For many years now and right up to now - most new homes in Milton come with HRV's.
For a few years I wondered about whether or not HRV's were the best choice for a ventilation system for our cold dry winters and warm humid summers because the other option, ERV's, have less limitations. But a year or more ago I came to the conclusion, that for our climate ERV's are better. Don't get me wrong. HRV's are better than nothing, but in our climate, the writing is on the wall and the HRV/ERV map has changed.
Generally it was initially suggested that HRV's were supposed to be used in cold climates and ERV's were supposed to be used in hot climates but our complex multi season climate always did have people wondering what really was best. IMO builders who are ahead of the curve will dump HRV installations and start installing ERV's. The only hang-up for many builders will be that ERV's, with their more complex exchange core, cost a bit more.
HRV's dry the air in homes in winter when many people install humidifiers to add moisture.
HRV's have limited use in summer because they suck humidity into the home.
HRV's have a condensate tube. No big deal but it can be inconvenient.
ERV's maintain much needed humidity in homes in the winter. It does not go down the drain like an HRV.
ERV's, in the summer, transfer humidity to the outgoing air so they can be used more.
ERV's do not produce condensate so no drain tube is required.
The map has changed - HRV's are out.
The good news for those who want to bother - is that ERV's cores are available for VanEE bronze series HRV's so these units can be converted to an ERV. A majority of newer homes in Milton have these bronze series HRV's.
https://www.dpoint.ca/erv-or-hrv-in-cold-climate-zones-time-to-end-the-debate/Quote - National Research Counsel Canada -
Quote:
NRC studies indicate that in certain climates, ERVs can perform better than HRVs. In cold and dry climates, ERVs are effective in preventing indoor dryness by retaining indoor humidity. In warm and humid climates, ERVs provide better humidity control and reduce the electricity consumption of air conditioning systems or dedicated dehumidifiers.
Link -
https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ci-ic/article/v17n4-13