ERV Installation in Raleigh — Fresh Air Ventilation
Balanced ventilation that brings in fresh air while exchanging heat and moisture. Done right, ERVs improve indoor air quality without creating a humidity problem.
Request an EvaluationWhat an ERV Does
An ERV provides balanced fresh-air ventilation while transferring heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air — improving indoor air quality without spiking humidity.
In tight homes, ventilation matters. An ERV helps control stale air, odors, and indoor pollutants without the "open a window" approach that can drive humidity to damaging levels during North Carolina summers.
When an ERV Makes Sense
ERVs are most useful when the home is tight or when indoor air quality issues persist despite other measures.
- Newer or tighter homes with poor natural air exchange
- Odors that linger — cooking, pets, musty smells
- Condensation concerns on windows or vents
- Allergy-sensitive households
- Homes adding whole-home dehumidification for stable RH control
Humidity and Ventilation in Raleigh
Fresh air is valuable — until it brings in moisture faster than your systems can remove it. We design ventilation with humidity in mind from the start.
If your crawlspace is damp, the Stack Effect can also pull moisture upward into the living area. ERV installation works best when humidity sources are controlled and indoor RH targets are realistic — typically 45–50% Relative Humidity for Triangle-area homes.
How We Install and Commission ERVs
We size airflow, plan duct routes, and verify balanced performance — so the ERV actually does what it's supposed to do.
Airflow Sizing
Proper ventilation rates based on home size and occupancy — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Duct Routing
Intake and exhaust locations planned to avoid short-circuiting and to prevent pulling air from attics or crawlspaces.
HVAC Integration
Standalone ducting or proper tie-in to existing HVAC — evaluated for your specific system configuration.
Commissioning
Airflow verification and balanced performance confirmed at installation, with a clear maintenance plan.
Common Problems We Prevent
Most ERV problems come from bad ducting, incorrect sizing, or installing ventilation without enough dehumidification capacity to handle the added moisture load.
- Unbalanced airflow causing pressure problems in the home
- Pulling air from attic or crawlspace locations (contamination risk)
- Adding ventilation without sufficient dehumidification capacity
- Poor filter access leading to neglected maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an ERV lower humidity?
It can reduce humidity load compared to straight outside-air ventilation, but it is not a dehumidifier. In most Triangle-area homes, dedicated dehumidification is still needed alongside an ERV.
Do I need an ERV or an HRV?
In humid climates like North Carolina, ERVs are generally preferred because they transfer some moisture between airstreams. Final choice depends on the home, the HVAC system, and your specific goals.
Where does it vent?
We plan intake and exhaust locations carefully to avoid pulling contaminants and to keep airflow balanced across the home.
How often do filters need changing?
Depends on conditions and usage, but plan on regular filter checks. Easy maintenance access is part of every install we do.
Related Services
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
Ducted dehumidification for house-wide humidity control — often paired with ERV systems.
Learn more →Crawlspace Dehumidifiers
Control the moisture source before it reaches your living area through the Stack Effect.
Learn more →Encapsulated Crawlspaces
Sealed crawlspace systems that reduce moisture migration into the home.
Learn more →Get Fresh-Air Ventilation That Works With Your Humidity Control
We'll recommend the right approach for your home and your air quality goals.
Contact Us Today