ERV Replacement in Lewisburg, KY

If your energy bills are rising or your home isn't maintaining temperature, it might be time for an ERV replacement. We understand how crucial a reliable heating and cooling system is to your comfort and peace of mind, especially when dealing with the variable weather conditions in Lewisburg, KY. Contact our team today to schedule an assessment or inquire about our flexible financing options.

1. Restore your home’s comfort with a same-day service option.
2. Increase energy efficiency and reduce monthly bills with our modern ERV systems.
3. Get a comprehensive warranty for decades of assurance.

Licensed experts manage all permits and offer flexible financing options.

Comprehensive ERV Replacement Services

An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a critical component of a modern, sealed home, specifically designed to balance energy efficiency with indoor air quality. In tight, energy-efficient homes, stale air gets trapped, leading to pollutant buildup, odors, and moisture issues. An ERV system exchanges this stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. However, unlike a simple window fan, it transfers heat and moisture between the airstreams. This ensures that in the summer, the incoming air is pre-cooled and dehumidified, and in the winter, it is pre-heated and humidified.

When an existing unit fails or becomes obsolete, simply repairing it is not always the most viable path. Replacement involves removing the old mechanical ventilation unit and integrating a new, high-efficiency model into your existing HVAC infrastructure. This service includes a full evaluation of your current ductwork, ensuring the new unit is properly sized for the square footage of your home, and verifying that airflow is balanced to prevent positive or negative pressure issues.

Modern ERV systems have advanced significantly in the last decade. Newer models utilize superior core materials that transfer enthalpy (heat and humidity) more effectively. They also feature EC (Electronically Commutated) motors that consume a fraction of the electricity compared to older AC motors. By upgrading, homeowners ensure that their HVAC system does not have to work overtime to condition unconditioned fresh air, effectively lowering the load on the air conditioner and furnace.

The Replacement Execution Plan

Replacing an ERV is a technical process that requires precise calculations and handling. It is not merely swapping one box for another; it involves ensuring the respiratory system of the home functions correctly. Our technicians follow a rigorous protocol to ensure the new system delivers optimal performance from day one.

1. Initial System Assessment
2. The process begins with an evaluation of the existing unit and the ductwork configuration. Technicians identify why the previous unit failed—whether due to motor burnout, core degradation, or control board failure—to prevent recurrence with the new unit.
3. Airflow requirements are calculated based on the home's volume and occupancy levels to select the correct capacity (CFM).
4. Site Preparation and Safety Measures
5. Power is disconnected from the existing HVAC equipment to ensure safety.
6. The area surrounding the installation site is prepped to prevent debris or dust from entering the living space.
7. If the unit is located in an attic or crawlspace, access paths are secured.
8. Removal of the Old Unit
9. The existing ERV is disconnected from the intake and exhaust ductwork.
10. Condensate lines, if present, are carefully detached to avoid spills.
11. Low-voltage control wiring connecting the ERV to the main thermostat or humidistat is labeled and disconnected.
12. The old unit is removed and disposed of according to environmental regulations.
13. Ductwork Inspection and Modification
14. Before the new unit is mounted, the connecting ducts are inspected for leaks, kinks, or accumulation of dust and mold.
15. Transitions or collars may be fabricated on-site if the intake/exhaust ports of the new model do not align perfectly with the existing ductwork.
16. Insulated flex duct is checked to ensure the vapor barrier is intact, preventing sweating pipes during humid months.
17. Installation of the New ERV
18. The new unit is suspended or mounted using vibration-isolation hangers to minimize noise transfer to the home’s framing.
19. Duct connections are sealed with mastic or aluminum tape to ensure zero air leakage.
20. Condensate drains are installed with proper P-traps to ensure water flows freely away from the unit and does not back up.
21. Electrical and Control Integration
22. High-voltage power is connected to the unit.
23. Low-voltage controls are wired, often integrating the ERV with the central furnace blower to run simultaneously for better distribution.
24. Wall controls or smart thermostat integrations are set up to allow user management of ventilation rates.
25. System Balancing and Calibration
26. This is the most critical step. Technicians use flow hoods or magnehelic gauges to measure air pressure.
27. The intake and exhaust airflows are balanced to be equal. Imbalanced air can cause back-drafting of combustion appliances or drive moisture into wall cavities.
28. The system is tested in various modes (low speed, high speed, recirculation) to verify operation.

Deciding Between Repair and Replacement

Homeowners often grapple with the decision to repair a faltering unit or invest in a new one. While repair can sometimes be a quick fix, there are specific scenarios where replacement is the only financially sound decision. Carter Heating and Cooling helps navigate this choice by analyzing the long-term viability of the current hardware.

