Fresh, filtered air is a daily comfort upgrade that also protects your finishes from winter humidity swings. If you are renovating in Toronto, adding a balanced ventilation system with heat recovery (HRV) or energy recovery (ERV) delivers clean air without large energy penalties. This guide explains HRV vs ERV, where to place pickups and supplies, how to size and balance systems, what code notes matter in Ontario, and realistic budgets and timelines for 2025.
HRV vs ERV in plain language
- HRV (heat recovery ventilator): Transfers heat between outgoing stale air and incoming fresh air. Ideal for most Toronto homes where winter air is dry and you want to exhaust moisture.
- ERV (energy recovery ventilator): Transfers heat and some moisture. Helpful in homes that get overly dry in winter or where indoor humidity needs moderating year‑round.
- Continuous operation: These units are designed to run quietly all the time for the best air quality. Use boost modes for cooking, showers, or gatherings.
Where the ducts go: pickups and supplies
- Pick up stale air from: bathrooms, laundry rooms, and the kitchen area (not the hood) to remove humidity and odors.
- Supply fresh air to: bedrooms and main living spaces, so people breathe the cleanest air.
- Keep it balanced: Supply and exhaust flows should be measured and matched during commissioning.
- Kitchen ventilation: Still use a dedicated vented range hood for cooking pollutants; the HRV/ERV is not a substitute.
Sizing and performance basics
- Use a proper calculation: Base ventilation on bedrooms and floor area, then select an HVI‑certified unit that meets or exceeds the calculated flow at typical external static pressure.
- Heat and moisture recovery: Choose high sensible recovery efficiency; consider ERV cores where winter dryness is uncomfortable.
- Duct design: Short, smooth runs with sealed joints reduce noise and energy use. Insulate outdoor air ducts to prevent condensation.
- Filters: Specify MERV‑8 to MERV‑13 filters depending on duct sizing and fan capacity. Inspect and change on a schedule.
Controls and integration
- Boost switches and timers: Add a wall switch in each bathroom and near the kitchen to run the unit at high speed during moisture events.
- Smart ventilation: Tie the HRV/ERV to your thermostat schedule or use humidity and CO₂‑aware control where appropriate.
- Pair with heat pumps: Balanced ventilation complements cold‑climate heat pumps by supplying fresh air without big heat loss.
Ontario code notes to plan for
- Distribution: Supply fresh air to every bedroom and to each storey without a bedroom. Basements and crawl spaces are included.
- Balancing: The system must be measured and balanced during commissioning, with suitable accuracy.
- Temper incoming air when required: Outdoor air that is not through an HRV/ERV must be tempered before entering living spaces.
- Install location: Keep HRV/ERV units and condensate lines in spaces where temperatures will not impair operation.
Maintenance that keeps the air clean
- Replace or wash filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on dust and pets.
- Clean the core and check drains annually.
- Verify boost switches and airflow every couple of years or after renovations.
- Keep exterior hoods clear of snow, leaves, and lint.
Budgets and timelines in Toronto
Every home is different. These ranges help with early planning and get refined after a site visit and layout:
- Dedicated HRV/ERV retrofit with new ducting: $3,800 to $7,500, depending on runs, unit size, and finishes.
- Integration with new ducted HVAC: $2,500 to $5,500 when paired with a renovation or system change.
- Controls and boost switches package: $250 to $800, depending on zones.
- Commissioning and balance visit: $350 to $900, depending on access and number of terminals.
Typical timelines: 1 day to mount and rough in, 1 day to duct and wire, and a half day to commission. Complex retrofits span 3 to 5 days.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Exhausting from the range hood into the HRV, which violates manufacturer instructions and code.
- Oversizing without considering noise and duct velocities.
- Skipping balancing, which leaves rooms stuffy or creates pressure issues.
- Running uninsulated outdoor air ducts through cold spaces, which causes condensation.
- Forgetting a condensate drain trap and cleanout.
Helpful companion reads on our site:
- Toronto Heat Pump & HVAC Retrofit Guide 2025
- Toronto Insulation & Air Sealing Retrofit Guide 2025
- Toronto Soundproofing Guide 2025
- Toronto Kitchen Ventilation & Range Hood Guide 2025 (if published)
Ready to breathe easier?
Contact us today to book a consultation. We will confirm HRV vs ERV for your home, map tidy duct routes, and deliver balanced ventilation with verified performance.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
