The installation of packaged heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems has recently become common practise in new homes in Canada. Despite improvements in product quality and reliability, HRV systems are only capable of providing safe, continuous, efficient and effective ventilation if homeholders have a understanding of the basic operation and maintenance procedures and the system's interaction with other house systems. Furthermore, homeholders must be able to perceive the value of HRV systems if they are expected to operate them.