HRVs & ERVs

Increase Your Comfort with an HRV or ERV

Another way that homeowners in Ontario choose to improve their home’s air quality is to install either an HRV or an ERV. HRVs and ERVs are meant to improve your air quality by providing your home with an endless cycle of moving and fresh air. 

What is an HRV?

An HRV, or a Heat Recovery Ventilator, works to keep your home ventilated with endless fresh air from outside. An HRV removes stale warm air from your home and replaces it with fresh air from outside. During this process, it preheats the fresh air by exchanging heat from the supply and exhaust air streams.

Benefits of an HRV

There are many benefits to having an HRV, including:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Reduced humidity and condensation
  • Exhaust stale and polluted air from the home
  • More even heating throughout the home

What is an ERV?

An ERV, or Energy Recovery Ventilator, works like an HRV as it recovers heat from the supply and exhaust streams. Plus, it has the added benefit of recovering moisture in that air to allow for the even distribution of humidity throughout your home. This is especially beneficial to your indoor air quality during the colder months.

Benefits of an ERV

The benefits of an ERV include:

  • Improved air quality
  • Higher HVAC efficiency
  • Improved whole-home humidity levels

What HRVs and ERVs Really Do

Expel

HRVs and ERVs expel pollutants from your home, including odours, smoke, dust, gases, and other particles, as well as humidity.

Circulate

Every 3 hours, they recirculate the air in your home. After each cycle, the stale air that was removed from your house will be replaced by an equivalent amount of fresh air.

Filter

Both types of ventilators contain a filter that limits the amount of pollen, dust, and insects that could get in your home with the fresh air.

Distribute

HRVs and ERVs are connected to every room in your house through ductwork, except the garage. Sometimes, they may be connected to an existing central heating system.

Recovery

Both types have the ability to capture or recover heat from the air leaving the unit and use it in the incoming air. This heat recovery results in energy savings for you.

Humidity Control

The main difference between the two units is that ERVs control humidity levels by humidifying incoming air when it’s dry or removing excess moisture when it’s too humid.

Making Your Choice

The main factor to consider when deciding between an ERV and HRV is the level of humidity in the home or building. However, you should also consider the following:

Size

HRVs fit best in small to medium sized homes where humidity accumulates quickly. For bigger homes, an ERV will work better.

Airtightness

The better a building is sealed, the more humidity stays in, making an HRV preferable. An ERV would be better for a less airtight home.

Heating System Type

Certain heating systems make the air drier, like wood heating. In this case, choose an ERV for healthier humidity levels.

Climate

ERVs are better for colder, drier climates. HRVs work better in milder, more humid climates.

