What type of ventilation system recovers and reuses energy from exhaust air?

Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems are specifically designed to recover and reuse energy from exhaust air, making them highly efficient in maintaining indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss. These systems incorporate heat exchangers that transfer heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams.

In the winter, for instance, the warm, moist air being expelled from the building can warm the drier, cooler incoming fresh air, thus pre-conditioning it before it enters the living space. Conversely, in warmer months, the system works to cool and dehumidify incoming air. This dual capability of exchanging both heat and moisture is what differentiates energy recovery systems from others, ensuring a more efficient ventilation solution.

Standard Ventilation Systems typically do not incorporate any recovery mechanisms; they simply replace stale indoor air with external air without reclaiming energy. Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems, while similar, primarily focus on transferring heat only and may not manage moisture, which can be crucial in certain climates or applications. Mechanical Ventilation Systems refer broadly to any system that mechanically moves air, lacking the specific energy recovery capability that characterizes energy recovery ventilation systems. Combining these elements solidifies the understanding that energy recovery systems represent an advanced solution for energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality.