In HVAC systems, what does energy recovery involve?

Energy recovery in HVAC systems refers specifically to the process of reclaiming energy from exhaust air and using it to condition incoming air. This is achieved through components commonly known as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). These systems capture the thermal energy from the warm, stale air that is being expelled from the building and transfer that energy to the incoming fresh air. This minimizes the energy that must be used for heating or cooling the incoming air, thus improving overall energy efficiency.

This effective exchange not only lowers energy costs but also helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment by ensuring that the temperature and humidity of the incoming air are more aligned with the desired comfort levels. By using energy that would otherwise be wasted, energy recovery systems play a crucial role in sustainable building practices.

The other options, while important aspects of HVAC systems, do not directly describe the concept of energy recovery. Collecting water for reuse pertains to water management systems, maintaining air quality relates to ventilation and filtration practices, and filtering contaminants from outside air focuses on improving indoor air quality. These are all important functions of HVAC systems, but they do not specifically define the energy recovery process.