Get a Free No-Obligation Sales Estimate

To request a NO-COST, NO-OBLIGATION – IN-HOME OR ON-SITE – SALES ESTIMATE, simply complete the form below and click on the submit button. We’ll have one of our HAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning professionals call you to arrange an appointment at your convenience.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Address*
I'm interested in signing up for a Protection Plan
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Jacob Muirhead
Jacob Muirhead
19:11 28 Aug 25
Christian and Cameron came by to do maintenance and cleaning on my 2 Daikin heat pumps. Super professional, courteous and nice guys. Would strongly recommend
Emily Ferko
Emily Ferko
19:15 27 Aug 25
We had an excellent experience working with HamCo for our new heat pump installation. From the very beginning, Andrew guided us through every step of the process — from... choosing the right unit for our home (we went with a Daikin heat pump/furnace combo) to walking us through budget details and keeping everything honest and transparent. When we decided to also add a hot water heat pump, Andrew made that seamless too.He was incredible with the paperwork for the Ontario government rebates, making sure we had everything in order for both the heat pump and water heater. The installation itself was smooth and even finished a full day ahead of schedule. The team removed and returned our rental hot water heater, handled the refund process for us, and kept the house spotless throughout. Every installer we met was polite, professional, and clearly knew their stuff.It’s been about a month since the install, and everything looks fantastic and is working beautifully. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend HamCo to anyone considering a heat pump.read more
Richard Despres
Richard Despres
14:24 20 Aug 25
Great work on AC maintenance. Cameron and his partner showed up on time and did a nice job. Very respectful. I’ve been using these guys for all my HVAC work for many years.
Greg Shires
Greg Shires
18:44 18 Aug 25
Wonder experience! 5 out of 5Great technician, very professional and respectful. Absolutely recommend for anyone who needs work , or has questions about their system.
Sarah Najbor
Sarah Najbor
14:54 15 Aug 25
HAMCO was amazing! They recently installed a new air conditioner and water heater for us and the process was quick and easy from start to finish.Thank you to Bill and the... team!read more
Kelly Jean
Kelly Jean
18:54 14 Aug 25
Hamco came to do a maintenance check on our AC today. They were very professional and polite. Stefan quickly checked all the components of our AC unit and ascertained every... thing was in good working order! Stefan was very personable, knowledgeable and politely answered all our questions. Well done Hamco!! We were very pleased with the services we received today!read more
Ray Greenspon
Ray Greenspon
14:27 14 Aug 25
Veronica and Shamar did a superb job for us installing a Daiken ductless heatpump in our 14th floor condo. They laid out drop sheets and were in and out in less time than we... anticipated. We had two issues with the installation as they were working and Veronica made on the fly adjustments which made things perfect for us. Best of all the unit runs quietly and is keeping us c-o-o-l. Thanks. Shelly and Rayread more
Anthony Tigani
Anthony Tigani
14:14 08 Aug 25
We had our furnace serviced by a very pleasant and knowledgeable young man named Christian. He answered any questions I had and explained everything fully. Thank you,... Christian…read more
James Stayzer
James Stayzer
18:29 07 Aug 25
I can not recommend them enough. We had trouble with our AC and they helped get us up and running. Shane and all the different technicians were very professional and great to... work with! On time, knowledgeable and fixed the problems. Highly recommended!read more
Tessa Wakefield
Tessa Wakefield
02:42 07 Aug 25
Great experience with HAMCO! Joel and Stefan were on time, professional, and very knowledgeable. They quickly fixed the issue with my HVAC system and explained everything... clearly. No upselling—just honest, quality service. Highly recommend HAMCO and especially Joel and Stefan!read more
Ron Hatcher
Ron Hatcher
17:46 04 Aug 25
Hamco installed a York air conditioner in June 2025. Excellent job by Veronica and Neil. Bill in sales also very helpful. Will be calling about a water heater soon
Irene Amog
Irene Amog
19:11 29 Jul 25
Christian was very courteous and professional when he came to do the yearly maintenance on our AC. He informed me what he was doing and if there were any concerns. Completed... the work in a timely manner. Thank-you Christian and HAMCO!😊read more
BRENDA GIOSI
BRENDA GIOSI
15:24 24 Jul 25
We had Joel from Hamco Heating and Cooling - today to fix a problem with our a/c. He was prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and efficient. He diagnosed the problem in minutes... and had us cooling in no time. Very reasonable price as well. Excellent customer service.read more
Melanie Lopes
Melanie Lopes
21:02 17 Jul 25
Very thankful for the quick response we received on the hottest week of the year. Our technician Christian was very friendly, kind and professional. He fixed the issue very... quickly and explained what to do to help prevent it from happening. Tara in the office should also be credited for their professional and friendly assistance as well. Thanks to both of you for keeping us cool this summer.read more
Jennifer Scott-Penich
Jennifer Scott-Penich
02:51 11 Jul 25
HAMCO always provides reliable service in a timely manner. The technician, Stefan, was friendly and knowledgeable. It’s always a pleasure doing business with HAMCO.
Carol Lukasik
Carol Lukasik
17:10 07 Jul 25
Had maintenance done one my furnace and air conditioner today. Christian was very professional, personable, and knowledgeable.
Mathew X
Mathew X
21:35 04 Jul 25
Julie Abraham
Julie Abraham
21:34 03 Jul 25
Incredibly prompt and helpful after hours service. Looking forward to working with HAMCO again. Thanks!
Elizabeth Clinton
Elizabeth Clinton
18:24 30 Jun 25
New Review - June 2025Christian arrived on time, fixed our A/C and stayed around to make sure it was working. He worked very quickly and was very courteous and... professional. I told him that, if my kitchen wasn't so hot, I would have given him some homemade cookies! Well done, Christian.read more
Christian did a quick and efficient annual maintenance check on central AC and furnace providing peace of mind for the cooling season...thanks Christian
Dinesh C
Dinesh C
21:59 27 Jun 25
jon kosior
jon kosior
16:25 27 Jun 25
Hamco heating came today checked out my a/c , technician very respectful attentive to all aspects of his tasks , gave me the bad news , my 30 plus year old unit is failing ,... but the professional person he is , I respect his findings and will seek the best avenue.read more
