How Much Does It Cost to Install an Air Exchanger?

Everyone wants their home to smell fresh and clean, even in winter when the only fresh air available is sub-zero. Instead of buying scented room deodorizers, consider an air exchanger. This device brings the outdoors in without the accompanying pollen, irritants and cold air.

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How Does an Air Exchanger Work?

Air exchangers replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while removing pollutants and irritants. Some air exchangers also transfer heat and moisture, making your inner spaces more comfortable while conserving energy.

If you’ve been relying on window ventilation to refresh your home, you know the downsides. Traffic, lawn mowers and barking dogs can create excessive noise. During warmer months, you also risk opening your home to pollen and fungal spores. In the winter, open windows can significantly impact heating bills. Fresh air exchangers solve these problems.

You can install a whole-house air exchange system or a smaller device in one area, such as a porch or bedroom. A house-wide system uses existing heating and cooling ducts and is installed alongside your HVAC system.

Ductless air exchangers are placed in ceilings or walls with outdoor access. They’re a great option for apartments, small offices or older homes without heating ducts.

In addition to size, home air exchangers can be categorized based on features.

Heat recovery ventilators. These include a pass-through area with a heat exchanger. As the warm, stale air flows out, it transfers heat to the incoming cooler air. This device helps prevent HVAC energy waste, ensuring no heat is lost.

Energy recovery ventilators. These work similarly but with an added mechanism that transfers humidity.

Consider your regional climate when choosing between the two options. If you live in an area with temperature extremes and humidity, an ERV may be your best solution. Dry, cooler areas of the country may benefit from an HRV.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an Air Exchanger?

Based on listings from Amazon, small ductless units can cost as little as $600 (CAD 858), with larger models in the $1,500 (CAD 2,145) range. Experienced DIY homeowners may be able to tackle installation themselves.

Whole-house air exchangers are more expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,900 (CAD 1,418 to CAD 2,696) for a standard energy recovery ventilator, according to Family Handyman. Installation materials, including necessary ductwork, can raise the price an additional $800 to $1,900 (CAD 1,135 to CAD 2,696) or more, depending on how much ductwork is needed.

What Are the Price Factors?

When comparing costs for a home air exchange system, check the specifications of each unit to ensure you’re reviewing like products.

• Size of the unit, measured as maximum and minimum cubic feet per minute (air movement through a defined space)

• Wall, ceiling or HVAC system

• Fan speeds

• Features such as humidity or heat recovery

Your household air exchanger requires regular maintenance to ensure it works efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Depending on the model, you’ll need to replace or clean filters. Check the price for filters to add to your budget calculations.

Installation costs for a whole-home air exchange system are based on your current HVAC system. Adding new ductwork or cleaning the old can increase the installation fee. Smaller ductless units typically require less installation time and effort.

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Are Home Air Exchangers Worth It?

The value of a home air exchanger is a personal decision. For instance, what price do you place on experiencing fresh airflow without annoying street sounds?

Also, if you have difficulty with pollen or fungal spores, you may end up spending much of the summer indoors. The filters on air exchangers help remove these and other contaminants such as dust mites so you can breathe easier in your home.

Finally, home air exchangers save energy by reducing heat loss through open windows and vents. In the summer, this means keeping cooled conditioned air where it belongs.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.