According to NCMC, energy recovery ventilation systems cannot be applied to which of the following?

Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems are designed to enhance indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption by transferring heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams. They are typically applied in various types of HVAC systems, especially in residential settings, as a means to improve the efficiency of heating and cooling.

When discussing why ERV systems are not applicable to kitchen exhaust systems, it's important to recognize the specific function and characteristics of kitchen exhaust. Kitchen exhaust systems are primarily concerned with removing heat, moisture, grease, and odors generated during cooking. Since the air being expelled contains high levels of contaminants and specific byproducts related to cooking, utilizing an ERV in this context could potentially lead to health and safety concerns. Mixing the exhausted air with incoming fresh air is not advisable because it could compromise indoor air quality rather than improve it.

In contrast, ERV systems can be effectively integrated into HVAC systems in residential buildings, heating water systems, and cooling systems, where the focus is on maintaining comfortable indoor climates while managing energy usage effectively.