Bruce Barch
Bruce Barch
12:33 27 Jun 25
Mitch Wagner
Mitch Wagner
18:12 26 Jun 25
Stefan was here right on time and got the work done super quickly and professionally. Always great service from Hamco.
Ian Hassell
Ian Hassell
22:48 25 Jun 25
Excellent service. Very professional and friendly.
Eileen Earnshaw
Eileen Earnshaw
14:47 25 Jun 25
Excellent service
Enzo Rizzo
Enzo Rizzo
01:54 24 Jun 25
Our AC stopped working during a heat wave. I called well into the evening, and Najim came at 9 p.m. to help us.He was friendly and knowledgeable. After one look at the AC... unit, he knew what was happening and communicated it to me effectively and clearly.Twenty minutes later, AC was up and running.read more
Glenn Pfab
Glenn Pfab
22:15 23 Jun 25
Stefan show up on time , diagnosed the problem, and quickly ran out to get the part, installed it and the air conditioner was up and running in under an hour! It was 48C and... he solved the problem....thanks so much Stefan and Hamco!read more
JUDIE MCKENNA
JUDIE MCKENNA
20:49 21 Jun 25
I have dealt with Hamco for many years now and have always been very happy with the service I received both from the office staff and the service men. I had a call on Friday... from Steve and Stefan and they both were very professional and experienced. I will definitely be getting them to come back for my annual furnace and air conditioning maintenance check up.read more
Rick H
Rick H
20:24 18 Jun 25
Today we had our boiler inspected and cleaned, the Technician was Najim and we are so pleased with his work. Arrived on time and was so very nice to speak to, he is... knowledgeable and does his work in a timely manner. He will always be welcome back to our home. An asset to Hamco Heating and Cooling, Thank you Najim for a job very well done,Rick and Dianne Hogg.read more
Cam Morton
Cam Morton
16:05 18 Jun 25
Polite, fast and did a good job👍👍
Gayle Terryberry
Gayle Terryberry
13:55 18 Jun 25
Najim very cordial friendly service
Lynda Ruffo
Lynda Ruffo
00:42 18 Jun 25
Another grest service by Christian! On time, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.
Maggie Tang
Maggie Tang
14:29 06 Jun 25
We had Christian from Hamco to do maintenance on our ductless AC unit. He contacted us ahead of time before he arrived, and he checked and cleaned all our units... professionally, and tidied all area he worked. He also provided us some advices on the units. During his work, he also communicated with us his steps. Highly recommend Christian and truly appreciate his services!read more
Erin Côté-Willnecker
Erin Côté-Willnecker
12:02 02 Jun 25
jamie willnecker
jamie willnecker
12:01 02 Jun 25
Christopher Furtado
Christopher Furtado
14:26 27 May 25
Recently called Hamco to install an ecobee at my parent’s house. Christian came out and installed the new smart thermostat and had it up and running within 30 mins! Christian... was very professional and was able to help me understand the basic functions of the smart thermostat.read more
Dawn Spencer
Dawn Spencer
17:08 22 May 25
Very pleased with Hajim. He was courteous and did a great job. He was very thorough with my old furnace and explained his findings.
Sheryl Stacey
Sheryl Stacey
19:07 16 May 25
Steve and Ansley came to my house and did a great job explaining how my Air Conditioner actually works and showed me how to maintain it. They were so knowledgeable, kind and... asked whether we had any questions. You are so fortunate to have these pleasant and knowledgeable people working for Hamco. I highly recommend Hamco for all your Furnace and Air Conditioner needs.read more
Doug Reeves
Doug Reeves
06:37 16 May 25
Osman Osman
Osman Osman
16:43 15 May 25
They are very professional and helped me cancel an energy contract. They did an amazing job installing my equipment even help fix a circulation issue that I’ve been having... for years. Got the bill credits that was promised within a week.read more
Debra Krar
Debra Krar
14:48 14 May 25
Service person was very professional: prompt, polite, knowledgeable.
J Hill
J Hill
22:53 11 May 25
I would recommend Hamco for their professional advice and courtesy.Ainslea and Nolan were both helpful and much appreciated
John Del Rossi
John Del Rossi
19:49 06 May 25
Today I had my furnace and AC checked ,serviced and repaired where necessary. The technician was Najim and he did an outstanding job on all services required. He is truly an... asset to Hamco .read more
Raquel Montoya
Raquel Montoya
17:14 02 May 25
The Heating and Cooling guys from Hamco have always been quick to respond to my HVAC needs. Najim, Steve and Ainslea are highly knowledgeable and experienced technicians. I... was greeted with professionalism and kindness.They were on time, repaired my motor on the furnace in a matter of minutes, explained everything that they were diagnosing, and they did a thorough job. They were quick, clean, trustworthy and very helpful individuals. They walk you through any problems, recommendations and ensure your system is running optimal. Even when I experienced an issue, Shane the Supervisor was quick to resolve the issue with no hesitation. Hamco prices are very reasonable and I plan to have these guys take care of my HVAC needs in the future. Thank you for a job well done!!read more
Adam Wills
Adam Wills
14:41 02 May 25
Christian came by today to address a gas leak in our furnace. He arrived in his scheduled window and called when on his way. He quickly diagnosed the issue, showing me where... the leaks were. He was able to complete the work quickly and was very professional the whole way. Would definitely use HAMCO again.read more
Deb Cliffe
Deb Cliffe
15:35 01 May 25
Hamco was able to respond to my call within a couple of hours.Najim was thorough and fixed the problem. He was also friendly and courteous. I’ve been with Hamco about 5... years and continue to be happy with my decision to use this companyread more
Next Reviews
js_loader

Latest News

5 Signs You Need an Air Conditioner Replacement

5 Signs You Need an Air Conditioner Replacement

Taking your air conditioner for granted is easy; you get out of the hot, sticky outdoors into your cool, comfortable home. But as the years go on, your air conditioner’s effectiveness begins to wane and eventually it calls it quits. When it starts to fail, the...

read more
Keep Bills Low as Energy Prices Rise

Keep Bills Low as Energy Prices Rise

We’re always trying to help our customers reduce their energy consumption in order to lower their energy bills, but energy prices in Ontario keep rising. In November, the rates for electricity were raised an amount that would cost the average Ontario home owner an...

read more

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram
for indoor air quality tips and information on current specials and promotions!

Call Now Button