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.