Field Validation of a Smart Energy Recovery Ventilation System Using Low-Cost Indoor Air Quality Sensors: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)

This project was a field validation, using low cost IAQ sensors, of a smart ventilation system that can help low-load homes in humid environments maintain acceptable indoor humidity conditions while providing adequate ventilation according to ASHRAE 62.2. The objective of this research was to address some builders' concerns with mechanical ventilation in humid environments and answer the question of whether the smart control logic helps with occupant comfort and the creation of a more acceptable indoor environment. To address the objectives of the study, the Southface team collected field data for one year in four Charleston, SC new construction homes in order to determine the differences in occupant comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), and HVAC energy consumption when toggling bi-weekly between an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) operating continuously and an ERV operating with smart, time-varying humidity control logic.