HVR
HRV — Heat Recovery Ventilator
London Ontario
An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) continuously exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering 70 to 85 percent of the heat from the outgoing exhaust — solving condensation on windows, stale and odour-laden air, CO2 buildup, and the ventilation deficit that occurs in well-sealed London Ontario homes. Ontario Building Code Section 9.32 requires mechanical ventilation in all new homes, and an HRV is the standard solution. For existing homes, an HRV is the most cost-effective way to achieve code-compliant controlled ventilation without heating the fresh air from scratch. Hawana installs HRVs integrated with existing forced-air systems across London Ontario and Southwestern Ontario. TSSA certified. BBB A+. 138 five-star reviews.
What an HRV Does — Fresh Air Without the Heating Cost
An HRV does not heat air. It transfers heat — from the stale indoor air being exhausted to the fresh outdoor air being brought in. The result is continuous fresh air at a fraction of the heating cost of opening a window.
HRV Heat Recovery Cycle — London Ontario Winter
Stale Indoor Air Collected
Stale air (typically 21°C) is drawn from bathrooms, kitchen, and main living areas through exhaust grilles or the return air duct.
Heat Exchange Core
The warm exhaust stream and cold fresh intake stream pass through the aluminium or polypropylene core. Heat transfers from exhaust to intake — the two airstreams never mix.
Pre-Warmed Fresh Air Delivered
Outdoor air that entered at -15°C arrives in the supply duct at approximately 0 to +5°C — pre-tempered by the outgoing heat. The furnace tops it up to setpoint.
Exhaust Exits Outside
Cooled stale air exits through the exhaust terminal. Moisture, CO2, VOCs, and pollutants leave the home. The exhaust is now cool — it has given up most of its heat.
vs. 0% recovery from an open window
Why Tight London Ontario Homes Need Mechanical Ventilation
Older London Ontario homes relied on natural air infiltration through gaps, cracks, and poorly sealed windows to provide passive ventilation. Modern construction standards and energy retrofits seal these gaps — which is excellent for energy efficiency but creates a ventilation deficit. A home that is sealed enough to save energy is also sealed enough to accumulate CO2, VOCs, excess humidity, and biological pollutants from occupant activity. An HRV provides controlled, measured ventilation to replace the natural infiltration that tight construction eliminates.
What Problems an HRV Solves in London Ontario
Condensation on windows in winter is the most visible sign of inadequate ventilation — excess indoor humidity condenses on cold glass, eventually leading to mould and window frame damage. An HRV removes excess humidity with the exhaust airstream, reducing the indoor humidity load. Stale air, persistent odours, and indoor CO2 buildup above 1,000 parts per million are all symptoms of insufficient fresh air exchange. An HRV operating on a ventilation timer ensures continuous fresh air circulation regardless of outdoor temperature.
How an HRV Integrates with a Forced-Air Furnace
In the most common London Ontario installation, the HRV's fresh air supply connects to the furnace return air duct. The HRV draws stale air from dedicated exhaust grilles in bathrooms and kitchen and exhausts it outside. Fresh pre-tempered outdoor air is introduced to the return air duct, where it mixes with recirculated house air and passes through the furnace or heat pump before being distributed through the supply ductwork. The HRV runs independently on its own timer or occupancy control — the furnace blower runs briefly to circulate the fresh air on a schedule.
Homes Without Forced Air — Standalone HRV
Homes without a forced-air system (heated by hot water radiant, electric baseboards, or other non-ducted systems) can still have an HRV installed with its own dedicated supply and exhaust duct runs. This requires more ductwork than a forced-air integration but provides the same ventilation benefit. Sage B.'s review below is an example of the opposite challenge — a new home that had an HRV installed but never properly commissioned by the builder.
HRV vs ERV — The Right Choice for London Ontario's Climate
For most London Ontario homes: HRV. Here is the specific reason why — and the cases where an ERV may be appropriate.
💨 HRV — Heat Recovery Ventilator
- Transfers heat only between exhaust and intake airstreams
- Does NOT retain indoor moisture — excess humidity leaves with exhaust
- Correct for London Ontario: cold, dry winters where indoor humidity is already elevated from occupant activity and should be removed
- Reduces condensation on windows by removing excess humidity
- 70–85% heat recovery efficiency on qualifying models
- Required or recommended by Ontario Building Code for new construction
- Venmar, Lifebreath, Broan-NuTone — all available through Hawana
- Filter cleaning every 1–3 months; core inspection annually
💨 ERV — Energy Recovery Ventilator
- Transfers both heat AND moisture between exhaust and intake
- Retains indoor moisture — some humidity stays in the home
- Better for climates with hot, humid summers where blocking outdoor humidity is a priority
- Can cause condensation problems in London Ontario winters if indoor humidity is already elevated
- May be appropriate for homes with very low winter humidity (e.g., very dry indoor environment affecting occupants or wood furniture)
- Also available through Hawana — assessed at estimate visit
- More detail at hawana.ca/erv/
London Ontario climate verdict: London Ontario has cold, dry winters where indoor humidity builds up from cooking, bathing, and breathing. The correct ventilation strategy is to remove that excess humidity with the exhaust airstream — which an HRV does. An ERV would retain some of that indoor humidity, potentially contributing to condensation on cold surfaces. Breck T.'s review below describes exactly this reasoning explained at the estimate visit. For the rare London Ontario home with very low winter humidity, an ERV can be assessed — call Hawana for an evaluation.
