MVHR

When installed correctly a MVHR unit can make your home more energy efficient by recirculating the stale air from your property back into the building.

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What is MVHR?

MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. An MVHR system provides fresh filtered air into a property whilst retaining most of the energy that has already been used in the heating of that building. It both supplies and extracts air throughout a property and demand for this method of ventilation is on the increase as it can reduce the heating and cooling demands of the building and is great for the environment as you’re re-circulating heat that would otherwise be lost.

How does MVHR work?

MVHR works by extracting the air from polluted sources such as the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, wet room and utility room and returning clean, filtered, fresh, warm air to the ‘living’ rooms such as bedrooms, lounge, study etc. The extracted air is taken through a central heat exchanger and the heat recovered into the supply air.

If installed correctly, this system can make your home much more energy efficient and consequently more cost effective.

MVHR Design

MVHR systems require ducts to be run through the building and the routing of those ducts is important. Good design should therefore be considered at the very early planning stage of your new-build or refurb. The layout of rooms can be influenced by ventilation needs and we are able to ensure the most optimum system is designed in order to suit the unique needs of your home.

The installation of MVHR in a building will also affect the heating system design. One of the effects of heat recovery ventilation is to equalise the temperature throughout the building. Therefore it is important to prioritise the heat supply to the rooms that should be warmer. If the building is of sufficiently high standard then it might only be necessary to put heat directly into certain rooms.

How airtight does your property need to be?

MVHR Systems provide controlled ventilation with slow but constant air movements. In contrast, natural ventilation through background ventilators (trickle vents) is a form of uncontrolled ventilation, which fluctuates with wind speeds, temperatures, internal obstructions, such as the opening or closure of internal doors, trickle vents, blinds and curtains.

Building Regulations’ Approved Document F states that MVHR is suitable for properties of all air tightness rates, though there is the potential that for an older, leaky dwelling, the efficiency returns may not be as high as that of a newer build. Air tightness targets should always be set for new build and refurbishment properties, this is usually completed by an architect or consultant at the start of the project.

Benefits of MVHR

A well designed MVHR system can make your property more energy efficient and cheaper to run.
If a property suffers from noise, e.g. close to a busy road or airport, MVHR systems with adequate silencers will provide a good solution for ventilation without the need to open windows.
If air quality is problematic, various kinds of filtration in MVHR systems can deal with pollen, rural and industrial smells. Also, the position of the air intake can be carefully chosen in order to avoid the intake of polluted air from nearby roads.
MVHR systems will actively dehumidify when it is colder outside than inside, thus reducing condensation.
In areas with high midge infestation, MVHR systems with good tight-fitting filters can help to keep your home free from insects.

Is MVHR right for you?

It can be difficult to know which ventilation system is right for you. We can help. Call us for a free consultation and to discuss your needs.

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