Advantage

Focusing toward "tightening the home" improves a home's energy efficiency by controlling air and moisture flow to and from the home. Making the home "tight" with incorrect ventilation will cause the home to retain moisture which equals mold and other variables that compromise indoor air quality. Controlled ventilation is a means of increasing the amount of fresher and cleaner air entering the home, without the energy losses when opening windows.

Savings

Systems can capture energy in the exiting air and then transfer that energy to the air entering the home. Product manufacturers should be able to provide cost saving estimates for specific properties.

Problems

Not all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors have experience installing controlled ventilation systems. Make sure to work with a qualified, experienced contractor.

More Information On This Topic:

U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation for Residences