ERV_HRV Overview

Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems
Energy recovery ventilation systems provide a controlled way of ventilating a home while minimizing energy loss. They reduce the costs of heating ventilated air in the winter by transferring heat from the warm inside air being exhausted to the fresh (but cold) supply air. In the summer, the inside air cools the warmer supply air to reduce ventilation cooling costs.

Types of Systems - ERV vs HRV
There are two types of energy-recovery systems: heat-recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy-recovery (or enthalpy-recovery) ventilators (ERV). Both types include a heat exchanger, one or more fans to push air through the machine, and some controls. ERV/HRV units are typically central, whole-house ventilation systems with their own duct system or shared ductwork.

The main difference between a heat-recovery and an energy-recovery ventilator is the way the heat exchanger works. With an energy-recovery ventilator, the heat exchanger transfers a certain amount of water vapor along with heat energy, while a heat-recovery ventilator only transfers heat.
Because an energy-recovery ventilator transfers some of the moisture from the exhaust air to the usually less humid incoming winter air, the humidity of the house air stays more constant. This also keeps the heat exchanger core warmer, minimizing problems with freezing.

In the summer, an energy-recovery ventilator may help to control humidity in the house by transferring some of the water vapor in the incoming air to the theoretically drier air that's leaving the house. If you use an air conditioner, an energy-recovery ventilator generally offers better humidity control than a heat-recovery system. However, there's some controversy about using ventilation systems at all during humid, but not overly hot, summer weather. Some experts suggest that it is better to turn the system off in very humid weather to keep indoor humidity levels low. You can also set up the system so that it only runs when the air conditioning system is running, or use pre-cooling coils.

Most energy recovery ventilation systems can recover about 70%–80% of the energy in the exiting air and deliver that energy to the incoming air. However, they are most cost effective in climates with extreme winters or summers, and where fuel costs are high. In mild climates, the cost of the additional electricity consumed by the system fans may exceed the energy savings from not having to condition the supply air.

Installation and Maintenance
For Energy recovery ventilation systems simplicity is key to a cost-effective installation. To save on installation costs, many systems share existing ductwork. Ensure the installing HVAC contractor has enough technical expertise and experience to install an ERV.

In general, you want to have a supply and return duct for each bedroom and for each common living area. Duct runs should be as short and straight as possible. The correct size duct is necessary to minimize pressure drops in the system and thus improve performance. Insulate ducts located in unheated spaces, and seal all joints with duct mastic (never use ordinary duct tape on ducts.)

Also, energy recovery ventilation systems operated in cold climates must have devices to help prevent freezing and frost formation. Very cold supply air can cause frost formation in the heat exchanger, which can damage it. Frost buildup also reduces ventilation effectiveness.

ERV's and Cold Climates

There is a perception that ERV’s handle a lot of moisture so they freeze in cold climates. Our SMART ERV has a built-in frost control feature. The frost control is achieved by reducing the amount of cold intake air relative to the warm exhaust until the temp differential is achieved again at the wheel. It all has to do w/ the indoor RH and the outdoor temp and the set-point on the ERV (which goes to -10).

NEW SMART ERV

The SMART ERV Energy Recovery Ventilator is designed to remove indoor air pollution and provide a constant supply of fresh air to the home. The special Poly Wheel with desiccant coating utilizes the indoor conditioned air to pre-heat or pre-cool the incoming fresh air depending on the season. During the winter season, the wheel allows the incoming fresh air to be preheated by the warm stale air being exhausted, thereby reducing the energy required by the heating system to warm the air to your desired temperature. This same process removes heat and moisture from the incoming air stream during the summer. The SMART Energy Recovery Ventilator provides a comfortable and healthy environment for your entire home year round.

SMART UV Lights Now Available!

SMART air & energy solutions™ introduces its new germicidal UV light system, which helps control airborne germs, viruses, bacteria, mold, odors, gases and allergens commonly distributed by residential and light-commercial ducting systems.
Made in the USA, two stainless-steel Duct-mounted light system models are available—the GL136 and the GL236. The GL136 features one 16" Philips UV lamp and comes standard with safety signage, cotton gloves, installation instructions, hardware, and a 9' grounded cord and plug. The GL236 features two 16" Philips UV lamps and comes with the same standard accessories. The Model GPCO germicidal photocatalytic oxidation grid is offered as an option
to the Model GL136 and GL236. Acting as a catalyst when combined with UV-C energy, the GPCO grid fits over the UV lamp and has 19 square inches of surface area. The grid is powder-coated with titanium dioxide and reduces volatile organic compounds and odors as indoor air is circulated. Also available is the Model GRIK136, a packaged rooftop installation kit that includes a 16" Philips UV lamp, a junction box with safety switch, inspection view port, safety signage, cotton gloves, installation instructions, hardware, and a 6' prewired aluminum flex conduit.
Why are UV Lights important?
• Poor indoor air quality is a top 5 health risk according to the EPA
• High awareness in the consumer market
• Easy to install – in about 15 minutes
• SMART air & energy solutions brand UV lights are a top quality product, backed
up with the industry’s best warranty - 5 years

SMART Website Now OnLine

SMART air & energy solutions™ is now supported by a new website designed to offer product information and support materials for this new program.

The website is now online @ www.smartairandenergy.com and has been populated with Product Literature, Installation Instructions and Resources for the SMART UV Light products – which are now available.

Our SMART product line-up will include:
- Forced-Air Zone Control System
- Energy Recovery Ventilator fresh air supply and humidity control unit
Plus other exciting new products for your home.

SMART Air & Energy Solutions™ is a collection of HVAC products designed to enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality, and save energy for homeowners – taking a “SMART” approach to Green Products!

A "SMART" Approach to Green Products!

SMART air & energy solutions™ is a collection of HVAC products designed to enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality, and save energy for homeowners. Today everyone understands we need to explore options for saving energy – while remaining comfortable in our homes. SMART air & energy solutions™ offer products designed to provide economical options, while maximizing comfort.

The product line-up will include:
UV Lights: Germicidal Ultraviolet Light System for residential HVAC ductwork UV LIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE
Residential Zoning: Forced-Air Zone Control System for residential HVAC ductwork
ERV: Energy Recovery Ventilator fresh air supply and humidity control unit for residential housing

We are committed to offering only the very best quality products for enhancing HVAC performance – taking a “SMART” approach to Green Products!

Welcome!

SMART Air & Energy Solutions™ is a collection of HVAC products that enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality, and save energy for homeowners. Today everyone understands we need to explore options for saving energy – while remaining comfortable in our homes. SMART Air & Energy Solutions™ offer products designed to provide economical options, while maximizing comfort.
We are committed to offering only the very best quality HVAC equipment – taking a “SMART” approach to Green Products!