In Halifax homes, when it comes to comfort and indoor air quality, fresh air is critical, especially during colder months when homes are closed up. A home air exchanger can definitely provide a big benefit, but do you need one for your own home? In this blog, we dive into what an air exchange system is, the benefits, what to look for in a model and why people all across Canada are investing in these systems for better, more energy efficient living.
An air exchanger, also known in some countries as an air heat exchanger, is a ventilation device that uses indoor air with either the exterior or the exhaust air of the building while simultaneously providing controlled ventilation. It does not compromise energy efficiency by maintaining indoor air quality.
Homes need air exchange systems for the following important reasons:
New homes in Halifax are constructed to be airtight, good for energy efficiency but not so good for fresh air. Lack of adequate air exchange causes indoor pollutants to accumulate:
Installing a home air exchanger brings a number of different benefits, some are:
A home air exchanger simply and constantly cycles out the old, contaminated air in your home with fresh clean air from the outdoors. In terms of what it can do for someone with allergies or respiratory issues, this difference can be huge.
Too much humidity is a big issue in Atlantic Canada. Control humidity with the help of a heat recovery air exchanger, avoid mold growth and impact on the structure of your home.
A heat recovery mechanism captures the warmth in interior air that is being drawn out and transfers it to incoming cold air. That’s less work for your furnace (or heating system) and a reason to spend less on utility bills.
No more lingering odors, stuffy rooms or fogged up windows. Solid air exchange maintains the air in the room fresh and the climate balanced.
An HVAC air exchanger system does this in conjunction with your current heating and cooling system. As your HVAC system manages temperature, this air exchanger unit manages ventilation, for an indoor space that’s more balanced and efficient. The majority of homeowners opt for a HRV ventilation system because it is compatible with their own furnace and ducting. This setup provides:
There are two types of air exchangers:
Perfect for living somewhere like Halifax, NS. It recycles heat from the outgoing air to warm the incoming air. Most home air exchangers in colder areas operate on HRV systems. HRV system transfers heat from the warm air to the incoming cold fresh air, recovering heat but also maintaining fresh air quality; which can reduce heating costs but also pathways for fresh air to flow through your home.
Balances temperature and humidity. It is great for those in part to full-time occupation. It has an air exchanger filter that captures dust and pollutants, so you can maintain the comfort level and system of your air. Make sure the air exchanger filter is changed periodically to ensure best operation.
All homes aren’t built the same nor is the type of air exchanger. Here’s how to select the appropriate system for your space and climate:
The best option for Halifax is an HRV because of the cold, moist winters in the area. It pushes out old air while pulling in new air, without compromising on indoor heat (ideal for Canadian homes).
Bigger homes may require higher capacity air exchange units with multiple intake and exhaust locations. More modest homes or condos would probably do well with a space saving wall mount.
Choose models with high recovery efficiency and low energy use. This guarantees that you get the best indoor air quality without increasing your utility bills.
Your house air exchanger filter should be simple to access for cleaning or replacing. You’ll want to replace the filters roughly every 3-6 months.
Most new air exchangers include smart controls, timers and work with home automation systems. These functionalities make ventilation value engineered on occupant or air quality sensors.
You should think about purchasing a home air exchanger if:
If you’ve been googling “air exchanger Canada”, you’re already on the path to cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Regular maintenance also keeps your air exchange system running smoothly:
If you hear strange sounds or suspect weak airflow, reach out to an air exchanger service to identify and remedy the problem right away.
A heat (and moisture) recovery ventilator isn’t a luxury for the Halifax homeowner, it’s a smart upgrade that can ensure your comfort and health. It brings in fresh, filtered air from outside and exhausts stale indoor air, helping to eliminate this potentially unsafe air from your home and reduces moisture and energy problems. Whether you’re renewing or building, a home air exchanger is an essential improvement to the indoor environment of your home. With an array of the various models and features available in Canada, there’s a solution for any home.
