Good points here. I've had decent luck with just an HRV, but after a particularly rainy spring, I caved and added a dehumidifier. Definitely agree on the continuous drain—emptying buckets every day felt like Groundhog Day. Also, watch out for noise levels...some units sound like a jet engine taking off in your basement. Learned that one the hard way.
"Definitely agree on the continuous drain—emptying buckets every day felt like Groundhog Day."
Yeah, that bucket routine gets old fast. I've found noise levels can vary wildly even within the same brand—had one unit whisper quiet, another model practically rattled the walls. Makes me wonder if manufacturers are skimping on sound insulation to save costs. Has anyone noticed if higher-priced units consistently perform better on noise, or is it more hit-and-miss across the board? Curious if there's a reliable sweet spot between cost and quiet operation...
I've found noise levels can vary wildly even within the same brand—had one unit whisper quiet, another model practically rattled the walls.
Honestly, I'm not convinced price always equals quieter operation. Last summer, we installed a pretty expensive unit at a client's place—top-tier brand, premium price tag—and the thing hummed louder than my uncle's old truck. Meanwhile, my buddy grabbed a mid-range model on sale, and it's whisper quiet. Makes me think it's less about skimping on insulation and more about inconsistent quality control at the factory level. Seems like luck of the draw sometimes...
Seems like luck of the draw sometimes...
Yeah, I hear ya on the luck of the draw thing. Had a similar experience—installed two identical units in neighboring houses, one purred like a kitten, the other sounded like a blender full of rocks. Makes me wonder...could shipping or handling be messing things up internally?
Had a similar experience—installed two identical units in neighboring houses, one purred like a kitten, the other sounded like a blender full of rocks.
Could be shipping, but sometimes it's just sloppy assembly at the factory. My brother-in-law had the same issue—brand new fan rattled like crazy. Turned out someone forgot a couple screws inside... guess Friday afternoon shifts happen everywhere.
