Heat Recovery
MVHR Heat Recovery Units – Energy Efficient Ventilation
To meet new standards, MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems are being fitted in new or existing homes. At Energy BY DESIGN Dorset, we can create the perfect air flow solution for you.
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Recycling
Warm Air
Warm moist air is extracted from wet areas of a building (e.g. utility, kitchen, bathrooms and shower rooms). This air passes into the unit across a heat exchanger where up to 92% of the heat is extracted. The heat is then transferred to fresh air being drawn in from the outside. Warm dry air is then returned to the living areas of the building.
Cost Effective, Low Maintenance.
It may seem that the amount of energy required to run the fan for the heat recovery unit would prove to be expensive, but the introduction of DC fan motors can reduce the energy requirements to a minimum. The amount of heat retained by the unit far outweighs this cost – this can be further mitigated if the property is fitted with solar PV panels (which produce their own electricity).
MVHR – A Tailored Air Flow System
The overall effect of an MVHR system is to increase the comfort levels within the property, removing moist stale air and replacing it with pre-warmed fresh air. Condensation mould is eliminated and the saving on heating costs is significant. As the incoming air is filtered, pollen and other particles are also removed which can help with any allergies.
Why the need for Heat Recovery Units?
With the improvement in insulation standards and the move towards producing air tight properties, the problem of air quality has become an issue. This is where heat recovery solutions are at their most efficient.
In the past, Building Regulations required extract fans in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens to remove warm moist air and prevent condensation. The improvement in weather seals around doors and windows prevented fresh air from entering the building. With the need for extractor fans the Building Regulations then introduced trickle vents to provide the necessary air changes.
Although this reduced condensation, the continuous air changes within the building also removed a large proportion of the heat.
Heat recovery units are the solution to new and existing homes to overcome these problems.
Why Ventilate?
Did you know…
THE AVERAGE PERSON SPENDS 90% OF THEIR TIME INDOORS?
AIR CAN BE UP TO 50 TIMES MORE POLLUTED INDOORS THAN OUTDOORS?
The effect of not having good indoor air quality in the home can be dramatic. Why is that? We only need to contemplate the number of cleaning products, hair sprays, paints, air fresheners and new furniture and carpets that we bring into our home to realise what we’re feeding our indoor air quality with. The presence of condensation and mould can also worsen skin allergies, respiratory conditions and general health. Today’s new builds tend to be extremely airtight, which has its benefits in terms of heating bills, but doesn’t have the benefits of fresh air coming into the home.
How can you improve ventilation and indoor air quality within your home?
Streaming windows, damp surfaces and musty smells are tell-tale signs of condensation dampness. Condensation is caused by excess moisture being produced by every day activities like bathing and showering, cooking, washing and drying our clothes inside. You can’t see this moisture once it is absorbed into the indoor air, until it comes into contact with cold surfaces where it condenses into droplets of water.
An increase in condensation levels can result in damp patches on walls and peeling wallpaper. Left untreated this can lead to mould growth which can be potentially harmful and lead to serious health issues and breathing difficulties which is why it is important to reduce humidity levels in a property.