Can ERV Systems Improve Indoor Air Quality in Older Homes?

AI Summary

• Energy Recovery Ventilator systems improve indoor air quality by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

• Older homes often lack proper ventilation, leading to moisture buildup and poor air circulation.

• ERV systems help balance humidity, reduce pollutants, and support HVAC efficiency.

• Van Bremen’s Heat & Air provides professional heating, cooling, and maintenance services to improve indoor air quality in Pennsylvania and West Virginia homes.

Older homes have charm, character, and solid construction, but they often lack modern ventilation systems. As homeowners improve insulation and seal air leaks to boost energy efficiency, indoor air can become trapped and stale. Without proper ventilation, pollutants, allergens, and excess humidity build up inside the home.

For families focused on heating and cooling in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, improving indoor air quality is essential due to seasonal humidity, winter heating demands, and tightly sealed home upgrades. Energy Recovery Ventilator systems, commonly called ERVs, offer a practical solution for improving airflow and maintaining balanced indoor conditions.

This guide explains how ERV systems work, why they are especially helpful in older homes, and when installation makes sense.

The Problem: Older Homes Often Lack Proper Ventilation

Many older homes were built before modern ventilation standards existed. While some older homes were naturally drafty, renovations and insulation upgrades often reduce airflow without adding mechanical ventilation.

Common indoor air quality issues in older homes include:

• Stale or stuffy air

• Musty odors

• Excess humidity

• Condensation on windows

• Mold growth

• Allergy symptoms indoors

• Uneven temperature distribution

  
  

Poor ventilation allows indoor pollutants to accumulate, especially during winter when windows stay closed.

The Solution: ERV Systems Provide Controlled Fresh Air Exchange

An Energy Recovery Ventilator introduces fresh outdoor air into your home while exhausting stale indoor air. Unlike simply opening windows, ERVs recover energy from outgoing air to maintain indoor temperature balance.

This controlled exchange helps improve indoor air quality without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency.

How ERV Systems Work

ERV systems use two separate air streams:

• One stream pulls stale indoor air out of the home

• The other stream brings fresh outdoor air in

  
  

Inside the unit, a heat exchange core transfers heat and some moisture between the two air streams without mixing the air itself.

In winter:

• Warm indoor air transfers heat to incoming cold air

• Fresh air enters pre-warmed

  
  

In summer:

• Cooler indoor air helps temper incoming warm air

• Humidity levels are partially balanced

  
  

This process maintains comfort while improving ventilation.

Why ERVs Are Beneficial for Older Homes

Older homes often face unique challenges that ERVs address effectively.

Improved Ventilation in Sealed Homes

After insulation upgrades, older homes may trap pollutants indoors. ERVs provide controlled ventilation without creating drafts.

Reduced Moisture Buildup

Basements and older construction materials are often prone to moisture. ERVs help regulate humidity levels.

Better Indoor Air Quality

By continuously cycling fresh air, ERVs reduce:

• Dust buildup

• Odors

• Volatile organic compounds

• Pollen infiltration

  
  

Balanced Humidity Control

Maintaining balanced humidity helps protect:

• Wood floors

• Plaster walls

• Furniture

• Structural components

  
  

ERV vs HRV Systems

ERV systems are often compared to HRV systems, or Heat Recovery Ventilators.

Key differences:

• ERVs transfer both heat and moisture

• HRVs primarily transfer heat

  
  

In humid climates like Pennsylvania and West Virginia summers, ERVs often provide better humidity balance.

Health Benefits of ERV Systems

Improved ventilation supports healthier indoor environments.

Benefits include:

• Reduced mold risk

• Lower allergen levels

• Decreased airborne contaminants

• Fewer musty odors

• Better respiratory comfort

  
  

These benefits are especially valuable in homes with allergy or asthma concerns.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

Homeowners sometimes worry that ventilation systems increase energy bills. ERVs are designed to minimize energy loss.

Energy benefits include:

• Heat recovery in winter

• Reduced HVAC workload

• Improved airflow balance

• Consistent temperature distribution

  
  

When properly installed, ERVs support both comfort and efficiency.

Signs Your Older Home May Benefit From an ERV

You may want to consider an ERV if:

• Your home feels stuffy, even with the HVAC running

• You notice condensation on windows

• Indoor odors linger

• Mold has been a recurring issue

• Recent insulation upgrades reduced airflow

• You rely heavily on heating during winter

  
  

A professional indoor air quality assessment can confirm whether an ERV is appropriate.

Installation Considerations

Installing an ERV requires integration with your duct system. Important factors include:

• Duct layout

• Available space for installation

• Electrical access

• Insulation levels

• Existing HVAC performance

  
  

Professional evaluation ensures proper airflow balance and compatibility.

Maintenance Requirements

Like all ventilation equipment, ERVs require regular maintenance.

Maintenance tasks include:

• Cleaning or replacing filters

• Inspecting heat exchange cores

• Checking airflow balance

• Cleaning intake and exhaust vents

  
  

Routine heating, cooling, and maintenance visits help ensure reliable performance.

Climate Factors in Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Homes in Pennsylvania and West Virginia experience:

• Cold winters with sealed indoor spaces

• Humid summers

• Seasonal pollen exposure

• Wide temperature swings

  
  

ERV systems help manage these conditions by improving airflow while maintaining energy efficiency.

People Also Ask

Do ERV systems run all the time?

They typically operate continuously at low speed or on programmed schedules.

Can ERVs reduce mold?

They help control humidity, which reduces mold growth risk.

Are ERVs noisy?

When properly installed, they operate quietly.

FAQ Section

Q: Will an ERV make my home colder in winter?

A: No. The heat exchange process helps maintain indoor temperatures.

Q: Can ERVs work with existing HVAC systems?

A: Yes. They are designed to integrate with central HVAC systems.

Q: Do ERVs replace air filters?

A: No. They work alongside your HVAC filtration system.

Q: Is an ERV worth it for older homes?

A: For many older homes with ventilation challenges, ERVs provide meaningful air quality improvements.

Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Older Home

Older homes often need modern ventilation solutions to maintain healthy indoor environments. ERV systems provide controlled fresh air exchange while protecting comfort and efficiency.

Van Bremen’s Heat & Air proudly serves homeowners seeking dependable heating and cooling in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Our expert heating, cooling, and maintenance services include indoor air quality evaluations and ERV installation support.

Call (814) 483-1735 or fill out the online form to schedule an indoor air quality consultation and discover whether an ERV system is right for your home.