Heat Recovery Ventilators, or HRVs, are one of the best ways to make sure that modern homes and buildings have the fresh air they need to live and work comfortably. But not every heat recovery ventilator (HRV) works equally well for every space or application.
So, we at Sylvane have compiled our list of the Best HRVs available in 2025, starting with our top pick, the Broan AI Series Heat Recovery Ventilator Series, an exceptionally high-performing HRV model that easily earned our appreciation for its design, features, and efficiency.
Beyond the Broan AI Series HRV, this guide includes other top devices sized for different space sizes and commercial needs, so you can confidently choose the right solution for your property.
- Best Overall HRV of 2025
- Best HRV for Small Spaces
- Best HRV for Medium Spaces
- Best HRV for Large Spaces
- Best Commercial HRV
- Frequently Asked Questions About HRV Systems
How Sylvane Selects HRV Ventilation Systems
For over 25 years, homeowners, facility managers, and air quality professionals have trusted Sylvane’s advice for choosing the right air quality and home comfort products. We are proud of our mission to help you find exactly the right product for your needs, and support you with advice, guides, and continuing support throughout the life of the product.
To select our top HRV ventilation systems, we evaluated models based on air movement, efficiency, controls, and installation flexibility. We compared CFM and SRE (how much air the device is capable of moving and how effectively it recovers energy from the airstreams), prioritizing advanced filtration, low noise, and user-friendly installation for various property types. Cost and maintenance were also considered, favoring systems that balance initial price with long-term operation and reliability.
Best Overall HRV of 2025
Broan AI Series Heat Recovery Ventilators
In a world of boring white boxes that do basically the same thing, Broan AI Series Heat Recovery Ventilators stand out as a sleek and powerful ventilation solution with a flexible design and advanced technology.
For all those reasons, and more, we chose the entire catalogue of Broan AI Series Heat Recovery Ventilators as the top pick in this category. From the 110 CFM Broan B110H65R to the 230 CFM Broan B230H75R, these HRV models come in a range of capacities and are designed to bring filtered air throughout your home while minimizing heat loss. With advanced auto-balancing technology and powerful, energy-efficient motors, the Broan AI Series ensures reliable and consistent ventilation performance year-round.
This series includes the 180 CFM Broan B180H75RT, the 160 CFM Broan B160H65R, and the 150 CFM Broan B150H75N, which allows you to size your device specifically for the desired space.
- Airflow: Models ranging from 110 to 230 CFM, fitting homes of various sizes
- Sensible Recovery Efficiency (SRE): Up to 78 percent at 32 degrees F, 67 percent at negative 13 degrees F.
- Control Features: User-friendly LCD screen, smart VIRTUO technology for automatic airflow balancing, optional VTTOUCHW wall controller with scheduling and dehumidistat
- Installation Considerations: Flexible platform allows top or side port configurations, multiple mounting options, and quick setup aided by integrated diagnostics
Why We Picked It: The Broan AI Series HRVs are unmatched in their ability to balance efficiency, adaptability, and simplicity in one device. These models deliver high performance while streamlining installation and daily use, making it an excellent long-term solution for superior indoor air quality.
Best HRV for Small Spaces
Fantech VHR 70 57 CFM Heat Recovery Ventilator
If you’re searching for a compact HRV for small spaces, the Fantech VHR 70 57 CFM Heat Recovery Ventilator is a standout choice.
Designed to efficiently provide ventilation to apartments, condos, or smaller homes, this HRV ventilation system brings in continuous, filtered outdoor air and retains up to 75 percent of heating or cooling energy, helping you breathe easier while saving energy. The VHR 70’s aluminum heat recovery core also has a built-in exhaust defrost system that keeps the device from icing over in colder weather.
- Airflow: Up to 57 CFM, ideal for small living spaces
- Sensible Recovery Efficiency (SRE): Up to 70 percent at 32 degrees F
- Control Features: 3-speed fan settings, button controls, and automatic defrost for cold climates
- Installation Considerations: 4-inch top-port design, floor-mounted, fits tight spaces
Why We Picked It: The Fantech VHR 70 is the best small space HRV due to its quiet performance, flexible installation, and impressive energy savings. It’s the ideal HRV system for apartments or smaller homes, prioritizing comfort and air quality improvement.
Best HRV for Medium Spaces
Fantech HERO 150H 161 CFM Heat Recovery Ventilator
If you need an efficient ventilation system for a medium-sized home, then the Fantech HERO 150H HRV is what you’ll want.
Designed for homes with up to five bedrooms, this model balances fresh air delivery and energy savings, all while supporting improved indoor air quality. The HERO 150H features 6-inch oval duct connections with a top-mounted connection design that performs well in high static pressure situations.
