In this video, Matt Risinger, master builder, explains ERV and HRV and which one makes sense for the houses you build. Starting off with a Panasonic balanced 100 ERV, a fresh-air balanced ventilation mechanical system that will bring filtered fresh air into a house in a measured way and deliver it exactly where it's wanted.The Panasonic unit features four ports. The air enters through a big thick filer. Whether the unit is an ERV or HRV, the air stream will travel through the center of the core and a motor pushes it into the home where designated. Another airstream will take air from a kitchen or bathroom where there's more humidity and it will also go through the core, separated from the other stream by a membrane, before it's exhausted. The unit can be adjusted for the CFM desired. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is less expensive. It brings in cold air, which is warmed by the outgoing stream. The HRV does not move moisture. It is only a heat recovery system. In the north, that will work fine because there is not much humidity. In humid climate, an ERV works better. Both units balance air. The challenge is that there is a high level of misunderstanding. Some think that ERVs dehumidify a home. All it does is move moisture from one air stream to another. There is no dehumidification, in fact an ERV can potentially raise the moisture level. It is always advisable in the south to have a separate dehumidifier. In a mixed climate," an ERV may be a better choice as it also acts as an HRV. Both units play an important role. Check out the video and see which makes the most sense for your build.