Are whole‑home ERV retrofits feasible in small bungalows without soffit chases?
Yep, even if your place doesn’t have an attic, you can still put in an ERV. Just use your basement, the ducts you already have, or get inventive with some short duct setups in odd spots. It might not be spot-on, but you’ll still get good, clean air and have better control over moisture.
Whole home ERV retrofits can be feasible in small bungalows without soffit chases, but they require careful planning. Since there is limited space for ductwork, installers may use alternatives like:
-Short duct runs through closets or dropped ceilings
-Wall-mounted or ductless ERV units
-Attic or basement installations with minimal visible disruption
The retrofit is possible, but it may involve higher labor costs and creative routing to work around the home’s compact design.
Retrofitting a whole-home Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) system in a small bungalow without soffit chases can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.