- Airflow: Up to 161 CFM, ideal for medium spaces
- Sensible Recovery Efficiency (SRE): Up to 80 percent of heat recovered from exhaust air
- Control Features: Multi-speed operation for custom ventilation and simple IAQ controller compatibility
- Installation Considerations: Intended for professional installation in locations like basements or utility closets; can be integrated with existing HVAC ductwork
Why We Picked It: The HERO 150H delivers dependable performance, reliable energy efficiency, and flexible installation options, making it a strong choice for those who want effective HRV and improved comfort. Its Energy Star certification and robust warranty make this heat recovery ventilator a standout for any medium-sized space.
Best HRV for Large Spaces
Broan B230H75R AI Series 230 CFM Heat Recovery Ventilator
The Broan B230H75R AI Series 230 CFM Heat Recovery Ventilator is designed for dependable ventilation performance in larger homes and commercial spaces.
With Broan’s advanced VIRTUO smart technology, this unit automatically balances and verifies airflow, allowing you to meet demanding air quality needs with minimal setup headaches. The B230H75R’s customizable filtration and installation options make it ideal for oversized rooms or open layouts where consistent, energy-efficient fresh air is essential.
- Airflow: Up to 230 CFM, perfect for large spaces
- Sensible Recovery Efficiency (SRE): Up to 78 percent at 32 degrees F; 67 percent at -13 degrees F
- Control Features: Integrated LCD screen, wide compatibility with modern wall controls, auto-balancing, and self-adjustment
- Installation Considerations: Flexible top or side port options; may be suspended or wall-mounted; corrosion-resistant steel cabinet; MERV 8 (with optional HEPA and higher-rated filter upgrades)
Why We Picked It: This Broan HRV outperforms typical large-space units with easy installation, auto-balancing, robust recovery efficiency, and smart controls, making it the best HRV system choice for large homes and demanding residential needs.
Best Commercial HRV
Fantech SHR 800 Light Commercial Heat Recovery Ventilator
When your building demands reliable and efficient air exchanges, the Fantech SHR 800 delivers powerful ventilation designed for larger commercial spaces.
This advanced heat recovery ventilator ensures a consistent fresh air supply while capturing outgoing heat, which helps lower energy bills and maintain comfort year-round. It features reversible doors, side port connections, and is compatible with an optional bypass damper accessory.
- Airflow: Up to 800 CFM, suitable for large retail, office, or institutional areas
- Sensible Recovery Efficiency (SRE): Up to 66 percent at 32 degrees F
- Control Features: Compatible with multiple control options, including remote and integrated digital controls for precise operation
- Installation Considerations: Ceiling or wall mount flexibility, designed for robust ductwork and easy maintenance access
Why We Picked It: The Fantech SHR 800 is the best HRV system for commercial environments due to its high CFM capacity, flexible installation, and dependable control options. Whether you're upgrading an outdated system or designing new construction, it provides reliable air quality management and efficient heat recovery for your building’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about HRV Systems
What’s the Difference Between ERVs and HRVs?
ERVs and HRVs are very similar devices, but the main difference is that Energy Recovery Ventilators are capable of transferring moisture between airstreams, while Heat Recovery Ventilators are only capable of transferring heat and cold between airstreams. Read more about how these devices work in Sylvane’s article, Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) vs. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV): What You Need To Know.
What is the best HRV for cold climates?
Look for an HRV with high sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) and frost-resistant design. Many models like the Broan AI Series HRV are ideal, as they excel at recovering heat even during freezing weather down to -13 degrees F.
Do HRVs save energy in winter?
Yes, an HRV ventilation system can save energy in winter by capturing heat from outgoing stale air and transferring it to fresh incoming air, helping you retain warmth and reducing heating costs.
Which HRV unit is the quietest?
Because they are typically installed in utility closets, basements, attics, and other non-living areas, most HRV systems are relatively quiet. Smaller models, such as the Fantech VHR 70, typically offer quieter operation, making them perfect for bedrooms and apartments.
Should an HRV run all the time?
Running your HRV continuously ensures optimal indoor air quality, but typically, you can set it to run intermittently with integrated control features.
What are Some Common HRV Problems?
Some of the most common problems with HRVs include incorrect installation, clogged filters, or frost buildup in winter. However, routine maintenance prevents most of these issues.
Which HRV is Right for My Home?
When selecting a heat recovery ventilator, consider climate, square footage, your HVAC setup, and installation space. Check out Sylvane’s ERV and HRV Buying Guide for more advice on how to select the correct device for your space.
If you want all-around performance with smart features, the Broan AI Series Heat Recovery Ventilators deliver adaptive airflow and robust efficiency. For apartments or small homes, the Fantech VHR 70 maximizes ventilation in compact spaces. Midsize homes benefit from the flexible Fantech HERO 150H, while larger households will notice a difference with the high-capacity Broan B230H75R AI Series. For commercial needs, the Fantech SHR 800 is engineered to ensure balanced, energy-efficient airflow.
Still unsure which model is right for your home? Call 1-800-934-9194 or email experts@sylvane.com for personalized advice and suggestions from our product experts.
