MVHR Systems
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to improve air quality while reducing energy consumption. These systems offer a smart, efficient way to ventilate your home by recovering heat from the air that’s being expelled and using it to warm the fresh air being brought in.
How MVHR Systems Work
MVHR systems continuously extract warm, stale air from rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture and pollutants tend to build up. As the stale air is expelled, the system captures the heat and transfers it to the fresh, cooler air being drawn in from outside. The result is fresh, filtered air circulating throughout your home, without losing valuable warmth. This process allows you to ventilate your home while maintaining a stable indoor temperature and reducing the strain on your heating system.
The Benefits of MVHR Systems
Energy Efficiency:
One of the main advantages of MVHR systems is their ability to recover up to 97% of the heat from the outgoing air, reducing the need for additional heating. This makes MVHR a great investment for reducing
energy bills and improving the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Improved Air Quality:
MVHR systems provide continuous, filtered fresh air, improving indoor air quality by removing pollutants, allergens, and excess humidity. This is especially beneficial for households with individuals suffering from allergies
or respiratory conditions, as it helps to create a cleaner, healthier living environment.
Humidity Control:
In damp climates like the UK, MVHR systems also help regulate indoor humidity, preventing condensation and mould growth. By maintaining the right balance of humidity, they contribute to a more comfortable living environment
and protect your home’s structure from moisture damage.
Why MVHR Is Important in the UK
In the UK, where winters are cold and damp, MVHR systems offer significant advantages over traditional ventilation methods like Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) or Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV). These basic systems don’t recover heat, which can result in higher energy costs as your heating system works harder to maintain warmth. With MVHR, you keep the warmth inside your home, lowering your heating bills and reducing energy waste.
Not All MVHR Systems Are Created Equal
While the concept of MVHR is similar across systems, the quality and efficiency can vary significantly. Cheaper units may offer a lower initial price, but they often come with reduced heat recovery efficiency, higher running costs, and shorter lifespans. Over time, these lower-quality systems can end up costing more due to increased maintenance and replacement needs.
Why We Recommend Zehnder MVHR Systems
At Smart Ventilation, we specialise in Zehnder MVHR systems because they offer the highest level of performance, efficiency, and reliability. Zehnder’s heat exchangers recover up to 97% of heat, ensuring minimal energy loss and some of the lowest running costs in their class. Their systems are also built to last, with easy servicing and maintenance, meaning fewer issues over the years and better long-term value.