Session · Mechanicals and ventilation · Designers and consultants · Builders and trades

Multifamily ERVs: Centralized or In-Suite?

Erdem Kokgil · August 13, 2026 · Chapter · PHC (Passive House Cascadia)

Centralized and in-suite ERVs compared through two Passive House multifamily projects in Vancouver, Vienna House and 981 Davie St.: performance, cost, installation, and integration with heating and cooling.

Key points

• The key differences between centralized and in-suite ERV systems.
• Performance, installation, and lifecycle costs, from real projects.
• The trade-offs of each approach for design, operations, and occupants.
• How each integrates with heating and cooling.
• Design and commissioning considerations for performance and maintenance.

Learning objectives

• Identify the key differences between centralized and in-suite ERV systems in Passive House multifamily buildings.
• Compare the performance, installation requirements, and lifecycle costs of centralized and distributed ventilation strategies using real-world case studies.
• Evaluate the advantages, limitations, and trade-offs of each ventilation approach based on building design, operations, and occupant needs.
• Assess how centralized and in-suite ERV systems integrate with heating and cooling systems to support high-performance building design.
• Describe the design and commissioning considerations that influence ventilation system performance, maintenance, and long-term resilience.

Topics: Ventilation