Controllers vary between brands, so check the instruction manual that came with your specific model.
Your HRV unit will start running if the relative humidity in your home goes above the setting. Avoid using a low humidity setting since your HRV will pump in humid air and make your home feel damp and muggy, which could lead to mold.
You can switch to the highest setting to quickly vent air from your home. You may use this if you have a lot of guests, someone’s smoking indoors, or if there are strong odors from cooking.
You may be able to set a ventilation schedule on more advanced HRV controllers. Check the instruction manual to see if your model has these capabilities.
You may be able to hire an HVAC specialist to add bypass vents to your HRV. Normally, the heat from the inside air gets trapped in the unit’s chamber and warms up the outside air being drawn in. The bypass tubes are on the outside of the chamber so the air stays the same temperature as it comes in your home.
If you try running your HRV, the cool outside air will warm up as it pumps in and make your home feel uncomfortable. Opening your windows will let in more pollen and dust, which may make allergies worse.
You can use any type of air conditioner with your HRV. Using your HRV and air conditioner together also helps you save energy since the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
Air conditioning naturally dehumidifies the air, so you do not need a dedicated dehumidifier.
If you don’t have an exhaust vent, then open a window in or near your bathroom so the humidity can escape. Otherwise, mold could grow in the room.
