A residential heat recovery system, usually an HRV or ERV, typically costs $2,500-$7,000 installed in an existing home, with a common average near $4,500. Equipment capacity, new or existing ductwork, electrical work, and access to exterior walls are the main price drivers; new construction can cost less because ducts are easier to install.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed residential system | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,000 | Retrofit with standard access and limited duct changes |
| HRV or ERV equipment | $900 | $1,800 | $3,500 | Residential unit, before installation |
| New-build installation | $1,500 | $3,000 | $4,500 | Assumes planned duct routes and ordinary labor |
| Service and balancing | $150 | $300 | $600 | Inspection, airflow adjustment, or minor repairs |
What homeowners pay for an HRV or ERV installation
For a typical 1,500-2,500-square-foot home, a complete retrofit often runs $3,000-$6,000 when the system needs a dedicated unit, short duct connections, exterior intake and exhaust vents, and commissioning. Complex projects with long duct runs or finished-ceiling repairs can reach $7,000-$10,000. New homes may land closer to $1,500-$4,500 when ventilation is coordinated with framing and HVAC work.
HRVs transfer heat between outgoing and incoming air, while ERVs also transfer some moisture. The unit price alone is not the installed price: controls, ductwork, electrical connections, wall penetrations, and airflow testing add to the bill. Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard equipment, normal access, and no major electrical or structural upgrades.
A practical planning figure is $3,000-$6,000 for a straightforward existing-home installation. High-efficiency models, multi-zone layouts, and high-cost metro labor can push a quote above that range.
How fan units, ductwork, and electrician hours shape the quote
Contractors may quote one installed total or separate equipment and labor. The table below shows common residential allowances; actual bids vary with unit capacity, duct condition, and local labor rates.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRV or ERV unit | $900-$3,500 | Per unit | Core, fans, casing, and standard controls |
| Ductwork and fittings | $400-$1,800 | Per project | Branches, insulated runs, grilles, and balancing dampers |
| Installation labor | $800-$2,500 | $75-$125 per hour | Mounting, duct connections, penetrations, and setup |
| Electrical and controls | $200-$800 | Per project | Power, wiring, timer, or wall control |
| Removal and repairs | $150-$900 | Per project | Old equipment disposal or limited drywall patching |
Labor is often 10-20 hours for a basic retrofit, split between HVAC and electrical work. A two-person crew may finish the physical installation in one day, while duct modifications, access constraints, or drywall repair can extend the schedule.
Ask the contractor to separate equipment, ductwork, electrical work, and commissioning. That makes it easier to identify whether a high estimate reflects a premium unit or extra labor.
Which airflow capacity and duct runs push price higher
System size is generally selected by required airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), rather than square footage alone. Small homes may use units around 50-100 CFM; larger homes or higher ventilation demands may need 150-250 CFM or more. Moving from a basic 100-CFM unit to a larger, quieter model can add several hundred dollars to equipment cost, and may require larger ducts.
Duct distance matters too. A simple layout with short runs under 25 feet is usually less expensive than a retrofit with multiple branches or runs beyond 50 feet. Insulated ducting through an unconditioned attic, hard-to-reach joist bays, or a difficult exterior wall location can add $500-$2,000 or more. Confirm the design airflow and duct route in writing, not just the unit model number.
How do retrofit and new-build bids compare?
In new construction, the ventilation system can be planned before walls close, reducing demolition and making duct placement easier. A basic installation may cost $1,500-$4,500, depending on home size and whether the HVAC contractor includes labor in a larger mechanical package. In an existing home, concealed duct routes and finished-surface repairs commonly add $1,000-$3,000 compared with a similar new-build setup.
Some homes can connect the HRV or ERV to existing forced-air ducts, but not every HVAC layout is suitable. A dedicated duct system may improve room-by-room ventilation but typically costs more. A quote should specify whether it includes dedicated ducts, integration with central HVAC, and supply and exhaust grilles.
Compare bids with the same airflow target and duct scope. A lower total may omit dedicated runs or commissioning rather than offer the same work for less.
What installation labor and commissioning should include
A complete installation normally includes mounting and isolating the unit, connecting intake and exhaust ducts, sealing penetrations, wiring controls, and checking airflow. The contractor should measure and balance supply and exhaust air; a unit that runs without proper balancing may not deliver the intended ventilation. Basic commissioning is often included, but standalone testing or a return visit may cost $150-$400.
Ask whether the bid includes condensate drainage where required, insulated exterior ducts, weather hoods, and setup of timers or humidity controls. Permits are not universal for residential ventilation work, but local rules may require an electrical permit or inspection. Permit and inspection charges, when applicable, may add roughly $50-$300.
Why HRV and ERV quotes vary by U.S. region
Labor and contractor availability create meaningful regional differences. Major coastal metros and high-cost cities may quote 10-25% above a national midrange, while lower-cost markets may come in 5-15% below it for comparable scope. Remote locations can still run higher because equipment delivery and technician travel add charges.
Climate also affects product selection. Cold regions often favor HRVs designed for frost control, while humid areas may favor ERVs for moisture transfer. These preferences do not determine the price by themselves, but controls, defrost features, and equipment ratings can change the quote by $200-$800. Compare specifications and installed scope rather than choosing by climate label alone.
Which prep and equipment choices can reduce the bill?
Keeping the unit near existing mechanical space and choosing a route with fewer bends can limit duct length and labor. If walls or ceilings are already open during remodeling, scheduling installation before drywall goes up may avoid much of the retrofit premium. Homeowners can clear the work area, but should leave electrical connections, duct sealing, and airflow balancing to qualified tradespeople.
A standard control package may be sufficient if the system will operate continuously; advanced sensors and app controls can add $150-$600. Avoid paying for extra zones or oversized capacity unless the ventilation design supports them. Repair may be cheaper when an existing unit has a failed control or fan, with common service visits around $150-$600, but a damaged heat-exchange core or obsolete parts can make replacement more economical.
Request at least three itemized quotes using the same CFM target, unit type, duct plan, and commissioning requirements. This keeps comparisons focused on equivalent work and exposes optional upgrades before they become part of the budget.