[Greenbuilding] HRV or ERV

[Corwyn]

On 10/27/2010 12:05 AM, Steven Tjiang wrote:

> However, an ERV will ventilate and help to preserve higher humidity in
> an air-tight house during cold, dry winters when there are internal
> sources of moisture generation,  i.e moisture from occupants and plants,
> as well as regular house hold activities such as cooking, and bathing.
>   An ERV probably isn't sufficient on its own to preserve the humidity
> but it can help.

My experience with air-tight houses in cold dry climates, is that high 
humidity is more the issue than low.  Reasonably normal occupancy 
provides enough or more than enough moisture to offset the losses due to 
air exchange.  Of course, if the ventilation system is cranked way up, 
it can bring the humidity down.  HRVs dominate here in Maine, where 
people in average houses complain bitterly about how this or that 'dries 
out the air'.

Thank You Kindly,

Corwyn


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Topher Belknap
Green Fret Consulting
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