Cleaning Your HRV / ERV Intake Hood Filter

There is one area of the ERV system that is often neglected and is very easy to maintain. Your exterior intake hood screen. The ERV hoods are typically located on the side of your home. It is a good idea to check both of them. The exhaust hood is normally close to the other exhaust pipes for the furnace and water heater. The supply intake will be farther up the wall on its own about ten (10) ft. away.

The following photos show a quick and easy way to clean your hood screen using a toothbrush. Any small hard bristle brush will do, but it’s a good use for an old toothbrush rather than buying a specific tool. Please note, do not use your spouses tooth brush, they will be mad at you 🙂

Pic 1 – Clogged hood screen

Pic 2 – Remove Screen and turn over to expose the inside of the screen

Pic 3 – Use tooth brush to scrub off the particulate on the inside

Pic 4 – As you continue brushing, the particulate mat will start to fall off

Pic 5 – Once clean the screen should look like this with no particulate

Pic 6 – Replace screen into the hood opening

This inspection / cleaning should be done in the spring and fall to ensure best possible air flow to your ERV.

Remember your ERV is a fresh air machine that provides you with continuous fresh air all the time in your home. It is designed to run for 20 minutes and then turn off for 40 minutes. By keeping your ERV screens clean it not only improves the efficiency of the unit, it also ensures you are getting the freshest air possible.