What maintenance is required for HRVs and ERVs?

The correct answer emphasizes the necessity of regular cleaning of filters and heat exchanger cores in Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs). This maintenance is crucial for ensuring that the systems operate efficiently and effectively.

Filters are essential for trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants, preventing them from circulating within the living space. When filters become clogged, airflow is restricted, leading to decreased efficiency and potential strain on the system. Additionally, dirty heat exchanger cores can hinder the transfer of thermal energy, which can reduce the overall performance of the unit and increase energy consumption.

Maintaining clean filters and heat exchanger cores ensures optimum functionality, prolongs the life of the equipment, and improves indoor air quality. This proactive approach to maintenance helps to avoid costly repairs due to system failures, which can occur if maintenance is neglected.

Other options do not fully capture the necessary maintenance actions for HRVs and ERVs. For instance, replacing units every year is impractical and unnecessary if regular maintenance is performed. Visual inspections alone do not suffice, as they do not address the buildup of contaminants affecting performance. Lastly, characterizing maintenance as minimal disregards the crucial steps needed to maintain the longevity and efficiency of the systems. Thus, the