Which is the primary function of a fresh air inlet in an HRV system?

The primary function of a fresh air inlet in a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) system is to draw in fresh outdoor air. This inlet is designed specifically to enhance indoor air quality by introducing clean, outdoor air into the living space. As the system operates, it simultaneously expels stale air from indoors, ensuring that the indoor environment is constantly refreshed with new air.

The HRV system not only brings in fresh air but also recovers heat from the outgoing stale air, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. This is particularly important in tightly sealed buildings where natural ventilation may be limited. Fresh air inlets play a crucial role in achieving balanced ventilation, which is essential for reducing indoor pollutants and humidity levels.

In this context, while other aspects such as expelling stale air and maintaining temperature are functions of the HRV system as a whole, the specific role of the fresh air inlet pertains directly to the intake of fresh outdoor air. The effectiveness of an HRV system hinges on its ability to manage both the incoming fresh air and the outgoing stale air efficiently.