ERV vs HRV installation: comparing ventilation proposals

An HRV transfers heat between outgoing and incoming air; an ERV transfers heat and some water vapor. DOE’s Building Science Education page describes both as balanced ventilation systems with a heat exchanger, and explains the ERV moisture-transfer distinction (DOE ERV/HRV overview). DOE’s guide for hot-humid homes says either can share a central air handler or use dedicated ducts, with climate and manufacturer specifications affecting selection (DOE ventilation guide).

Do not compare proposals by the unit name alone. Request the design airflow, outdoor-air calculation, duct route, controls, filter access, and measured commissioning result.

Put both proposals into the same grid

Field	Ask for
Design	Required ventilation rate, bedrooms/square footage assumptions, and climate rationale
Recovery	Sensible and latent recovery ratings under selected conditions
Ducts	Dedicated or shared supply/return paths, insulation, and balancing dampers
Controls	Continuous, timer, boost, humidity, and interlock behavior
Service	Filter access, core cleaning, condensate or defrost provisions
Commissioning	Supply/exhaust airflow, balance, noise, and owner handoff

An ERV can help moderate indoor humidity by transferring moisture, while an HRV may be preferable when moisture transfer is not wanted. The decision depends on climate, envelope, indoor humidity, and the rest of the HVAC system. DOE’s sources explain the functional distinction; they do not choose a model for a particular home.

Installation scope matters more than the cabinet

Dedicated ducts may require ceiling openings, soffits, insulation, and balancing. A shared air-handler connection needs dampers, controls, and confirmation that the blower operates efficiently. Ask whether the quote includes outdoor hoods, screens, backdraft dampers, condensate management, sound attenuation, and filters. ENERGY STAR’s HVAC quality-installation guide calls for measured ventilation within documented design values and a commissioning record (guidebook).

Price comparison tool

Separate equipment, ducting, electrical, controls, access/restoration, and commissioning. Add filter and service costs over the first year. Ask each bidder to state whether the price includes balancing and a follow-up adjustment. A low ERV or HRV equipment figure can conceal extensive dedicated duct work.

Choose the proposal whose moisture strategy matches the home and whose airflow is measured after installation. Get a second design when one bidder recommends an ERV or HRV without asking about climate or indoor humidity. Ask for the filter model, replacement interval, and access clearance; a unit that cannot be serviced will not deliver its rated ventilation for long. For adjacent duct questions, the published air duct cleaning cost article gives general duct-scope context; it does not price ventilation equipment.

Have the contractor explain defrost behavior in cold weather, outdoor-hood placement, and whether the supply and exhaust streams remain balanced at normal and boost settings. Include electrical consumption and replacement-filter access in the handoff. These details make an equipment comparison useful after the installation crew leaves.

Sources and limits

DOE supports HRV/ERV function, moisture-transfer distinction, and ducting options. ENERGY STAR supports measured ventilation commissioning. No universal installed price is asserted; equipment and duct scope must be quoted locally.