Another special feature of our ‘Prairie Passive’ PHIUS® certified Passive House on tour at the Builder’s and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor’s Showcase of Homes event Saturday and Sunday, June 27th and 28th is the Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system.  When we build to PHIUS® Passive House levels of performance we address one of the larger components of energy loss: ‘convective’ or air-borne heat loss through the thermal envelope.  As we tighten up the home we then introduce controlled ventilation using an ERV.  This allows for managed ventilation with a heat recovery in the winter, and heat rejection in the summer, of upwards of 96% efficiency while also managing the humidity exchange.  It is akin to having a window open 24/7 without an energy penalty.  Awesome!