HRV contractor?

[Greg Stinson]

Hi,

We did some radon testing and found that our house has moderate radon levels.

One of the ways we've found to mitigate it is to install a heat recovery ventilator (HRV).

Has anyone used a local mechanical contractor to install an HRV that they would recommend?  We would like to get some quotes.

I looked at the contractors listed on https://www.switchison.org/wa, but none of them said anything about doing HRVs specifically.

As far as I can tell, the project would involve buying the HRV box and connecting insulated 6" round duct across our house, connecting electric, and patching up all the holes they make in our ceilings.  So, I imagine any mechanical contractor could do it, but I'm not sure who knows best practices.

Has anyone installed an HRV and can say anything about noise issues or maintenance?

Thanks,

Greg

[Rob Harrison cPHc]

With the disclaimer that I’m not an expert on radon mitigation, I’ll say: 

1. An HRV provides whole house ventilation, but you won’t get the economic benefit of the heat recovery unless your house tests tighter than m 1.0ACH @50 Pascals in a blower door test. 
2. A good HRV is expensive and won’t do anything about the radon. 
3. The radon mitigation system should not be connected in any way to an HRV. 
4. Seal the basement slab or slab on grade as best you can. 
5. Assuming you have gravel under the entire slab, Install perforated pipe around the perimeter. Run a well-sealed pipe, ideally on the outside of the house, up through the overhang of the roof. Install an inline fan in the pipe. The idea is to depressurize under the entire slab, and draw the radon up and out the pipe where it can dissipate. 
6. This is a completely separate system from the ventilation of the house. 
7. Do not hire the contractor who told you you can mitigate radon with an HRV. 

Rob

Rob Harrison cPHc

HARRISON architects

(206) 794-2738

via iPhone….

http://harrisonarchitects.com/

lyrical sustainable design  ::  passivhaus

On Jun 29, 2025, at 5:59 PM, Greg Stinson <stin...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi,

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