Heat recovery is often described as “sensible” or “enthalpy.” The difference decides comfort, energy savings, and which technology to specify.
Sensible Recovery
Transfers temperature only. Plate exchangers, heat pipes, and run-around coils are sensible devices. They pre-heat or pre-cool the supply air without adding or removing moisture.
Enthalpy Recovery
Transfers both temperature and moisture. Enthalpy rotary wheels and some membranes move water vapor, which can cut cooling and dehumidification loads in humid climates.
Which Should You Choose?
| Condition | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Cold, dry climate | Sensible (avoid adding moisture indoors) |
| Hot, humid climate | Enthalpy (reduce cooling + dehumidification) |
| Drying / exhaust with moisture | Sensible (don’t return humidity) |
| Swimming pool / ice rink | Enthalpy wheel |
Energy Impact
Enthalpy recovery can reduce total HVAC energy by an additional 10–30 % versus sensible-only in humid regions, because it offsets both latent and sensible loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does enthalpy recovery spread bacteria?
Modern enthalpy wheels use antimicrobial coatings and purge sectors; risk is low when maintained per manufacturer guidance.
Can a plate exchanger do enthalpy?
Only special enthalpy plates or membranes; standard aluminum plates are sensible-only.
Practical Notes
- In cold, dry winters, sensible recovery avoids over-humidifying indoor air.
- In cooling-dominated, humid climates, enthalpy recovery is usually worth the extra complexity.
- For drying or process exhaust that must not return moisture, stay sensible.
Sizing note
When comparing sensible and enthalpy recovery, size from the actual ventilation airflow and the design temperature difference, not nameplate. A 10 C supply-air temperature rise recovered at 80% effectiveness removes most of the heating load before the coil – the choice between sensible and enthalpy then decides how much latent load the cooling coil must also handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does enthalpy recovery spread bacteria?
Modern enthalpy wheels use antimicrobial coatings and purge sectors; risk is low when maintained per manufacturer guidance.
Can a plate exchanger do enthalpy?
Only special enthalpy plates or membranes; standard aluminum plates are sensible-only.
Specify the right heat exchanger
Our engineers size the core to your airflow, temperature and pressure-drop budget, and select plate, rotary or heat-pipe recovery by application. Read the heat exchanger guide or contact us for a specification.
Related products
Plate, wheel or pipe recovery for HVAC and ventilation.
Stationary, high-surface-area cores for air and liquid.
High-effectiveness energy recovery for large airflows.
Passive, fully separated streams for clean applications.