Things An AC Repair Company Considers To Successfully Install An HRV | Scottsdale, AZ
Heat recovery ventilators give your air conditioner or HVAC systems an edge regarding heating, indoor air quality, preventing mold growth, and regulating humidity levels at your home. Unfortunately, these systems are plagued by different problems that stem from how they were installed in the first place. Hence, it is recommended that homeowners enlist the services of a licensed and reputable AC repair company for the installation, repair, and maintenance of an HRV and the HVAC system in its entirety. Unfortunately, some Scottsdale, AZ homeowners try to cut costs and corners by installing various HVAC accessories. While the device may work for a while, there is a high chance that it will require a repair earlier than you could have expected. Installing the HRV yourself could see damage to other components of the HVAC system, such as the ducts. When they come to your home for installation, the technician will consider the following to ensure that the installation of the heat recovery ventilator at your home is a success:
Calculate the Needed Air Flow
Before they install the HRV, one of the things an AC repair company will do is calculate the needed airflow. The standard method for determining the required airflow for a ventilation system is outlined in the ASHRAE 62.2 – 2016 guideline. This calculation considers the number of occupants and the size of the conditioned space in a home. The formula for the calculation is as follows: (7.5 × number of occupants) + (Area to be conditioned in sq. ft x 0.03) = required airflow in CF/M. While this formula provides a rough estimate, a more detailed online calculator can be used for more accurate results.
Select Efficient Equipment
When selecting a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), it’s important to consider the unit’s energy efficiency. These devices have internal fans that run for extended periods, so choosing a model that provides adequate airflow while consuming as little energy as possible is crucial. To ensure you’re getting a high-quality and efficient HRV, the AC repair company in Scottsdale, AZ looks for models tested and certified by the Heating and Ventilating Institute (HVI). Many manufacturers will display these testing results in their product literature. A useful tool for comparing different HRV models is the online version of HVI’s Certified Products Directory.
When using the directory, the AC repair company pays attention to sensible recovery efficiency or SRE column. This column shows how effectively the unit can transfer heat between different air streams. An experienced technician looks for an SRE value of over 80%. Additionally, they will calculate the unit’s air movement efficiency, known as efficacy, which is measured in cfm per watt. To calculate this, the technician divides the Net Airflow (cfm) by the Power Consumed (watts). The efficacy should be at least 1.25 cfm/watt.
Locate Exhaust Points
Do you want to ensure that your home is devoid of that smelly, humid air? Then you should identify the areas where the stale air is expelled, such as the kitchen, utility rooms, and bathrooms. Doing this allows for proper heat recovery in areas of your home where humidity and smells are most prevalent. Installing an HRV system ensures that homeowners can save money and improve the overall comfort of their homes.
Whenever installing an exhaust point near your kitchen, the AC repair company will place it about 6ft away from your cooking surface. The exhaust point is designed to remove cooking odors and moisture. While heat recovery systems aren’t meant to replace the range hood completely, installing an HRV system in your kitchen might eliminate any need for external venting. However, individual habits might require a standard range hood to remove moisture and odors in the kitchen.
Locating Points of Fresh Air Supply
To ensure proper fresh air circulation throughout the home, the AC repair company strategically places the supply points far from the exhaust points. Ideal locations for these points include bedrooms and living rooms. Since the incoming fresh air may be slightly cooler than the room temperature, it is best to have the vents placed high on the wall to avoid direct contact with occupants. In a bedroom, incorporating a fresh air supply in a closet can provide gentle mixing with the room air while also keeping clothing fresh.
Creating a Dedicated Air Duct System
Most AC repair company technicians agree that it is best for a heat recovery ventilation system to have a dedicated air duct system. That is the only choice if your home has ductless heat or a hydronic heat pump. Here, the HRV mixes the air in your house. However, if your home has a forced air cooling and heating system, it can use air ducts. This will save money on labor and materials. It also offers a good distribution of fresh air. Integrating the heat recovery ventilators with the forced air systems requires careful planning, sound installation practice, and proper controls.
Choose Either an ERV or HRV
Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are similar in that they perform well in different climate zones. However, there is a significant difference between the two that you should know before calling a heating and AC repair company in Scottsdale, AZ to install them. HRVs only transfer the air temperature between the incoming and outgoing air streams, referred to as sensible heat. On the other hand, ERVs transfer sensible heat and a significant amount of water vapor, known as enthalpy, between the incoming and outgoing air streams. This results in a higher efficiency rating for ERVs. In other areas having a heating and AC repair company install ERV can help maintain lower indoor humidity by expelling humidity back to the outside.
Are you planning to install an HRV system? Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Phoenix. Our professionals will consider all the factors above to ensure your system is successful.
