Seattle, a city with a temperate maritime climate, boasts mild and humid weather year-round and heavy winter rainfall. The demand for ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems
primarily focuses on balancing humidity control with energy savings. Taking into account local building characteristics and climatic conditions, the following scenarios are suitable for ERV deployment:
1. High-rise apartments and densely populated residential areas
Unitized ERV systems: High-rise buildings in downtown Seattle (such as the Cornell Tech example) can utilize unitized ERV systems, with each apartment equipped independently,
eliminating the floor space occupied by centralized systems. Low-capacity HRV/ERV units can be integrated into suspended ceilings or dedicated mechanical cabinets (approximately 10 square feet),
making them particularly suitable for renovations with limited floor height.
Humidity Control: With winter humidity reaching 77%, ERV systems recover heat and moisture from exhaust air through heat exchange, reducing the dehumidification load on fresh air
and maintaining an ideal indoor humidity range of 30-50%.
2. Commercial and Public Buildings
Art Galleries and Office Buildings: As illustrated by the HVAC design of a Shanghai art museum, hot-summer, cold-winter regions require a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
ERV systems can be combined with zoned air conditioning to precisely control airflow, temperature, and humidity through sensors. Seattle office buildings can use a similar approach to
reduce cooling energy consumption in summer temperatures as high as 35.2°C using ERVs.
Vertical Duct Optimization: Centralized ERVs are suitable for large buildings, but require 8-12 square feet of vertical duct space. Modern designs in new developments in Seattle's East Side,
such as Everton Homes, can integrate such systems while also improving energy efficiency through smart home solutions.
3. Special Climate Response
Wildfires and Smog: Recent wildfires have contributed to deteriorating air quality in Seattle (e.g., the September 2025 smog event). ERVs, combined with HEPA filters, can block particulate
matter and maintain clean indoor air.
Adapting to Diurnal Temperature Differences: Areas like Bothell experience significant diurnal temperature fluctuations. The constant temperature control function of ERVs can stabilize
the indoor environment and reduce the frequent on-and-off cycles of traditional air conditioning.
4. Energy Saving and Sustainability
Energy Efficiency: In passive house design, the short horizontal duct layout of ERVs (e.g., unitized systems) saves space compared to centralized systems and is suitable for compact homes in Seattle.
TE Connectivity's HTU series sensors (humidity ±2%RH, temperature ±0.2°C) can improve system accuracy.
Environmental Needs: Local builders (such as Everton Homes) prioritize sustainability, and the energy-saving features of ERVs align with their green building standards,
making them particularly well-suited for modern homes built with natural materials.
In summary, ERV system deployment in Seattle needs to be considered in light of building type, climate challenges, and energy-saving goals. Unitized solutions are preferred for
high-density homes, and integrated intelligent controls are needed to cope with changing weather conditions.
