That’s been my experience too—our builder put in an HRV, but it’s tucked in a corner of the basement and sounds like a jet engine when it kicks on. I get the need for tight houses, but sometimes I wonder if we’re just trading one set of problems for another. My old place had drafty windows and sure, the heating bill was higher, but at least you didn’t get that stale, stuffy feeling. I guess it’s a trade-off, but I do wish they’d spend a bit more time on the install instead of just ticking a box.
I get the need for tight houses, but sometimes I wonder if we’re just trading one set of problems for another.
That line really hits home for me. We moved into a new build last year—energy efficient, all the bells and whistles, and yeah, an HRV system that’s supposed to keep everything fresh. But I'll admit, the first few months were rough. The HRV was installed right next to the laundry area in the basement, and the noise made it feel like a small aircraft was taking off every time it cycled on. I ended up spending a couple weekends trying to add some soundproofing and rerouting ductwork to cut down on the racket. Helped a bit, but it’s still not what I’d call quiet.
What’s strange is, even with the fancy ventilation, there are times when the air feels... dead? Like, technically there’s airflow, but it doesn’t have that same “open window” freshness. Our old house had leaky windows and you could always feel a bit of a draft, especially in winter. Sure, the furnace ran more often but at least the air felt lively. Now, it’s like we traded higher utility bills for a kind of mechanical stuffiness.
I get why code requires these systems—mold and moisture issues can be nasty in airtight homes—but I do think there’s something lost when builders treat HRVs as a checkbox instead of thinking about placement and noise. It makes me wonder if there’s a better way to balance efficiency with comfort. Maybe more attention to where the units go or even giving homeowners options for different noise levels?
I’ve started looking into whether variable-speed HRVs or adding more intake/exhaust points might help. Curious if anyone else has tried tweaking their setup or just learned to live with it. For now, I crack a window every so often... probably defeats the purpose, but sometimes you just want that little breeze.
I get what you’re saying about the “dead” air, but honestly, I’d take that over the old drafty windows any day. Our last place was always cold and you could feel the wind sneaking in around the frames. The HRV in our new spot isn’t perfect—yeah, it hums a bit—but I don’t miss the crazy heating bills or waking up to condensation on the sills. Maybe it’s just getting used to a different kind of airflow? I do wish builders put more thought into where they stick these things, though... noise can be a real pain.
- Gotta admit, I’m still not sold on how these new builds handle airflow. Sure, you’re not getting those icy drafts, but sometimes it feels like you’re living in a sealed Tupperware.
- HRVs are a step up from leaky windows, no doubt. But the hum drives me nuts too, especially when they stick the unit right above a bedroom or living room. You’d think someone would’ve figured out quieter spots by now.
- I’ve seen a few jobs where the vent placement was just... weird. Like, right next to a patio door or under an overhang where it just recirculates stale air. Not sure if that’s just lazy planning or what.
- On the plus side, you’re right about the bills. My old place bled heat through every crack—felt like I was heating the whole neighborhood. Newer places are tight, but sometimes too tight? I’ve had clients complain about “stuffy” air even with the HRV running.
- Condensation’s a big one. Used to see water pooling on sills all winter. Less of that now, but I wonder if we’re just trading one problem for another—like noise or that “dead” feeling you mentioned.
- Noticed some folks try to DIY soundproofing around their HRV units. Sometimes helps, sometimes just makes it rattle more.
- If builders put half as much thought into vent placement as they do into kitchen islands, we’d all be happier.
Guess it’s always a trade-off—quiet vs. comfort vs. efficiency. Personally, I’d rather throw on a sweater than listen to a fan all night, but maybe that’s just me...
Guess it’s always a trade-off—quiet vs. comfort vs. efficiency. Personally, I’d rather throw on a sweater than listen to a fan all night, but maybe that’s just me...
I get that—sometimes I wonder if we’re overcomplicating things trying to make these places airtight. In my last house, I actually cracked a window now and then just to get some fresh air, even with the HRV running. Anyone else notice certain rooms still feel “dead” no matter what? Makes me think vent balancing is getting overlooked during installs. How do you all check if your system’s actually moving air where it should?
