Tight-Home Solution
HRV and ERV Installation in Metro Vancouver
Heat- and energy-recovery ventilators bring fresh air into tight, damp homes while recovering most of the heat - for healthier, less stuffy living.
By the CANRO Heating & Cooling technical team · Licensed HVAC & gas-fitting contractor, Metro Vancouver · Last updated May 2026
⚡ Quick answer
A heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) continuously brings in fresh outdoor air and exhausts stale indoor air, recovering most of the heat in the process. In tight, damp Metro Vancouver homes it solves stuffiness, condensation and stale air efficiently. CANRO sizes and installs them properly. Call (604) 359-1081.
TSBC-Licensed Gas FittersRed Seal HVACWorkSafeBC InsuredPermitted & Inspected InstallsServing Metro Vancouver Since 1999We File Your Rebates What an HRV/ERV does
Modern homes are built tight to save energy, which is great for heating bills but bad for air - moisture, odours and stale air get trapped. An HRV or ERV fixes this: it pulls in fresh outdoor air and pushes out stale indoor air continuously, while a heat-exchange core transfers most of the heat (and, in an ERV, some humidity) so you are not throwing energy out the window.
HRV or ERV - which is right?
| HRV | ERV |
|---|
| Recovers heat | Yes | Yes |
| Manages humidity | Exhausts moist air | Transfers some humidity (balances it) |
| Best for | Damp homes that need to shed moisture | Homes that get too dry in winter |
| Common choice here | Often HRV for our damp climate | ERV where winter dryness is the issue |
Most Metro Vancouver homes lean toward an HRV to shed winter moisture, but the right choice depends on your home - we assess and recommend.
Why proper installation matters
An HRV/ERV is only as good as its ducting, balancing and controls. We size it to your home, install dedicated or integrated ducting correctly, balance the airflow, and set up the controls so it runs quietly and efficiently. Done right, you simply notice fresher, less stuffy air and fewer condensation problems.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need an HRV in my home?+
If your home is newer or well-sealed, or feels stuffy and damp with condensation on the windows, an HRV makes a real difference - it is the proper way to ventilate a tight home without losing all your heat. Older, leakier homes need it less but can still benefit.
What is the difference between an HRV and an ERV?+
Both recover heat from the exhausted air. An ERV also transfers some humidity, which helps homes that get too dry in winter, while an HRV simply exhausts moist air, which suits our damp climate. We recommend based on your home.
Will an HRV make my home cold or raise my bills?+
No - that is the point of heat recovery. The core transfers most of the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming fresh air, so you ventilate without wasting energy. The running cost is small for the air-quality benefit.
Can you add an HRV to my existing furnace ducting?+
Often yes - an HRV can be integrated with existing ductwork or run on dedicated ducts, depending on your home. We assess the best approach and install it cleanly and balanced.
Stuffy, damp or stale air?
An HRV or ERV fixes it efficiently. We size and install it right. Serving Metro Vancouver since 1999. Call (604) 359-1081.
Frequently asked questions
What HVAC services does CANRO offer in Metro Vancouver?
CANRO installs, services and repairs boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, hot water tanks, tankless water heaters, gas fireplaces and air conditioning across Metro Vancouver. We work on residential homes, townhouses and condos throughout the Lower Mainland.
How long has CANRO been in business?
CANRO has been serving the Greater Vancouver area since 1999. Our founder George is recognised by customers as one of the most experienced boiler and hydronic heating technicians in the Lower Mainland.
What areas do you serve?
We cover all of Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge.
Are CANRO technicians licensed and insured?
Yes. CANRO holds Technical Safety BC contractor licences for gas (LGA0043870) and boilers (LBP0046450), our technicians are Red Seal certified for HVAC and gas, and we carry full liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage.
How can I book a service call?
Call (604) 359-1081, email info@canroheat.ca, or use the booking form on canroheat.ca. Most calls are answered the same business day and we offer next-day appointments for non-emergency work.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Free in-home estimates are provided for boiler, furnace, heat pump and water-heater replacements. Diagnostic visits for repairs carry a flat service fee that is credited toward the repair if you proceed.
What brands do you service?
We service all major brands including Viessmann, Navien, IBC, Rinnai, Rheem, Bradford White, Weil-McLain, Laars, Baxi, NTI, Lennox, Carrier, Bryant, Goodman, Trane, York, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, AO Smith, Bosch, Noritz, Giant, GSW, John Wood, and Valor.
Do you offer government rebates for heat pumps?
Yes. We are a registered contractor for BC Hydro, FortisBC and federal Greener Homes rebates. A high-efficiency heat pump installation can qualify for significant combined rebates depending on your home, equipment and income, and we handle the paperwork for you.
How quickly can you replace a broken hot water tank?
Standard 40 or 50-gallon gas or electric tanks are typically replaced same-day or next-day from stock. Tankless water heaters and larger-capacity units usually take 1–3 business days depending on parts availability.
Why should I choose CANRO over other HVAC companies?
CANRO has been operating in Metro Vancouver since 1999 with a 4.9-star rating from 85+ Google reviews. We specialise in difficult boiler systems (Viessmann, IBC, Baxi, Laars) that many companies do not service, we give honest options instead of upselling, and our work is performed by long-term staff — not subcontractors.
