Ventilation

Do I need Heat Recovery Ventilation in Missoula, Montana?

The answer depends on the quality of the air-sealing in your home. If your home is leaky and drafty then there may be enough fresh air entering by natural infiltration that you don’t need Heat Recovery Ventilation. The trouble is that every cubic foot of cold air that leaks into the building in this way has to be heated which wastes energy and costs you money.

If your home is well insulated, air-sealed, and energy efficient then you probably need a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). These supply a controlled amount of fresh air and exhaust an equal amount of stale air (this is called “balanced ventilation”). In the process they recovery the heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming air conserving energy and saving you money.

If the air in your home is smelly,  if you often notice condensation on the windows in the winter time, if you have had a radon test that shows an elevated level, or if there are signs of mold or mildew in the house you might be in need of mechanical ventilation.

Fresh air supply is vital for good indoor air quality in well insulated and tightly sealed buildings. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV’s) andEnergy Recovery Ventilators (ERV’s) provide a controlled and balanced supply of fresh air without compromising the energy efficiency of the building. These are sometimes called “Air-to-air Heat Exchangers” and are pretty much essential for Green and Energy Efficient Buildings.

Exhaust Fans, Bathroom Fans, and Radon Fans

Exhaust Fans in bathrooms and other high-humidity areas are also very important for controlling humidity levels in buildings. Excess humidity can lead to problems with condensation, rot, and mold.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries are common areas of high-humidity and odors in homes. Kitchens are often ventilated by range hoods which should be vented directly to the outdoors (not into attics or crawl spaces). Similarly, bathroom exhaust fans and dryer vents should be vented to the outside of the home.

In areas of high radon potential like Missoula, Montana, it is a good idea to have the radon level in your home tested. If the level is high you may need to install a Radon Mitigation System.

Energetechs is here to help you determine exactly what your ventilation requirements are and how best to supply adequate fresh air and  exhaust stale and humid air. We will then be happy to install , test, and stand behind the system that’s right for you.

How do I select a Ventilation Contractor?

Energetechs has been installing HRV’s and ERV’s for over twenty years. We have expert knowledge on how to properly size and design your system so that it works correctly. So, whether you’re working on a home improvement project or a new construction, we are the most experienced ventilation contractors in Missoula, Montana.

CONTACT US – Energetechs, Inc., – ph.