The following types of locations in South Africa are particularly suitable for installing ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems:

High-end residential areas in highland cities, such as projects like Waterfall Country Estate in Johannesburg. These areas experience significant diurnal temperature swings and cold winters. 

ERV systems effectively recover indoor heat while introducing fresh air, reducing heating energy consumption and maintaining comfortable, constant indoor temperature and humidity.

For large flats or duplexes, an ERV system with a dispersed return air design optimizes airflow distribution and ensures uniform ventilation across all rooms.

Commercial buildings and star-rated hotels: Office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels in core cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

These buildings experience high traffic volumes and have strict requirements for indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy consumption. ERVs not only meet the demand for high-intensity fresh air, 

but their heat recovery function significantly reduces air conditioning loads, complying with South Africa's increasingly stringent building energy efficiency regulations. 

The main unit is typically installed in an equipment room or ceiling, with access provided and away from rest areas to minimize noise.

Industrial plants in areas with unstable power grids

Manufacturing plants and food processing plants in industrial areas such as Durban and Johannesburg. Local voltage fluctuations and harmonic pollution are severe, 

impacting the operation of precision equipment. ERV systems can be configured independently of the power grid to stabilize voltage, ensuring ventilation while reducing the risk of production interruptions. 

Installation should be away from areas with high temperatures, high humidity, and dust to prevent equipment corrosion or blockage.

New Energy-Saving Building Projects

New development communities nationwide, with a particular emphasis on buildings with sustainability certifications (such as Green Star SA). ERV is a key technology for 

achieving net-zero energy goals and can be combined with solar systems (such as the green energy solution at George Airport) to achieve year-round low-carbon ventilation. 

The design requires precise calculation of ductwork layout to avoid placing fresh air outlets adjacent to pollution sources.

Key Installation Recommendations

Machine Location: Preferentially select suspended ceilings in non-residential areas such as kitchens, balconies, and equipment rooms to ensure load-bearing capacity and soundproofing. 

Duct Design: Use centralized return air (for small apartments) or decentralized return air (for large spaces). The distance between the new and exhaust vents must be greater than three pipe diameters to 

prevent air short-circuiting.

Compliance: Must comply with South African ventilation hygiene regulations for public places, requiring the use of a purification module and provision of duct cleaning ports.