Definition
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a balanced whole-house ventilation appliance that exhausts stale indoor air and brings in filtered outdoor air through a heat-exchange core, where the two streams pass without mixing. Heat from the outgoing air warms the incoming air, supplying fresh air while recovering much of the heat that would otherwise be lost.
Also called: HRV, Air-to-air heat exchanger
Why it matters to you
Tightly built and air-sealed homes in the damp Pacific Northwest can trap moisture from cooking, showers, and breathing, which shows up as winter window condensation, musty rooms, and mold on cold surfaces. Because winter moisture removal is usually the goal here, an HRV is a common fit for tight SW Washington homes.
Practical guidance
Homeowners can clean or replace HRV filters on the manufacturer's schedule and learn how to switch to recirculate or pause fresh air during wildfire smoke. Sizing to ASHRAE 62.2 airflow targets, duct connections, and airflow balancing are technician work.
About this definition
Written by the Home Energy Group team — a family-owned HVAC company celebrating 25 years of comfort & care across SW Washington and the Portland metro, licensed in Washington (WA LIC# HOMEEGI003J7) and Oregon (OR CCB# 184255). Definitions inform; an on-site diagnosis decides.