Ontario Building Code Ventilation — What London Ontario Homeowners Need to Know
🏠 Ontario Building Code Section 9.32 — Mechanical Ventilation
Ontario Building Code Section 9.32 requires mechanical ventilation in all new residential construction in Ontario. An HRV is the standard method used to meet this requirement. The code specifies minimum ventilation rates based on dwelling size and occupancy, consistent with ASHRAE Standard 62.2 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings).
New home without an HRV? If you purchased a newly built London Ontario home and it does not have a functioning, commissioned HRV, it may not meet Ontario Building Code requirements. Sage B.'s review below describes a 2024-built home where the HRV was installed but never properly commissioned or balanced — it was running but not delivering the required ventilation rates. Hawana commissions and balances HRVs in new homes where the builder did not complete the work properly.
Existing home air sealing? If your home is undergoing significant air sealing as part of an energy retrofit, you may be required to add mechanical ventilation to maintain code-compliant indoor air quality. An HRV installation before or concurrent with the air sealing project is the standard approach.
6 Signs Your London Ontario Home Needs an HRV
These are the symptoms of inadequate ventilation in London Ontario homes. An HRV addresses all of them.
Condensation on Windows Every Winter
Warm, moisture-laden indoor air contacting cold window glass condenses and drips. This is the most visible sign of excess indoor humidity and insufficient ventilation. An HRV removes excess humidity with exhaust air, reducing the moisture load on cold surfaces. Left unaddressed, persistent window condensation causes mould on window frames and sills.
Stale, Stuffy, or Odour-Laden Air
Indoor air quality deteriorates when fresh air exchange is insufficient. Cooking odours, pet smells, VOCs from furniture and flooring, and biological off-gassing accumulate. An HRV provides continuous measured fresh air exchange, preventing accumulation of these indoor pollutants.
Drowsiness or Headaches at Home
CO2 concentration above 1,000 parts per million (typical in a well-sealed home with multiple occupants) causes drowsiness, reduced concentration, and headaches. Above 1,500 ppm, sleep quality degrades. An HRV maintains CO2 near outdoor levels (approximately 420 ppm) through continuous fresh air supply.
Allergies Worse Indoors Than Outside
Poorly ventilated homes accumulate airborne allergens — dust mite allergens, mould spores, pet dander, and chemical off-gassing — at concentrations higher than outdoor air. Controlled fresh air dilution from an HRV reduces indoor allergen concentrations. Breck T.'s 1962 Old North home situation below is a typical example.
Recently Air-Sealed or Heavily Insulated Home
An older home that relied on natural air infiltration for passive ventilation, then had significant air sealing and insulation added as part of an energy retrofit, now has a ventilation deficit. The energy retrofit that improved efficiency also eliminated the uncontrolled fresh air supply. An HRV replaces that passive ventilation with controlled, heat-recovering mechanical ventilation.
New Home Without a Functioning HRV
New London Ontario homes built after 1990 are required to have mechanical ventilation. If your new home's HRV is not commissioned, not balanced to code ventilation rates, or was never installed, call Hawana. Sage B.'s review below describes a 2024-built Summerside home where the builder-installed HRV was running at the wrong flow rates until Hawana commissioned it properly.
HRV Installation Cost — London Ontario 2026
Two configurations depending on whether the home has an existing forced-air system.
Integrated with Forced-Air System
HRV supply connected to furnace return air duct. Dedicated exhaust grilles in bathrooms and kitchen. Most common London Ontario installation. Commissioning and balancing to OBC ventilation rates included.
Standalone — Dedicated Ductwork
For homes without forced-air systems. Dedicated supply and exhaust duct runs. Higher cost due to additional ductwork. Commissioning and balancing included.
Pricing is quoted on assessment: Final HRV installation cost depends on the home size, duct run complexity, and the specific unit required to meet Ontario Building Code ventilation rates for the dwelling. Call Hawana at (647) 550-4220 for a written quote.
HRV Maintenance Schedule — London Ontario
An HRV requires regular filter cleaning to maintain performance. Neglected filters reduce airflow, heat recovery efficiency, and can cause the unit to ice over in cold weather.
Filter Cleaning
Remove both reusable polypropylene filters (intake and exhaust sides). Wash with warm water, allow to dry completely, reinstall. Check monthly during high-demand periods (winter heating season).
