HRV & ERV Installation in Muskoka

Modern homes are built tight to save energy, which is great for heating bills but means stale air, moisture, and odours have nowhere to go. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) brings in fresh outdoor air and exhausts stale indoor air while recovering most of the heat. Bridlewood Mechanical designs, installs, and balances HRV and ERV systems for new homes, renovations, and year-round cottages across Muskoka.

What Does an HRV Do?

An HRV continuously exchanges indoor and outdoor air through a heat recovery core. In winter, outgoing warm air preheats the incoming cold air, so you get fresh air without losing most of the heat. Benefits: - Better indoor air quality: removes stale air, odours, and pollutants - Moisture control: reduces condensation on windows and mould risk - Energy efficiency: recovers a large share of the heat from exhaust air - Code compliance: required in most new Ontario homes

HRV vs ERV: What's the Difference?

• HRV transfers heat only, which helps remove excess winter humidity. It's the most common choice in Ontario.
• ERV transfers heat and some moisture, which helps keep winter air from getting too dry and reduces summer humidity entering the home.

Which is better for Ontario? For most Muskoka homes, an HRV is the standard choice, especially homes with higher winter humidity. ERVs suit very tight homes with dry winter air, homes with high summer humidity concerns, or specific designs. See HRV vs ERV.

Is an HRV Required by Code in Ontario?

The Ontario Building Code requires mechanical ventilation in new houses, and HRVs are the most common way to meet it, particularly under the energy efficiency requirements (SB-12). Your ventilation design is part of the building permit. See HVAC Design for Custom Homes.

HRV Design and Selection

• Ventilation capacity sized to your home and code requirements
• Sensible recovery efficiency (SRE), especially at cold temperatures (e.g. −25°C)
• Dedicated ducting or integration with the furnace or heat pump ductwork
• Supply and exhaust locations: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas
• Controls: continuous low speed, boost, and humidity-based operation

Our HRV/ERV Installation Process

1. Ventilation design and sizing
2. Duct design: dedicated or integrated with forced air
3. Installation of the HRV/ERV unit, exterior hoods, and ductwork (custom sheet metal where needed)
4. Condensate drain connection (HRVs typically need one)
5. Controls and wiring
6. Airflow balancing, the step many installers skip
7. Homeowner walkthrough: filters, core cleaning, and controls

HRVs for Older Homes and Cottage Conversions

Air sealing an older home or winterizing a cottage makes it tighter, and without ventilation, moisture and air quality problems can follow. An HRV is often part of our cottage year-round conversions.

HRV and ERV Installation Cost

Cost depends on unit size and efficiency, dedicated vs integrated ducting, access (finished basements cost more to retrofit), and controls. New construction installations are the most cost-effective. We quote each project individually.

HRV/ERV FAQs

Is an HRV worth the money? For tight new homes, it's essential for air quality and moisture control. For older homes, it's worth it when condensation, stuffiness, or indoor air quality are concerns.

Does an ERV need a drain line? Many ERVs don't need a condensate drain, but some models or conditions do. HRVs typically require one. We follow the manufacturer's requirements.

What are the disadvantages of an ERV? It may not remove enough winter moisture in homes with high humidity, and cores need regular cleaning per the manufacturer.

Should you leave an HRV on all the time? Yes. HRVs are designed for continuous low-speed operation, with boost when needed.

How much of a difference does an HRV make? In a tight home, a big one: less condensation, fresher air, fewer odours, and better comfort.

Book Your Free Quote

Call (705) 706-7622 or request a free quote online. Our team will get back to you quickly to book a visit.