What does HRV stand for?

HRV stands for Heat Recovery Ventilation. This system is designed to improve indoor air quality while recovering heat from the exhaust air that would otherwise be wasted. In an HRV system, stale, warm air from inside the building is expelled, and fresh, cold air from outside is drawn in. As these two airstreams pass through the unit, a heat exchanger transfers some of the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, effectively warming it before it enters the living space. This process not only reduces energy consumption by minimizing the demand for heating but also helps maintain a balanced and comfortable indoor environment by ensuring adequate ventilation.

The other options represent plausible terms but do not accurately reflect the established term for this specific ventilation system. For instance, High Rate Ventilation is not a recognized standard term in the context of energy-efficient air exchange systems. Similarly, Humidity Reduction Ventilation and Home Recovery Ventilation do not correspond with industry terminology or practices related to heat recovery systems. Understanding the concept of HRV is crucial for building analysts as it directly influences energy efficiency and indoor air quality assessments.