1. Core Failure and Mold Contamination
2. The core is the heart of the ERV, where heat and moisture exchange happen. If the core becomes cracked, it allows cross-contamination between stale exhaust air and fresh intake air, rendering the unit useless.
3. If the core has been compromised by deep-set mold or bacterial growth due to lack of maintenance, cleaning is rarely 100% effective. Replacement ensures sanitary air delivery.
4. Motor Failure in Aging Units
5. If the blower motors fail and the unit is over 10 years old, the cost of sourcing OEM motors often approaches 50% of the cost of a new, more efficient unit.
6. Older motors are typically less energy-efficient. Replacing the entire unit provides a fresh warranty and lower monthly operating costs.
7. Obsolete Control Boards
8. Electronics degrade over time. If a control board fails on an older model, finding a replacement part can be difficult or impossible. Retrofitting generic controls often leads to loss of functionality.
9. New units come with smart-compatible controls that offer better regulation of indoor air quality.
10. Inadequate Capacity
11. If renovations have been done to the home, such as finishing a basement or adding a room, the old ERV may no longer have the CFM capacity to ventilate the space effectively.
12. Upgrading allows for resizing the system to match the current square footage and occupant load.

Considerations for the Local Climate

Operating an ERV in this region requires specific attention to environmental factors. The climate in Lewisburg, KY, involves distinct seasons that dictate how ventilation systems should be configured and installed.

1. Managing High Summer Humidity
2. Summers bring significant humidity. An ERV is superior to an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) in this region because it transfers moisture.
3. During summer, the ERV transfers humidity from the incoming fresh air to the outgoing stale air, keeping the moisture outside. This reduces the latent load on the air conditioner, allowing it to cool the home more efficiently without freezing up or running constantly.
4. Winter Heat Retention
5. Winters can drop below freezing. An ERV recovers heat from the exhaust air and warms the incoming cold air.
6. Unlike opening a window which dumps heat immediately, an ERV retains up to 80% of the energy, keeping heating bills manageable while ensuring fresh air circulation.
7. It also helps retain some indoor humidity during dry winter months, improving comfort and reducing static electricity.
8. Permitting and Code Compliance
9. Replacement projects must adhere to local building codes regarding ventilation rates and electrical safety.
10. Proper separation distances between the outdoor intake and exhaust hoods are enforced to prevent re-entrainment of exhaust gases.
11. Electrical connections must meet current safety standards, often requiring a dedicated circuit or specific disconnect switches.
12. Utility Requirements
13. Proper drainage for condensate is required. In some older installations, drains were routed incorrectly. Current standards ensure condensate is directed to a floor drain or condensate pump to prevent water damage.

Why Technical Precision Matters

The effectiveness of an ERV depends entirely on the quality of the installation. A unit that is not balanced correctly can depressurize a home, drawing in radon gas from the soil or carbon monoxide from a garage. Conversely, positive pressure can force warm, moist air into wall cavities, leading to structural rot over time.

1. Airflow Balancing Expertise
2. Professional installation involves the use of specialized manometers to measure pressure drops across the core. This ensures that the volume of air leaving the house exactly matches the volume entering.
3. This balance preserves the thermal envelope of the home and prevents drafts.
4. Ductwork Optimization
5. Flexible ducts must be pulled tight and supported to minimize static pressure. Sagging ducts reduce airflow and make the fans work harder, shortening their lifespan.
6. Hard piping is used where necessary to maintain smooth airflow and reduce turbulence noise.
7. System Interlocking
8. For fully ducted systems, the ERV must communicate with the furnace. When the ERV calls for ventilation, the furnace blower must engage to distribute the fresh air throughout the house. Improper wiring often leads to the ERV running without the blower, resulting in fresh air dumping into the furnace room rather than the living spaces.
9. Filtration upgrades
10. Modern ERVs offer options for HEPA or high-MERV filtration on the intake side. This filters out pollen, dust, and smoke before it ever enters the home environment, a massive benefit for allergy sufferers in the region.

Ensuring Long-Term Performance

Once a new system is in place, the focus shifts to longevity. A replacement is a significant investment in home infrastructure, and proper setup ensures it lasts for its intended lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

1. Commissioning Reports
2. Upon completion, a commissioning report documents the airflow settings and pressure readings. This serves as a baseline for future maintenance.
3. Technicians verify that the defrost cycle functions correctly, ensuring the core does not freeze solid during deep winter cold snaps.
4. User Education
5. Homeowners are trained on how to operate the wall controls. Understanding when to use "Recirculation" mode versus "Exchange" mode can significantly impact comfort and efficiency.
6. Instructions on filter cleaning schedules and core maintenance are provided to ensure the homeowner can maintain peak efficiency.

Ensuring your home breathes correctly is just as important as heating or cooling it. A properly functioning ERV system protects the building structure from moisture damage, improves health by removing pollutants, and lowers energy costs by recovering wasted energy. If your current system is loud, ineffective, or broken, professional replacement restores the balance your home needs — schedule service today.

Secure your home’s air quality and efficiency today. Schedule your ERV replacement consultation now.

Restore Fresh Airflow and Energy Efficiency in Your Home

When your ERV system can no longer keep up with rising energy costs, inconsistent temperatures, or poor indoor air quality, replacement is often the most effective long-term solution. A properly sized and professionally installed ERV helps your home breathe correctly—removing stale air, controlling humidity, and reducing strain on your heating and cooling system year-round. Carter Heating and Cooling delivers precision-driven ERV replacements designed for Lewisburg’s variable climate, ensuring balanced airflow, code compliance, and lasting efficiency. Don’t let an aging or failing system compromise your comfort—contact us today to schedule your ERV replacement consultation or discuss flexible financing options with Carter Heating and Cooling.