For which climate are ERVs most recommended?

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are most beneficial in mild climates due to their ability to efficiently manage both heat and humidity levels. In moderate temperatures, ERVs can effectively transfer heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing airstreams, maintaining comfortable indoor conditions without overburdening HVAC systems.

In milder climates where both cooling and heating occur, ERVs help mitigate the energy costs associated with conditioning fresh air. They enable homes to maintain indoor air quality by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering energy from the exhaust, leading to enhanced efficiency.

When considering other climates, while ERVs can provide benefits, they may not be as effective or necessary. In cold climates, the primary concern is often preventing heat loss during cold months, which can limit the effectiveness of ERVs as they still allow for some air transfer that might lead to a drop in indoor temperatures. Conversely, in tropical climates, where humidity is high, other forms of ventilation, like dehumidification, become a priority, which may not align perfectly with the functionalities of ERVs. Therefore, their ideal application is indeed found in mild climates where their dual capabilities for handling heat and humidity work optimally.