How does energy recovery ventilation (ERV) interact with heat pump systems?

Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) works in conjunction with heat pump systems by enhancing overall energy efficiency. It does this by recovering heat and moisture from the exhaust air that is being expelled from the building and using that energy to pre-condition the incoming fresh air. When the heat pump system is in operation, it heats or cools the indoor air; the ERV can help reduce the load on the heat pump by tempering the air entering the building, which means the heat pump does not have to work as hard to reach the desired indoor temperature. This synergy enables the system to use less energy while maintaining comfortable indoor conditions, which contributes to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact.

The other options do not accurately represent how ERV systems operate in relation to heat pumps. For example, operating independently misses the point that ERV can significantly enhance the performance of heat pumps. Requiring additional energy contradicts the energy-saving benefits of integrating these systems. Lastly, focusing solely on air filtration ignores the essential function of ERV in energy transfer, which plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient heating and cooling operations.