Milwaukee Energy Recovery Ventilator Installation
When Milwaukee locals think of their HVAC systems, they often consider their heaters, air conditioners, and ductwork only. Short for ventilation, the “V” in HVAC is the most overlooked element of indoor climate control. Good ventilation routes stale, stagnant air outside and brings in fresh, outdoor air into the home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air outside of homes has significantly fewer contaminants than the air within them.
Many homeowners in Milwaukee have worked hard to create tight, efficient home envelopes. Adding insulation, weatherstripping, and sealing air leaks keeps conditioned air trapped inside year-round. Although this helps locals lower their HVAC-related energy use and their energy bills, it also contributes to poor IAQ.
When homes don’t have airtight building envelopes, stale indoor air can slip out via cracks and gaps in building materials, and fresh outdoor air can replace it. If you have a tight home envelope, ERV installation will improve your IAQ and promote even higher levels of efficiency.
An ERV system for home use will work along with your home’s existing mechanical ventilation. In addition to your bathroom exhaust fans, roof vents, and rangehood exhaust, your ERV will pull out gaseous chemical contaminants and excess humidity. This is a great way to limit concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and stale odors. ERVs clean indoor air, leaving it fresh-smelling. They also keep building interiors from feeling clammy or muggy.
You can enjoy many benefits when you schedule ERV installation in Milwaukee.
- Improved humidity control
- Reduced demand on your HVAC system
- A better-balanced indoor temperature
- Fewer unpleasant IAQ-related symptoms
- Fewer stress-related HVAC repairs
In homes with tightly sealed envelopes, backdrafting is a concern. Backdrafting occurs when mechanical ventilation draws air out, creating negative air pressure. In homes with gas-fired appliances, negative air pressure can draw exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide, down into living spaces. Unlike other mechanical ventilation types, an ERV system for home use draws air out, while bringing new air in. This eliminates the risk of backdrafting.