Wisconsin winters keep us bundled up indoors, and hot, humid summers have us running the AC. With all the temperature fluctuations, it’s easy for our homes to feel stuffy. We crave fresh air, but opening the windows often isn’t practical when it’s below zero in January and 90 degrees in July.
That’s where an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) comes in. Not many homeowners in the Fox Cities are familiar with ERVs, so let’s break down what these systems do and whether one might be a good fit for your home.
What Is an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?
An ERV is an HVAC device designed to bring fresh outdoor air into your home while reducing energy waste. Think of it as a system that pre-conditions the incoming air to let your house “breathe” so your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t have to work harder.
How an ERV Works
The process is fairly simple. Here’s how an ERV works:
- Exhaust air out: The ERV pushes stale indoor air back outside.
- Fresh air in: At the same time, it pulls in fresh outdoor air.
- Energy exchange: As the two air streams pass through the ERV’s core, heat and humidity are transferred.
In the winter, the outgoing warm air pre-heats the cold air coming into your home. In summer, the cooler indoor air helps reduce the temperature and humidity in the air entering. The result is cleaner, fresher indoor air without a big spike in your heating or cooling bills.
Benefits of an ERV for Your Wisconsin Home
That all sounds great, but will you actually notice a difference in your home? YES! You’ll notice your home feels fresher and less “stuffy,” no matter the season. From improved health to increased comfort and energy efficiency, energy recovery ventilators offer numerous benefits.
- Healthier indoor air: Getting some fresh air into your Fox Cities home helps reduce indoor pollutants, allergens, and odors throughout the year.
- Better humidity control: Humidity control is especially useful in Wisconsin’s muggy summers and dry winters. Your home will feel comfortable no matter what Mother Nature is doing.
- Energy efficiency: ERVs can help keep heating and cooling costs lower compared to constantly opening windows or relying on less efficient ventilation systems.
ERVs Make Sense in Wisconsin
Like it or not, living in Wisconsin means long, cold winters that dry out the air and humid summers that make it tough to stay comfortable. An ERV helps with both of those challenges:
In the winter, you’ll keep warm air inside while still getting some fresh air, helping reduce dryness and stale air without freezing.
And ERVs provide much-needed relief in the summer, too. They reduce the amount of sticky humidity that enters your home, keeping your home cool and dry even on the hottest days.
Because the ERV recycles energy during the air exchange, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. That means lower energy bills all year long! Sounds great, right?
Is an ERV Right for Your Home?
If you already struggle with dry winter air or damp, sticky summer air, adding an ERV to your HVAC system could be a game changer. ERVs are a great option for:
- New, tightly sealed homes that don’t “breathe” naturally.
- Families and pet owners concerned about allergies, odors, or overall air quality.
- Any homeowner looking to improve comfort while keeping their energy bills under control.
- Anyone who wants fresher air year-round without constantly opening their windows.
Bringing Fresh Air Back Into Wisconsin Homes
Your home should feel comfortable and healthy in every season. With an Energy Recovery Ventilator, you can enjoy fresh air without wasting energy or stressing your HVAC system.
If you’re curious whether an ERV makes sense for your home, the HVAC experts at Martens Heating & Cooling are here to help. We’ll assess your home, walk you through your options, and recommend the best solution for your family’s comfort and budget — from mini-splits to ERVs.
Our HVAC technicians travel throughout the Fox Cities and Northeast Wisconsin, including:
Call us today to ensure comfort and efficiency in your home all year round.