If your home has a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), you already have one of the best tools for keeping your indoor air fresh and energy-efficient, especially during Alberta’s long, dry winters.
An HRV helps your home breathe by bringing in fresh outdoor air and sending stale indoor air out. At the same time, it captures heat from the outgoing air and uses it to warm the incoming air. This process helps reduce condensation and saves energy by recycling heat you would normally lose through ventilation.
But like any system that runs year-round, your HRV needs regular maintenance to keep it working properly. Without care, it can get clogged, run less efficiently, or break down too soon.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your HRV in top shape.
What Is an HRV and Why Does It Matter?
An HRV is part of your home’s ventilation system. It continuously brings in fresh air from outside while exhausting humid or stale air from inside. What makes it special is the heat exchange core. This core transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, helping you stay warm while still keeping air fresh.
Not all homes have an HRV, but if yours does, it plays a key role in your comfort, energy savings, and indoor air quality—especially in colder months when windows stay closed and indoor humidity rises.
How Often Should You Clean Your HRV?
To work properly, your HRV needs regular cleaning. Dust, pet hair, and other debris can build up over time. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your HRV every 4 months of use.
Focus on three areas:
- The filters
- The core
- The cabinet and exterior vents
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your HRV Filters and Core
You do not need special tools to clean most HRVs. Just warm water, mild soap, and a little time. Follow these steps:
- Turn off power to the unit.
- Open the access panel. Inside, you will see a square or hexagonal core with washable filters attached.
- Remove the core gently. It is usually a friction fit, so pull slowly.
- Take off the filters from the core.
- Wash both filters and the core using warm water and dish soap. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry.
- Vacuum out the inside of the cabinet. Wipe it down with a damp cloth if needed.
- Reassemble and reinstall the core and filters.
- Close the panel, turn the power back on, and check that the unit is running smoothly.
Don’t Forget to Check the Exterior Vents
Your HRV pulls in air from outside and pushes air out through small vents on the exterior of your home. These vents can get blocked by:
- Leaves
- Dust
- Insects
- Snow or ice buildup
To clean them, use a soft brush or vacuum to remove debris from the screens. Blocked vents can reduce performance and lead to poor airflow in your home.
What About the Blower Motor?
If you notice that the internal fan or blower motor looks dirty during your regular maintenance, it may be time for a deeper clean. This part of the HRV is more complex and should be cleaned by an HVAC technician who can safely disassemble and service it without causing damage.
Why HRV Maintenance Is Especially Important in Alberta
Homes in the Grande Prairie region are sealed tight for most of the year to keep the cold out. This means less natural airflow and higher indoor humidity during winter. Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up on windows, and indoor air can feel stale or stuffy.
An HRV helps solve that, but only if it’s working properly. Cleaning it regularly helps prevent condensation issues, improves air circulation, and protects your system from avoidable wear and tear.
Final Tip: Set a Reminder
If your HRV runs every day, cleaning it every 4 months is a smart habit. Consider setting a reminder on your phone or calendar at the start of each season. Staying ahead of maintenance now can help you avoid bigger problems later.
