Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 29
Homeowners can also opt for renewable energy sources to
power the heat pump, such as solar panels, further minimizing
environmental impact [see house photo on previous page ].
There are federal and state rebates and tax incentives for
installing energy-efficient heat pumps.
Energy-E昀케cient Ventilation
In newer, air-tight buildings, ventilation is essential to prevent mold growth and maintain indoor air quality. HRV (heat
recovery ventilator) and ERV (energy recovery ventilator)
are both ventilation systems designed to improve indoor air
quality by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
However, they differ in how they handle heat and moisture.
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator):
Incoming cold fresh air is tempered by warm, exiting air;
there is no moisture transferred. It is best for colder climates
where retaining heat is important but humidity control is
not a major concern.
ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator):
This system transfers both heat and moisture between air
streams, helping to balance humidity levels. It is ideal for
climates with extreme temperatures and humidity (either
very humid or very dry).
There are two options for installing ventilation—the difference being how air is distributed. With a stand-alone system,
the ventilation uses separate ductwork for distribution.
Since the tubing is generally much smaller than required for
heating and cooling, this is a great option for homes without
other ductwork or difficult-to-access spaces due to design or
construction constraints. The alternative is to interlock an HRV
or ERV with the fan used for heating and cooling and utilize
the ductwork of that system for distribution.
Typically, the ventilation system would be set to run for
15 to 20 minutes per hour, but it can be programmed to run
more or less as needed. Interlocking ventilation with the
heating/cooling system saves money solely by utilizing the
ductwork system already in place.
A high performance, energy efficient home will provide
long-term benefits to the homeowner (higher comfort
level and lower operating costs) for only a small premium
(0-5%) over a standard new home, built to current codes.
The environment also benefits as fewer natural resources
are consumed and less fossil fuel is used for heating and
cooling. Creating such a home is not rocket science but it
requires careful planning upfront and attention to detail
during construction.
Architect John Cole of Fryeburg and
builder Anthony Giovanni, owner
of MWV Fine Homes in Intervale,
collaborate on high performance,
energy efficient homes in the
Mt. Washington Valley and western
Maine, including the winner of
New Hampshire Home Magazine’s,
Excellence in Green Design Award.
Spring 2025
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