One of the most common questions we receive at Smart Ventilation is, “How much does an MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system cost to run?” Given that energy prices are always a concern, it’s important to know exactly how much power your system will consume.
Electricity Consumption in the UK
In the UK, the average unit price for electricity is currently around 23p per kWh. This is the standard rate that will determine how much it costs to power your MVHR system. To understand what this means for your home, we need to look at how much energy an MVHR unit actually uses.
Smart Ventilation’s Energy-Saving Design Approach
When we design an MVHR system for your home, one of our priorities is energy efficiency. Our systems are purposely oversized for your property’s needs, meaning that during normal operation, your unit will only run at around 60% capacity. This is not only great for energy efficiency but also for noise reduction and durability.
By running at 60% capacity, your MVHR system stays right in the middle of its efficiency curve, where it performs best. It’s also quieter because it isn’t operating at full throttle, and it experiences less wear and tear, meaning it will last longer. This approach saves you money in the long run on both energy bills and maintenance costs.
How MVHR Helps Reduce Heating Costs
While an MVHR system won’t actively heat your home, the savings from heat recovery mean your heating system has less work to do. Our MVHR systems capture the heat from the air that’s being extracted from your home and transfer it to the fresh incoming air. This pre-warmed, filtered air reduces the need for additional heating, providing potential savings on your heating bills.
High Efficiency with Zehnder Systems
At Smart Ventilation, we often use Zehnder systems, known for their high-performance heat exchangers. These systems can achieve up to 97% heat exchanger efficiency, meaning 97% of the heat captured from the extracted air is transferred to the incoming fresh air. This maximises comfort while minimising energy loss, contributing even further to your home’s overall efficiency.
How We Estimate Running Costs
Each MVHR system has a different energy draw, depending on its size and specifications. Once we design a system tailored to your home, we will include the expected wattage draw of the unit in your quote. This allows you to calculate the potential running costs with ease.
As a quick example, let’s say the MVHR system we select for your home consumes 50 watts during normal operation. Here’s how you can calculate the running costs:
- Daily Consumption: 50 watts = 0.05 kW
0.05 kW x 24 hours = 1.2 kWh per day - Daily Running Cost: 1.2 kWh x 23p = 27.6p per day
- Monthly Running Cost: 27.6p x 30 days = £8.28 per month
Of course, this is a rough example, and actual costs will vary based on the system you choose and how often it runs.
Final Thoughts
At Smart Ventilation, we aim to provide you with an efficient, quiet, and long-lasting system that won’t break the bank. With our detailed quotes and energy-saving designs, you’ll always know what to expect in terms of running costs. Plus, with heat recovery reducing your heating system’s workload and Zehnder systems offering up to 97% heat recovery efficiency, you can enjoy savings on both your energy bills and heating costs.
For a tailored quote or more information on running an MVHR system, contact us today!