HRV & ERV Systems: Complete Guide to Heat Recovery Ventilation & Energy Recovery Ventilation in Australia (2026)
If you’re searching for “HRV system” or “ERV system”, you’re likely looking for clear answers about how whole-home ventilation works, what the difference is, whether it’s required under Australian building regulations, and how much it costs.
This comprehensive guide covers:
- What a HRV system is
- What an ERV system is
- HRV vs ERV – key differences
- Why modern airtight homes need mechanical ventilation
- NCC 2022 ventilation requirements
- Costs in Australia (2026)
- FAQs about heat recovery ventilation
What Is a HRV System?
A HRV system (Heat Recovery Ventilation system) is a balanced mechanical ventilation system that:
- Extracts stale indoor air from bathrooms, kitchens and laundries
- Supplies fresh, filtered outdoor air to bedrooms and living areas
- Recovers heat from outgoing air and transfers it to incoming air
The two air streams do not mix. Instead, they pass through a heat exchanger core, where thermal energy is transferred.
Simple Explanation
An HRV system gives you fresh air without losing the warmth you’ve already paid to heat.
What Is an ERV System?
An ERV system (Energy Recovery Ventilation system) works similarly to an HRV system, but with one key difference:
It transfers both heat and moisture.
An ERV contains an enthalpy membrane that allows controlled moisture exchange between air streams, helping to balance indoor humidity levels.
HRV vs ERV: What’s the Difference?
Which Is Better in Australia?
The answer depends on climate.
HRV Systems Are Ideal for:
- Sydney
- Canberra
- Southern Highlands
- Tasmania
- Melbourne
- Elevated regions of NSW and VIC
Where condensation and winter moisture are primary concerns.
ERV Systems Are Often Better for:
- Coastal NSW
- Queensland
- Northern Australia
Where humidity control is important year-round.
How HRV & ERV Systems Work
Both systems contain:
- Two EC (electronically commutated) fans
- A heat exchanger core
- Supply and exhaust ducting
- High-efficiency filters
- A programmable controller
Step-by-Step Process
- Stale air is extracted from wet areas and kitchens.
- Fresh outdoor air is drawn into the unit.
- Air streams pass through the heat exchanger.
- Heat (and moisture, in ERV systems) is transferred.
- Fresh tempered air is supplied to bedrooms and living spaces.
Typical Heat Recovery Efficiency
70% – 96% sensible heat recovery (depending on model and installation quality).
HRV/ERV Heat Recovery Performance Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the approximate supply air temperature after heat recovery, based on outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, and the unit’s heat recovery efficiency:
Supply Temperature (°C) = Outside (°C) + Efficiency × (Inside (°C) − Outside (°C))
Results
Why HRV & ERV Systems Are Essential in Modern Homes
Modern homes built under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) are significantly more airtight than older homes.
Airtightness improves energy efficiency — but it reduces natural air leakage.
Without mechanical ventilation, airtight homes can experience:
- Condensation
- Mould growth
- High humidity
- Elevated CO₂ levels
- VOC build-up
- Stuffy indoor air
HRV and ERV systems provide controlled, balanced ventilation measured in air changes per hour (ACH).
Choosing the Right HRV/ERV System for Your Home
If you would like a clearer understanding of how HRV and ERV systems work, how to choose the right system for your project, and what separates minimum compliance from best-practice design, explore our dedicated HRV/ERV guide below. It covers system selection, performance considerations, and detailed information on the Passive House Institute certified Brink Flair range, along with Ubbink Air Excellent semi-rigid radial ductwork — widely regarded as the world’s leading radial distribution system for high-performance ventilation.
NCC 2022 & Mechanical Ventilation Requirements
Under the National Construction Code 2022, homes achieving airtightness below 5 ACH@50Pa must provide mechanical ventilation to meet whole-home airflow requirements.
For Class 1 dwellings under 5 ACH:
Airflow (L/s) =
0.05 × Floor Area (m²) + 3.5 × (Bedrooms + 1)
HRV and ERV systems are commonly used to comply with these requirements.
Mechanical ventilation is increasingly becoming standard in high-performance builds.
NCC 2022 Ventilation Requirements for Buildings Under 5 Air Changes per Hour
If you would like a clearer understanding of how the NCC 2022 ventilation requirements apply to homes achieving under 5 ACH@50Pa, including an airflow calculator and what it means in practical terms, read our detailed guide below. It explains the compliance pathway, minimum ventilation rates and how these requirements influence system design.
How Much Does an HRV or ERV System Cost in Australia? (2026)
Installed pricing typically ranges:
Small Home
$7,000 – $15,000
Medium Home
$10,000 – $22,000
Passive House / High-Performance Home
$18,000 – $30,000+
Cost depends on:
- Duct layout complexity
- Roof space access
- Acoustic requirements
- Filter specification
- Commissioning and balancing
- Compliance documentation
Proper design and airflow balancing are critical to system performance.
Benefits of HRV & ERV Systems
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Continuous removal of stale air and supply of filtered fresh air.
Reduced Condensation & Mould
Balanced ventilation removes moisture at source.
Energy Efficiency
Heat recovery reduces heating demand.
Better Sleep & Comfort
Lower CO₂ levels overnight.
Bushfire Smoke Reduction
With F7 or HEPA filtration, systems can significantly reduce particulate matter.
HRV, ERV & Passive House
The Passive House Institute requires balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
Typical Passive House ventilation performance:
- ≥75% heat recovery efficiency
- High-efficiency EC motors
- Airtight ducting systems
- Verified commissioning
Mechanical ventilation is fundamental in Passive House design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quality EC motor systems are extremely quiet when properly designed and installed.
No. Heat is recovered and transferred to incoming air.
No. Coolth is recovered and transferred to incoming air.
Typically every 6 – 12 months.
If your home is airtight, experiencing condensation, or being built to modern energy standards — yes, controlled ventilation is essential.
Final Summary: HRV & ERV Systems in Australia
As homes become more energy efficient and airtight, uncontrolled ventilation through gaps is no longer acceptable.
HRV and ERV systems provide:
- Continuous fresh air
- Energy recovery
- Condensation management
- Improved indoor air quality
- NCC 2022 compliance
- Long-term building protection
Searching for “HRV system” or “ERV system” is increasingly common — because mechanical ventilation is becoming critical infrastructure in modern Australian homes.