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Maintenance · 5 min read
HRV and air exchanger basics for Nova Scotia homes
Heat pumps recirculate the air already in your home. An HRV brings in fresh outdoor air and exhausts stale indoor air while recovering most of the heat — which is why tighter, newer homes depend on it for moisture control.
What it actually does
Two air streams pass through a core without mixing. Outgoing warm indoor air transfers heat to incoming cold outdoor air, so you get ventilation without paying full price in heat loss.
Signs yours has been ignored
Because an HRV usually sits in a basement or utility room, it can go a decade without attention.
- Condensation on windows through the winter
- Persistently stuffy or humid air, or lingering cooking and bathroom odours
- Visible dust loading on the core or filters
- Grilles that do not move air when you hold a tissue up to them
- Water in or around the unit from a blocked drain
The maintenance it needs
Standalone HRV cleaning starts at $249 before applicable taxes. Added to a qualifying heat-pump visit it starts at $149, which is why most homeowners book them together.
- Filters cleaned or replaced
- Core removed, washed and reinstalled
- Blowers, cabinet and drain cleared
- Intake and exhaust hoods checked for blockage
- Balance and airflow confirmed, with a written record
Ready for the next step?
Book HRV cleaning