HRV Service in San Francisco, CA

HRV in San Francisco, CA

A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is one of the most effective ways to bring continuous fresh air into your home while minimizing heat loss. In San Francisco, CA, where mild temperatures, fog, and periodic wildfire smoke all affect indoor comfort, an HRV can improve indoor air quality, reduce heating demand during cool months, and help manage moisture in tighter, energy-efficient homes. This page explains how HRVs work, the real benefits for San Francisco homes, how they compare to ERVs, installation and integration details with furnaces or heat pumps, routine maintenance, expected performance, and what to expect from service plans and warranties.

How an HRV works — simple, continuous ventilation with heat recovery

An HRV exchanges stale indoor air for outdoor air while transferring sensible heat from the outgoing stream to the incoming stream. During cold weather the outgoing warm air preheats incoming cold air; during mild weather this process reduces the energy needed to condition incoming air. HRVs use a core where the two air streams pass close to each other without mixing, plus fans, filters, and dampers to balance airflow. In practice this delivers a steady supply of fresh air without the energy penalty of opening windows.

Why an HRV matters for San Francisco homes

San Francisco’s building stock includes many older, drafty homes and an increasing number of retrofits and new construction that are intentionally tight for energy efficiency. That combination creates a need for mechanical ventilation.

• Improved indoor air quality year-round, especially during wildfire smoke events when you must control where fresh air enters and is filtered.
• Reduced heat loss and lower heating bills during the cooler months because heat is recovered instead of being exhausted to the outside.
• More consistent home humidity levels compared with uncontrolled ventilation, which helps protect wood floors, finishes, and comfort.
• Balanced ventilation prevents negative pressure that can draw in pollutants from garages or crawlspaces.
  

Common HRV types and common HRV issues in San Francisco

Common HRV setups include compact wall-mounted units for apartments, centrally ducted units that serve the whole home, and combination units used with ducted HVAC systems.

Frequent issues to watch for:

• Clogged filters or core buildup reducing efficiency and airflow.
• Imbalanced airflow after retrofit installations when duct runs are long or undersized.
• Freezing of the core in cold conditions if defrost or winter-bypass features are absent or not commissioned properly.
• Intake placement problems that draw air from dusty alleys or near pollutant sources; critical when wildfire smoke is present.
• Noise complaints originating from loosened ductwork or unbalanced fans.
  

HRV versus ERV — which is right for San Francisco, CA?

Both systems provide balanced ventilation and heat recovery but differ in moisture handling.

• HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator): Transfers heat only. Best when you want to maintain lower indoor humidity or when the outdoor air is cool and dry. HRVs typically offer slightly higher sensible heat recovery efficiency.
• ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator): Transfers heat and moisture (latent energy). ERVs are beneficial where you want to retain indoor humidity during cold seasons or reduce moisture load in humid climates.
  

San Francisco generally has a cool, often humid coastal climate with fairly mild indoor-outdoor humidity differences. For many San Francisco homes, an ERV can help maintain comfortable indoor humidity without over-drying, especially in foggy neighborhoods. However, where indoor humidity control is handled by a dehumidifier or where maximum sensible heat recovery is the priority, an HRV remains a strong choice. A site-specific assessment that considers home tightness, occupant preferences, and local microclimate will determine the best option.

Installation and integration with furnaces or heat pumps

Proper installation is critical to HRV performance and includes system sizing, duct layout, controls, and commissioning.

Key installation considerations:

• Unit location: attic, mechanical closet, or garage can work, but allow service access and proper condensation handling.
• Duct design: supply and exhaust runs should be sized and balanced to deliver recommended ventilation rates without excessive static pressure.
• Integration with HVAC: HRVs can work independently or integrate with furnaces and heat pumps. Integration allows coordinated schedules and may enable a single thermostat or controller to manage demand-controlled ventilation features.
• Controls and commissioning: installers should set airflow rates (CFM) to meet code-required ventilation or your specific IAQ goals and verify balancing with a manometer or flow hood.
• Permits and inspections: local codes and building permits often apply for mechanical ventilation installations.
  

Routine maintenance and filter care

Routine care keeps an HRV performing efficiently and extends service life.

Maintenance checklist:

• Filters: inspect every 1 to 3 months; replace or wash per manufacturer guidance. Use MERV-rated filters if wildfire smoke is a concern.
• Core cleaning: typically annual cleaning is sufficient. Some homes on the coast or subject to heavy pollution may need more frequent attention.
• Fans and motors: inspect and lubricate if required, check belts and vibration mounts.
• Intake/exhaust grilles: keep clear of debris, leaves, and snow; seal openings against pests.
• Condensate drains: ensure drains are free and sloped to prevent standing water or microbial growth.
  

During wildfire season, increase filter changes and consider temporarily reducing fresh air intake during heavy smoke if you cannot fit high-efficiency filtration, while relying on recirculation and filtration strategies to maintain air quality.

Performance expectations and energy savings

A correctly sized HRV in a typical San Francisco home will:

• Recover approximately 60 to 85 percent of sensible heat, depending on model and conditions.
• Provide continuous ventilation rates that meet local code or ASHRAE recommendations, typically resulting in a few air changes per hour depending on occupancy and house size.
• Lower heating energy use by reducing the amount of outside air that must be heated by the primary HVAC system.
  

Real-world savings depend on home envelope tightness, occupant habits, and system commissioning. Expect improved comfort and IAQ immediately; measurable energy savings can appear over a heating season.

Service plans and warranties

Service plans for HRVs generally include scheduled inspections, filter replacements, core cleaning, and priority repairs. Warranties vary by manufacturer and may cover cores, fans, and electronics for specific durations. Typical offerings include:

• Annual inspection and cleaning packages that verify airflow balance and replace filters.
• Multi-year warranties on components with options to extend labor coverage through service agreements.
• Performance checks and re-commissioning after major HVAC changes or home renovations.
  

A tailored service plan ensures your HRV continues to protect indoor air quality, operate quietly, and deliver the energy savings you expect.

Conclusion

In San Francisco, an HRV is a practical and energy-smart ventilation strategy for homes seeking continuous fresh air without the heat penalty of simple exhaust ventilation. For many local homes, considering ERV alternatives, thoughtful installation with your furnace or heat pump, and a consistent maintenance plan will deliver the best combination of comfort, IAQ, and efficiency.