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ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)
An ERV brings fresh air in and pushes stale air out while saving some heat and moisture.
Why it matters
A tight home needs planned fresh air. An ERV gives you fresh air without wasting as much energy.
Where people get this wrong
An ERV is not a bathroom fan. It is a whole-home tool. Ventilation is planned. Air leaks are not planned.
Real-world example
You finally fix drafts and the home feels great, but the air starts feeling stale. An ERV is like opening a window on purpose, not by accident.
Where this hits your build
This affects comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality. It gets locked behind drywall, so decisions here need to be right before finishing starts.
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