closer look at these key factors.
- Number of Occupants: How many people reside in your roost? Larger, active families tend to generate more humidity, making energy recovery ventilation systems (ERV) a better fit for them. Smaller families typically don’t create as much humidity, resulting in drier air, for which balanced ventilation systems, like an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator), may be sufficient.
- Home Dimensions: What are the dimensions of your nest? HRV units are best suited for small or medium-sized homes, where humidity can quickly accumulate. On the other hand, ERV units better serve larger spaces where air tends to be drier.
- Airtightness: Consider the airtightness of your space. The tighter the space, the more humidity it retains. For extremely airtight spaces, an HRV may be the best choice.
- Heating System: Your heating system plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor humidity levels. In wood-heated environments, air tends to be drier. In such cases, ERVs are a “nest”cessity as they can add moisture to your home’s air, ensuring a healthier humidity level.
It’s worth noting that these factors apply to different types of ventilation systems, including energy recovery ventilation systems (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), and balanced ventilation systems. ERVs are particularly effective at adding moisture to the air, making them suitable for drier environments. On the other hand, HRVs are better for smaller homes with quick humidity accumulation.
Consider these aspects carefully to make an informed decision about the ventilation system that best suits your needs. Proper ventilation not only affects indoor air quality but can also impact heating and cooling costs, ensuring a comfortable and healthy home environment.
Ready To Buckle Up For Fresher Air?
Installing an ERV or HRV system flawlessly is crucial for optimal performance. These systems rely on precise calibration to maintain a balanced airflow. At Swanton, we make the journey towards fresher indoor air a breeze. With over three decades of expertise, our team will guide you to the right ventilation system and ensure a seamless installation process. When you’re ready for takeoff, simply fill out our online form or give us a call. Experience the difference with Swanton!
Our Ventilation Systems
Honeywell TrueFRESH™ Balanced Ventilation Systems
Want to breathe fresh air from the comfort of your couch? Well, now you can with Honeywell’s TrueFRESH Ventilation System. This systems works to draw heat or cold from the air to deliver fresh air during winter, spring, summer and fall.
- View Product Information
Key features:
- Removable duct collars make it an easy connection without overhead ducting
- Adjustable hanging straps make it easy to raise, lower and level the unit into place
- Streamlined, lightweight design—easy to lift, hang and fit in more applications
- Balances without adjusting dampers
- Meets ASHRAE 62.2 standards
- Centralized wiring and speed control
- Customized product labels
- Meets American Lung Association Health House guidelines
- Five-year warranty
