If you’re aiming for better air quality, balanced humidity, and lower energy bills, installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. ERVs work by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, while transferring heat and moisture between the two. This keeps your indoor environment comfortable and healthy, without overloading your HVAC system.
“People don’t realize how important fresh air is in a home. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about health,” says Mike Holmes.
In Season 5, Episode 8 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes, launching Thursday, June 5 on all podcast streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, Mike talks to Indoor Air Quality Experts Ken Nelson and Darryl Rebeschini, from Panasonic North America, where they explain what ERVs are, how they differ from heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), and why they are essential for every home—especially if you’re looking to maintain a healthy and energy-efficient home.
Key Benefits of an ERV
- Cleaner Air: Constantly removes indoor pollutants, allergens, and odors while bringing in filtered outdoor air.
- Humidity Control: Adds moisture during dry winters and removes it in humid summers—helping prevent mold and improve comfort.
- Energy Efficiency: Recovers heat and moisture from outgoing air, easing the load on your heating and cooling system and cutting utility costs.
- Healthier Living: Improved ventilation helps reduce allergy triggers, asthma irritants, and conditions for mould growth.
Older homes often struggle with poor ventilation and humidity issues. An ERV provides modern ventilation without the need for extensive renovations. In fact, installing an ERV in an older home is straightforward and typically doesn’t require significant changes to the structure.
For homes with existing ductwork, an ERV can be seamlessly integrated into your system, but there are also standalone models available, like the Panasonic WhisperComfort 60, that don’t need to be fitted with ductwork. This makes them an excellent solution for homes that don’t have centralized HVAC systems or for homeowners who want to avoid major construction.
“It can be a real game-changer for homeowners with older homes, ” says Mike Holmes. It brings the house up to modern standards without tearing everything apart.”
If you’re serious about creating a healthier, more efficient, and more comfortable living space—especially in an older home—an ERV is the right choice.
Listen to Season 5, Episode 8 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes, “How do ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) Work? How Energy Recovery Ventilators Improve Your Home’s Air Quality”, launching Thursday, June 5 on all podcast streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.
Expert Home Renovation Tips, Industry Innovations and More on the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes
The Holmes on Homes podcast with Mike Holmes takes you inside the world of construction, renovations, and the skilled trades—breaking down what it really takes to build it right. But it’s also about the bigger mission: helping people live better, stay safer, and feel more confident about their homes. With expert guests, practical tips, and real-life stories, Mike brings clarity, honesty, and decades of experience to every episode—whether you’re swinging a hammer or just trying to understand the basics.
Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes is available on all podcast streaming platforms, including Mike Holmes’ YouTube Channel as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
About Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes is a respected contractor and television personality who is dedicated to providing homeowners with practical advice and solutions for building and maintaining safe, high-quality homes. Known for his TV shows like Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes It Right, Mike’s expertise spans various aspects of home construction and renovation. A key area of his focus is HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, as he understands the critical role they play in creating comfortable, energy-efficient, and healthy living environments.
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