UNLOCKING SAVINGS: THE COST BENEFITS OF ERVS IN MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS FOR CONTRACTORS

Key points:

• In multi-family buildings, ERVs provide many cost benefits by improving indoor air quality energy-efficiently and sustainably.
• Contractors in multi-family projects gain multiple cost benefits by using ERVs, including tax credits and increased profitability.
• RenewAire ERVs amplify contractor savings in multi-family buildings with superior reliability and user-friendly design.

In the field of sustainable construction and energy-efficient design, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are a game-changer, especially for multi-family applications. Not only do they provide a healthier environment for occupants by improving indoor air quality (IAQ) energy-efficiently, but they also offer substantial cost benefits. For multi-family contractors, understanding these benefits can strengthen their projects and considerably boost the bottom line.

In this blog post, we will discuss how ERVs provide significant cost benefits in multi-family buildings and how they can be leveraged by contractors. This post is the second part in a series on why ERVs are the best ventilation choice for contractors in multi-family buildings. Click here to read the first part of our series: Maximizing Multi-Family Growth: How Contractors Can Harness ERVs for Enhanced IAQ and Energy Efficiency.

How Do ERVs Work?

Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are HVAC components designed to exchange stale indoor air with fresh and filtered outdoor air while simultaneously recovering the total energy from the exchanged air. This process helps enhance indoor air quality (IAQ), maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, cut energy consumption, and achieve cost savings. ERVs are ideal for multi-family buildings where sustainable ventilation is paramount for both occupant health and cutting costs.

Cost Benefits of ERVs in Multi-Family Buildings

• Greater Energy Savings: One of the primary cost benefits of ERVs is their ability to significantly reduce energy consumption. By recovering both heat and moisture from outgoing air, ERVs apply this energy to precondition incoming air, reducing the load on heating and cooling systems. This leads to lower energy bills, benefiting both building owners and tenants.
• Extended HVAC Lifespan: ERVs can prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment by decreasing the workload on heating and cooling systems. By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and humidity level, ERVs alleviate the strain on HVAC components, resulting in fewer maintenance issues and lower replacement costs.
• Healthier Indoor Environment: By continuously exchanging stale indoor air with fresh and filtered outdoor air, ERVs help mitigate indoor air pollutants, allergens and contaminants, thus enhancing IAQ. This can lead to lower healthcare costs for tenants and increased property value for building owners.

Cost Benefits for Contractors Using ERVs in Multi-Family Buildings

Contractors are in an excellent position to reap sizable financial rewards by utilizing ERVs in multi-family buildings. Although there are several types of ERVs, contractors can realize multiple cost benefits by using all types of ERVs in multi-family settings:

• Higher Customer Satisfaction: Educating clients about the cost benefits of ERVs demonstrates a commitment to delivering value beyond the scope of traditional HVAC installations. Contractors can highlight the immediate energy savings and long-term operational cost savings mentioned above, making ERVs an attractive investment for clients. By offering solutions that prioritize energy efficiency and IAQ, contractors can grow customer satisfaction and foster positive relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals.
• Qualify for 45L Tax Credits: In the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, Internal Revenue Code Section 45L was amended to provide eligible contractors with a tax credit for new or substantially reconstructed energy-efficient homes. It applies to qualified homes acquired after December 31, 2022 and before January 1, 2033 for use as a residence during the taxable year. Specifically for multi-family buildings, there are several 45L tax credits available per dwelling unit as stated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including:
  • $500 if the home meets ENERGY STAR^® Multifamily New Construction Program requirements. The amount increases to $2,500 if prevailing wage requirements are also met.
  • $1,000 if the home meets ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction National Program and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home Program requirements. The amount increases to $5,000 if prevailing wage requirements are also met.
• Meet Stricter Building Codes and Standards: As codes continue to require tighter building envelopes for greater energy efficiency, ERVs will be a necessity for healthier indoor air in tightly-sealed structures. For example, in the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), energy recovery ventilation or heat recovery ventilation is now required in Climate Zones 7 and 8. Installing ERVs can be a low-cost way to meet strict building codes.
• Grow the Business with a Competitive Edge: Incorporating ERVs into project proposals can set contractors apart from competitors and open doors to new opportunities in the multi-family market. By highlighting the cost benefits and environmental advantages of ERVs, contractors can win more bids, secure lucrative projects and drive sustainable business growth.

RenewAire ERVs: Elevating Profitability for Contractors in Multi-Family Buildings

Contractors can reap numerous cost benefits from using ERVs in multi-family buildings, but not all solutions are created equal. By using RenewAire ERVs in multi-family projects, contractors can maximize their profitability thanks to the simple, yet innovative design of the enthalpy core at the heart of each RenewAire ERV.

RenewAire’s high-efficiency, static-plate, enthalpy-core ERVs utilize a highly developed air-to-air energy-exchange core. Many layers of plates physically separate the airstreams so there is no cross-contamination of the fresh air. The plates are made of an engineered “resin” material that simultaneously transfers heat through conduction and humidity by attracting bound water vapor from one airstream to the other. This is done while moderating extremes in both temperature and humidity.

As a result of this advanced design, utilizing RenewAire ERVs means greater efficiency, energy savings, flexibility, reliability and ease of use compared to other options on the market. When using RenewAire ERVs in multi-family projects, contractors can achieve multiple cost benefits:

• Save Time via Simple Installation and Maintenance: RenewAire ERVs’ straightforward installation process and minimal maintenance requirements are particularly advantageous for contractors in multi-family buildings. Due to their simple installation procedure, RenewAire ERVs significantly reduce labor costs and project timelines.
• Minimize Callbacks with Reliable and Trouble-Free Operations: RenewAire ERVs are designed to operate efficiently and reliably over extended periods, requiring minimal intervention once installed. Their robust construction and dependable performance ensure that contractors can deliver systems that require fewer callbacks, saving both time and resources.
• Improve Profitability by Delighting Customers: RenewAire ERVs’ reliability and easy operations not only reinforce customer satisfaction, but also strengthen a contractor’s reputation for delivering high-quality, low-maintenance solutions.
• Complete Projects Faster via Extensive Customer Support: By partnering with RenewAire, contractors gain access to a dedicated team of experts who provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of the project. This high level of assistance ensures smooth project execution and reduces potential delays and costly errors. And as a member of the RenewAire network, contractors have access to top-tier training opportunities, including our Ventilation Workshops.

For an overview of all the benefits of installing RenewAire ERVs in residential settings, please see our case study: RenewAire ERV Is at Core of High-Performance, Energy-Efficient Home in Atlanta.

In Summary

ERVs present a compelling case for contractors seeking to improve the profitability and sustainability of their multi-family projects. In addition to cutting energy use and creating healthier living environments, ERVs offer a range of cost benefits that can positively impact a contractor’s bottom line. From greater customer satisfaction and profitability, to qualifying for numerous tax credits, the advantages to contractors of integrating ERVs into multi-family projects are clear.

By leveraging RenewAire ERVs, contractors can amplify these cost benefits by streamlining the installation process, minimizing callbacks and improving overall project efficiency. With RenewAire’s commitment to reliability, ease of use and extensive customer support, contractors can deliver superior results and establish themselves as leaders in sustainable multi-family construction.

Ultimately, embracing RenewAire ERVs represents a strategic investment for contractors looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and environmentally-conscious market. Contact RenewAire today to unlock the full savings potential of ERVs in your next multi-family project.