Defrost Mode Check
Confirm the HRV's defrost mode is functioning. In London Ontario winters below -15°C, the HRV reduces fresh air intake temporarily to prevent the core from icing. A unit that does not defrost properly ices over and stops functioning.
Heat Exchanger Core Inspection
Inspect the core for dust accumulation, condensate drainage blockage, and physical condition. Clean with compressed air or a vacuum if needed. A clogged core significantly reduces heat recovery efficiency.
Intake and Exhaust Terminals
Inspect exterior intake and exhaust terminations for bird nests, insect screens, debris, and damage. Blocked terminals reduce airflow and can cause the unit to operate incorrectly. Spring inspection catches any nesting that occurred over winter.
Airflow Balancing Check
Verify the supply and exhaust airflows are balanced (within 10% of each other per ASHRAE 62.2). An unbalanced HRV creates positive or negative pressure in the home, which can affect duct system performance and entry door operation.
Hawana Annual Maintenance Plan
Hawana's annual maintenance plan includes HRV filter inspection and cleaning check as part of the full HVAC inspection. Premium $249/yr includes priority dispatch for emergency service. Maintenance plans ›
Your HRV Installation Specialist — London Ontario
Abdullah Ghzail — Lead HVAC Technician & Founder
Abdullah installs and commissions HRVs across London Ontario and Southwestern Ontario since 2018 — HRV recommended over ERV for most London Ontario homes because London Ontario winters are cold and dry and the goal is to remove excess indoor humidity with the exhaust airstream rather than retain it; commissioning and balancing to Ontario Building Code ventilation rates because an HRV installed at the wrong flow rate is not meeting code requirements regardless of whether it is running; and new-home HRV commissioning because a builder-installed HRV that was never properly balanced is one of the most common ventilation issues Hawana finds in London Ontario's newer subdivisions. TSSA certified. BBB A+. 138 five-star reviews.
HRV Reviews — London Ontario
138 five-star reviews — Byron home after air sealing retrofit (window condensation gone), 1962 Old North home HRV vs ERV explained (allergies improved), 2024 Summerside new build commissioning (builder left it unbalanced). Read all ↗
"Had Hawana install an HRV at our Byron London home after we had the attic insulation and air sealing upgraded. Our energy advisor warned us the air sealing would make the house too tight for natural ventilation. Hawana integrated the Venmar HRV with our existing Goodman forced-air system — supply connected to the furnace return air duct and dedicated exhaust grilles in the bathrooms and kitchen. The difference in air quality was noticeable within days. The window condensation we had every winter is gone. The technician explained the filter cleaning schedule and showed me the controls. Exactly as quoted."
"Our 1962 Old North London home had no HRV — in winter with the windows sealed the air was stale and my daughter's allergies were worse indoors. Hawana explained the HRV vs ERV choice clearly: London Ontario winters are cold and dry so an HRV is correct — it removes indoor humidity with the exhaust rather than retaining it the way an ERV would. Lifebreath HRV installed, connected to the forced-air system. Air quality noticeably better within the first week. The allergen and odour situation is much improved."
"Moved into a new 2024-built home in Summerside London that had an HRV installed by the builder but never properly commissioned. The balancing dampers were in the factory default position and the filters had not been cleaned since installation. Hawana measured the airflow, balanced the system to meet Ontario Building Code ventilation rates, cleaned both filters and the core, and checked the controls. The unit was running but not delivering the required fresh air rates — now it is. Highly recommend Hawana for HRV commissioning on new-build homes where the builder has not done it properly."
HRV Installation — Southwestern Ontario
Same standards and pricing across the entire service area. No travel surcharge.
HRV FAQ — London Ontario 2026
How an HRV works, HRV vs ERV, Ontario Building Code requirements, installation cost, maintenance, brands, ERV availability, and HRV lifespan.
HRV Installation in London Ontario?
Heat Recovery Ventilator installation, commissioning, and balancing to Ontario Building Code ventilation rates. Integrated with forced-air system from $1,200. HRV vs ERV assessed at every estimate. Venmar, Lifebreath, Broan-NuTone. TSSA certified. BBB A+. 138 five-star reviews.
More Air Filtration & HVAC Services
💨 ERV — Energy Recovery Ventilator
Transfers heat and moisture. Assessed alongside HRV at every estimate. London Ontario.
💧 Whole-Home Humidifier
Maintain optimal indoor humidity in London Ontario winters. Paired with furnace.
🔌 Air Filtration Services
HEPA, UV, and media filtration for London Ontario homes.
🔌 Ductwork Services
Duct assessment and sealing. Required when integrating HRV with forced-air.
🔥 Furnace Services
Furnace repair, install, and maintenance. HRV integrates with forced-air.
📋 Maintenance Plans — $149/yr
Annual HRV filter check included. Furnace + AC + HRV all-in-one plan.
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