Commercial Ventilation: Exhaust Fans, ERV/HRV Basics and Fresh Air Balancing

Both recover energy from outgoing air to temper incoming air. An HRV transfers heat only, while an ERV transfers heat and some moisture. The better fit depends on the building's humidity, use and climate.

Often, yes, through a fresh air duct, damper and controls. The unit must have capacity to heat or cool the added air, which we confirm before quoting.

Common causes are a weak or blocked fan, a disconnected duct, a stuck backdraft damper or no make-up air path. A quick airflow check separates these.

We service and replace fans and make-up air, but ventilation for vehicle exhaust is a safety matter governed by code. We confirm the requirements and may suggest a designer or another trade before work begins.

It depends on the equipment and the environment. Fans and ERV/HRV units are usually checked on a seasonal rhythm. See commercial maintenance for how visits are planned.

Often, yes. When very cold outdoor air meets warm, moist exhaust air, the core can ice up. Units use a defrost cycle, a bypass or a pre-heat to manage that. Defrost settings, condensate drains and filters are checked in the fall. The right unit depends on the building's humidity and use.

It depends on how many people use the space, what they do and the code that applies. Ventilation is not sized by floor area alone. A designer or the building's drawings may set the requirement. We start with how the space is used, check what the current system delivers and explain the options.

Stuffy air can come from low outdoor air, closed or stuck dampers, dirty filters, unbalanced airflow or a crowded space. A visit measures what the system actually moves and checks controls and schedules. Fixing the cause works better than turning the thermostat down. Send details through Build My Quote.

Sometimes. A new fan may involve a duct opening through a wall or roof, electrical work and, in some cases, a mechanical or building permit. Landlord approval is often needed. Rules differ by municipality and change, so we confirm what applies in the written scope before work begins.

It can help, but it depends on the source of the moisture. Leaks, poor drainage and humid summer air all play a part. Exhaust, fresh air and dehumidification each do different jobs. We look at the room, the airflow and the likely source before recommending anything, and we do not promise results.

Drafts often come from a backdraft damper that sticks open, a damaged weatherhood or an uninsulated duct. A clean damper that closes fully and an insulated duct usually help. If the fan runs when it does not need to, a timer or an occupancy sensor can cut unnecessary run time.

A transfer grille or door undercut lets air move from a room into the washroom so the exhaust fan has air to pull. Without that path, doors can be hard to open and the fan works poorly. We check the air path as part of any washroom exhaust call.

That depends on occupancy and the code that applies to the building. Many spaces need ventilation whenever people are inside, while storage rooms and some washrooms can run on timers or sensors. We review how the building is used, set the controls to match and write the schedule down.