A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) continuously brings fresh outdoor air into your home while recovering the heat from the outgoing stale air — so you breathe better without losing the warmth you've already paid for. Macdonald Mechanical installs HRV and ERV systems for homeowners across Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Vernon, and the surrounding Okanagan.
HRV vs ERV — What's the Difference?
HRV — Heat Recovery Ventilator
An HRV transfers heat from the outgoing stale air to the incoming fresh air using a heat exchanger — recovering up to 80% of the heat that would otherwise be lost. It also helps control indoor humidity by exhausting excess moisture from bathrooms and kitchens.
Best for: Most Okanagan homes. HRVs are the most common ventilation choice in BC and are particularly effective in our climate where humidity control matters.
ERV — Energy Recovery Ventilator
An ERV works similarly to an HRV but also transfers moisture between the outgoing and incoming air streams — retaining some humidity inside the home during dry winter months, rather than exhausting all of it.
Best for: Very dry climates or homes where maintaining indoor humidity in winter is a priority. Less common in the Okanagan, but a good option in specific situations.
How an HRV works — stale air out, fresh air in, heat recovered
Why Your Home Needs an HRV
Modern homes are built to be airtight for energy efficiency — which is great for heating costs, but can be a problem for air quality. Without proper mechanical ventilation, stale air, moisture, cooking odours, and pollutants have nowhere to go. An HRV solves this by providing continuous, controlled fresh air exchange.
Fresher Indoor Air
Continuously replaces stale, oxygen-depleted air with fresh outdoor air — reducing CO₂ buildup, odours, and airborne pollutants.
Moisture Control
Reduces excess humidity that causes condensation, mould growth, and damage to your home's structure and finishes.
Energy Efficient
Recovers up to 80% of the heat from outgoing air — so you get fresh air without wasting the energy you've spent heating your home.
Required in New Builds
BC Building Code requires mechanical ventilation in all new homes and Step Code-compliant renovations. An HRV is the standard solution.
CleanBC Rebates — HRV as a Heat Pump Add-On
Income-qualified BC homeowners may be eligible for a ventilation rebate through the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program when installing an HRV or ERV. This rebate is commonly paired as an add-on alongside a heat pump installation — making it a smart time to upgrade your ventilation if you are already having a heat pump installed.
Visit BetterHomesBC.ca to check your eligibility, or ask us during your free in-home assessment.
Brands We Install
We install HRV and ERV systems from trusted manufacturers known for reliability, efficiency, and quiet operation.
VanEE
Panasonic
Why Choose Macdonald Mechanical?
- 15+ years of residential HVAC experience across BC
- Red Seal certified technician — the highest trade certification in Canada
- TECA certified — up-to-date with the latest BC industry standards and ventilation requirements
- Free in-home assessment — we determine the right unit and placement for your home
- 10-year warranty on all installations
- CleanBC rebate eligible installations — we can help guide you through the process
- Locally owned and operated in Kelowna — you deal with Cory directly
Service Area
We install HRV and ERV systems throughout the Okanagan. If you are unsure whether we serve your area, give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HRV and how does it work?
An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) continuously exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering the heat from the outgoing air — so you get fresh air without losing the warmth you've already paid for. It runs quietly in the background year-round, improving indoor air quality and reducing moisture buildup.
What is the difference between an HRV and an ERV?
An HRV transfers heat between outgoing and incoming air. An ERV does the same but also transfers moisture, making it better suited to very dry climates or homes where humidity retention is important. In the Okanagan, HRVs are the most common choice.
Do I need an HRV if I already have a furnace?
Yes — they serve different purposes. A furnace heats your home's air but does not bring in fresh air from outside. An HRV provides continuous fresh air ventilation, which is especially important in modern, well-insulated homes. Without it, indoor air quality can deteriorate significantly.
Are there rebates available for HRV installation in BC?
Yes. Income-qualified BC homeowners may be eligible for a ventilation rebate through the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program. This rebate is commonly paired as an add-on with a heat pump installation. Visit BetterHomesBC.ca or ask us during your free in-home assessment for current eligibility details.
How long does an HRV installation take?
Most HRV installations are completed in one day. The timeline depends on whether ductwork connections are already in place or need to be added. We will confirm the scope during your free in-home assessment.
What areas do you install HRVs in?
We install HRVs and ERVs throughout the Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Vernon, and surrounding communities.