Building a Passive House? Here’s Why MVHR Is Essential
If you’re building a passive house (passivehaus), you’re likely focused on energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. But achieving these goals requires more than insulation and air-tightness. To create a truly sustainable and healthy home, a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system is essential. Here’s why.
What is MVHR and How Does It Work?
MVHR is a ventilation system that supplies fresh air while recovering heat from stale outgoing air. It uses an advanced heat exchanger to transfer up to 97% of the heat from the extracted air to the incoming air, ensuring energy isn’t wasted.
This process not only keeps your home at a comfortable temperature but also reduces heating costs and energy waste—a cornerstone of passive house design.
Why Do Passive Houses Need MVHR?
- Airtight Design Needs Fresh Air Passive houses rely on airtight construction to minimise heat loss. However, this can lead to stagnant air and moisture build-up. MVHR ensures your home gets a constant supply of fresh, filtered air without compromising air-tightness.
- Preventing Mould and Condensation Moisture from cooking, showering, and daily activities can cause condensation and mould growth in airtight homes. An MVHR system actively removes this moisture, keeping your home healthy.
- Energy Efficiency With energy costs rising, MVHR systems make your home more cost-effective. By recovering up to 97% of heat, they reduce reliance on expensive heating systems, making your passive house even more affordable to run.
- Air Quality for Your Health MVHR systems filter out pollutants, allergens, and dust, delivering clean air for your family. For asthma or allergy sufferers, this can make a significant difference.
- Comfort All Year Round MVHR balances temperature and humidity, ensuring your home stays warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s comfort you’ll notice every day.
Who Should Consider MVHR?
If you’re building or retrofitting a passive house, MVHR is a must. It aligns with the passive house ethos of energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being.
When Should You Install MVHR?
Installing MVHR during the construction or renovation phase is ideal. Early planning allows for seamless integration, ensuring the system works efficiently and discreetly.
How Much Does MVHR Cost?
While the upfront cost of MVHR can seem high, the savings in energy bills and improved air quality make it a worthwhile investment. Over time, the system pays for itself.
Where Can You Learn More?
For UK homes, choosing the right MVHR system is crucial. At Smart Ventilation, we specialise in premium Zehnder systems known for their efficiency, reliability, and low running costs. Our expert team helps you select and install the best system for your home.
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Ready to create the perfect indoor environment for your passive house? Contact Smart Ventilation today for a free consultation and quote. Discover why homeowners across the UK trust us for their MVHR systems.