Energy Recovery HVAC Systems

Energy Recovery Systems for Efficient HVAC Performance

Energy recovery systems capture and reuse heat or cooling from exhaust air streams, reducing the energy required to condition incoming outdoor air. In commercial and industrial facilities, this not only lowers operating costs but also improves environmental sustainability and helps meet ventilation requirements without oversizing HVAC equipment.

Lincoln Associates delivers engineered energy recovery solutions tailored to each facility’s operational needs, climate conditions, and compliance standards.

Applications include:

  • Manufacturing Facilities: Recapturing process heat to precondition incoming ventilation air.

  • Food & Beverage Processing: Managing high ventilation rates while controlling energy costs.

  • Healthcare & Laboratories: Balancing infection control ventilation with energy efficiency.

  • Education & Public Buildings: Meeting ASHRAE fresh air standards without increasing utility costs.

  • Industrial Warehouses & Distribution Centers: Conditioning large volumes of outdoor air economically.

  • Mission Critical Facilities: Enhancing HVAC efficiency while maintaining stable operating conditions.

How Energy Recovery Systems Work

Energy recovery devices transfer heat and/or moisture between incoming and outgoing airstreams, reducing the load on heating and cooling equipment. The recovered energy can be used to preheat or precool ventilation air, or to manage humidity levels.

Core Types of Energy Recovery Systems:

  • Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs): Transfer both heat and moisture, ideal for climates with significant humidity.
  • Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): Transfer only heat, best suited for drier climates or humidity-sensitive environments.
  • Run-Around Coil Loops: Transfer heat between airstreams that are physically separated using a circulating fluid loop.
  • Fixed Plate Heat Exchangers: Simple, durable design for sensible heat transfer between airstreams.
  • Rotary Heat Wheels: High-efficiency wheels that transfer both sensible and latent heat.

Matching the System to the Application

Choosing the right energy recovery system depends on ventilation rates, climate, humidity control needs, and building design. Lincoln Associates partners with leading manufacturers to ensure the selected system meets your energy savings, comfort, and compliance objectives.

Key Factors We Consider:

  • Climate & Humidity Levels: Selecting ERV vs. HRV based on local conditions.
  • Ventilation Volume: Sizing the system for required outdoor air intake.
  • Maintenance Access: Ensuring components can be easily serviced.
  • Integration with Existing HVAC: Designing systems to work seamlessly with air handlers and ductwork.
  • Energy Savings Potential: Modeling ROI based on real operating conditions.
  • Filtration Requirements: Incorporating appropriate air filtration into the system.

Not sure what system is right for you? Use our Find a Rep tool for personalized guidance.

Maintenance, Monitoring, and Support

Regular upkeep ensures that energy recovery systems operate at peak efficiency. Lincoln Associates offers:

  • Routine Inspections: Checking heat exchange media, seals, and drive components.

  • Preventative Maintenance: Cleaning or replacing filters, wheels, and plates to prevent efficiency loss.

  • Performance Testing: Verifying energy savings and airflow balance.

  • Smart Monitoring: Integration with building management systems for real-time performance data.

Learn more about how we support installed systems on our HVAC Services page.

 

Energy Recovery Solutions from Lincoln Associates

Lincoln Associates provides more than just equipment — we design complete energy recovery strategies that improve HVAC efficiency, reduce operating costs, and support sustainability goals. From small-scale retrofits to large industrial installations, we deliver systems built for long-term performance.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Custom Engineering: Solutions tailored to your facility’s ventilation and efficiency requirements.

  • Trusted Manufacturing Partners: Proven equipment for dependable, high-performance operation.

  • Local Expertise: Fast, responsive support from regional representatives.

  • Sustainability Focus: Helping clients meet LEED, WELL, and other green building standards.

For a full view of available systems and components, have a look at our Line Card.

 

Start Your Energy Recovery Project

Ready to reduce energy costs while improving indoor air quality? Contact Lincoln Associates today to discuss your application and get a tailored solution.

Scroll to Top
Evaporator Coil - Single-Circuit

Single Circuit

Evaporator Coil - Intertwined

Intertwined

Evaporator Coil - Split Face

Face Split face

Tube Diameter

Use a caliper or tape measure to determine the outside diameter of the tubes.

If necessary, remove insulation to see the incoming and outgoing lines. Measure the diameter of the outside of the line to help determine connection size.

Standard connection types are MPT (male pipe thread), FPT (female pipe thread), and Copper Sweat Connection. MPT is threaded on the outside, FPT is threaded on the inside, and Copper Sweat is used for soldered connections

Fins per Inch

Using a ruler, count the number of fins on the coil within one inch. Normal fin counts will be between 4 and 14 FPI.

Fin Length

Measure in the direction of the tubes, regardless of which direction the tubes are running.

Fin Height

Measure in the direction of the fin.

Single, Double, and Half Serpentine

Rows are counted in the direction of airflow, no matter how the coil is installed. You can count rows by looking at either the header end or the return bend end of the coil. Note that headers or return bends may not be evenly spaced across the coil.

Fluid coils—hot water, chilled water, and glycol water—regulate building air temperature by heating or cooling air in Air Handling Units (AHUs). Constructed with multiple rows of tubes, typically copper, these coils efficiently transfer heat between air and circulating fluids. They are vital for year-round comfort, accommodating diverse fluids like glycols and thermal oils for varied HVAC needs.

Condenser coils transfer heat from refrigerant vapor to the outdoor air, ensuring efficient cooling in HVAC and refrigeration systems. Constructed from materials like copper or aluminum to maximize heat transfer, these coils are vital for maintaining precise temperature control in industrial and commercial environments.

Steam coils utilize the latent heat of steam, released during condensation from vapor to liquid. They feature efficient condensate management to prevent water buildup and ensure uniform steam distribution. Available in configurations for high and low-pressure applications, steam coils are highly effective for heating air in a wide range of environments.

Evaporator coils absorb heat from indoor air to cool and dehumidify spaces by evaporating refrigerant from liquid to vapor. Located indoors, these coils are essential for maintaining comfortable environments in industrial and commercial settings, offering excellent performance in cooling, process cooling, and dehumidification applications. They are versatile for use in Air Handling Units (AHUs), central systems, or duct installations.