Residential ERVs plug into an outlet and do not need to be hardwired into a home's electrical system, which reduces installation costs. They also draw less energy than commercial ERVs. ERVs transfer some of the heat and humidity from the outgoing air to the incoming air in the colder months, which reduces demand on the home's heating and humidification equipment in areas that have dry winters. They also remove some humidity from the incoming air in the warmer months, which reduces demand on the home's air-conditioning or dehumidification equipment in areas that have moderately humid summers.

Commercial ERVs have a higher maximum airflow rate than residential ERVs, making them suitable for offices and other large commercial spaces. These units are hardwired into a building's electrical system. ERVs transfer some of the heat and humidity from the outgoing air to the incoming air in the colder months, which reduces demand on the building's heating and humidification equipment in areas that have dry winters. They also remove some humidity from the incoming air in the warmer months, which reduces demand on the building's air-conditioning or dehumidification equipment in areas that have moderately humid summers.

Residential HRVs plug into an outlet and do not need to be hardwired into a home's electrical system, which reduces installation costs. They are suitable for homes in areas with moderate humidity in the winter. HRVs transfer some heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, which warms and dries out the incoming air and reduces demand on the building's heating and dehumidification equipment.