Equipment Expertise
What are ERVs and HRVs?
Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) supply outdoor air and exhaust stale indoor air while recovering energy between the two airstreams. HRVs recover sensible heat; ERVs also transfer moisture, depending on their core or wheel design.
Where you’ll find this equipment
- Commercial offices
- Medical and dental buildings
- Retail and tenant spaces
- Buildings with dedicated outdoor-air ventilation

System Operation
How It Works
Separate supply and exhaust fans move air through a heat-recovery core or wheel. Energy transfers between the airstreams, reducing the load associated with bringing in outdoor air. Defrost and bypass controls adjust operation as outdoor conditions change.
Equipment Overview
Main Components
Recovery core or wheel
Transfers energy between outgoing and incoming air.
Supply and exhaust fans
Provide outdoor air and remove indoor air.
Filters and air paths
Protect the recovery section and maintain clean airflow passages.
Dampers and controls
Manage ventilation schedules, bypass and frost protection.
Common Problems We Find
- Dirty filters or recovery surfaces
- Unbalanced supply and exhaust airflow
- Failed fans or wheel drives
- Frost-control or defrost faults
- Blocked drains where fitted
- Incorrect schedules or damper positions
Why Maintenance Matters
Inspecting filters, recovery surfaces, fans and outdoor openings helps maintain ventilation performance. Airflow checks and control reviews help confirm that the equipment operates as intended for the building.
- More consistent building operation
- Earlier identification of wear and deficiencies
- Clearer repair and replacement priorities
The RK Approach
Service that considers the whole building
RK Climate Control supports commercial equipment troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and replacement planning throughout the Lower Mainland. We focus on practical diagnostics, clear documentation and the way each piece of equipment works with the rest of the building.
Tell us the unit model, the spaces it serves and whether the concern involves airflow, noise, condensation or an alarm.
Keep Your Equipment Running Reliably
Request service or discuss a maintenance plan for your building.