How to build a ground loop to preheat HRV and ERV air?
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Can you preheat ERV inlet air?
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April 6, 2020Last updated: Sept. 10, 2020
Have you heard of the option to preheat the ERV/HRV inlet air with a dedicated tube that runs through a heated slab? Similar to a geothermal heat exchanger concept.
Yes,you can run what is called a ‘ground loop’ below grade to warm or cool incoming air to your ERV or HRVdepending on the season. This is seen sometimes in extremely high performing homes or Passive House builds where the design phase includes trying to save every watt of energy possible.
On the down side, there have been cases where people have spoken about debris or mold buildup inside the tubes, and that can be difficult to deal with. So it is recommended to install it on a slight slope so that any moisture that may condense on the tube walls from hot humid summer air coming in contact with the cooler surface.
A cheap way is to build a "puit canadien"