MVHR systems provide a vital function for every home, alleviating the issues that can develop as a result of excess humidity. Of course, you don’t want to compromise the peace and quiet of your home. Which naturally leads you to wonder will the fans on a MVHR system bother you?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Are MVHR systems noisy?’
With new buildings being made to be as energy efficient as possible, and the UK aiming for 95% of its electricity usage to be low carbon by 2030, it is imperative to understand how we can make the most of our ventilation. This is where MVHR units come in.
To prevent mould, fresh air should constantly be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or MVHR units. Almost all of this is facilitated by ducting.
I-Sells is here to provide the answers you need whilst also supplying you with all the information you need to combat mould and have a well-ventilated home.
What is MVHR?
MVHR is a term used in the HVAC industry, MVHR stands for ‘Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery’. This is the technical term for what is generally known as heat recovery units, or heat recovery systems.
Heat recovery systems provide all the benefits of regular ventilation with the unique addition of being able to retain heat that would have been lost with regular ventilation. Heat recovery systems can come in single or multi-room applications.
The advantages of heat recovery systems are the following:
- Holds all the benefits of an extractor, including the removal of stale air, humidity and smells.
- It helps to prevent the cultivation of mould through the removal of humidity.
- Temperature sensors ensure that additional heat is not being added to the atmosphere of the home if it is already hot.
- Heat recovery systems take a lot of the burden from you conducting a ventilation routine. This is ideal for a vulnerable person.
- Less of a need to use your central heating frequently as the heat generated through your house is recycled through the heat recovery unit.
- The reduced use of heating as a result of the heat conservation granted by a heat recovery unit can help you save on energy bills.
Is MVHR the same as an extractor fan?
No, although they have a similarity in one aspect of their function, that is the only thing that these two systems share.
The function they share is the extraction aspect. Extractor fans purely extract the air, whereas MVHR units extract the air, replace it with air from outside, and retain any heat that may have been lost through extraction.
As a result of this, MVHR units reduce humidity whilst maintaining comfortable temperatures in your home. Helping you to remove any symptoms that can lead to mould growth, whilst not compromising on your comfort.
Are MVHR systems noisy?
![Are MVHR systems noisy?](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shutterstock_2321448217.jpg)
MVHR systems do produce noise. However, the loudness of this noise is dependent on the type of MVHR system you have, and where it is placed.
Single room MVHR systems are generally placed in kitchens and bathrooms, because these systems are smaller, they produce less sound. Single room units can range from 21-45 dB. Considering the rooms these will be placed in, the sound that emanates is hardly loud, especially considering they do not run constantly.
Multi room units understandably are louder due to the sheer size and scope of these systems. However, when it comes to sound, the main unit is usually placed in a loft or attic space, far away enough to not disturb the home.
What can make a MVHR system quiet?
There are two ways to make a MVHR system operate more quietly if your hearing is extremely sensitive.
The first method is to use the system in a low power setting, and the second method is to perform maintenance on the ventilation and system on a semi frequent basis.
Furthermore, closing the door in the room the system is being used in call also help to reduce the sound you can hear coming from the system.
How loud does sound need to be to damage my hearing?
The hearing mechanisms within our ear are extremely complicated and delicate. Physical damage, extremely loud sounds, even untreated earwax, can alter or damage the extent of your hearing.
Sounds above 85 dB, which is just louder than an alarm clock, can permanently damage your hearing if you listen to a sound of that level for an extended period of time. Luckily, MVHR systems come nowhere close to this level of loudness.
Can I restore my hearing?
Hearing can be permanently altered after significant damage, or exposure to loud continuous sounds over a long period. However, if you aren’t in such an environment and find yourself in one, you can wear ear protection.
In instances like going to a concert, you may find your ears ringing when you’re back home, or even into the next day. Simply avoiding loud sounds for a few days, including using your headphones, can help to restore your hearing. If there is any pain in your ears, pay a visit to your doctor.
Removing earwax can also aid in the improvement of hearing. If your ears are not cleaned over a long period of time, wax can build up to a degree where it blocks your ear. This can limit the amount you can hear, as well as cause pain and discomfort.
The safest way to remove it is by seeing an ear wax removal specialist. Don’t attempt to do this at home, otherwise you may push the wax further in.
How much is a MVHR system?
The MVHR systems that we offer can range from £262, to £2895. Whether it is a single room unit, whole house unit, we have a large variety of options guaranteed to fulfil your needs.
Understandably, the more premium options will offer a larger range of features, whilst the pocket-friendly options still get the job done. Single room units are generally the cheaper option, whilst whole house units tend to be the more premium costing.
New builds and MVHR
![New builds and MVHR](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shutterstock_1666482793.jpg)
You would be under the impression that newer homes have no problems with ventilation etc, but there are occasions where this is not actually the case.
Newer homes, if constructed correctly, are naturally more airtight than older buildings, this is both a positive and a negative.
The benefit is that the home can retain heat effectively, reducing the need for central heating being used constantly.
The downside to this, however, is that it is now harder for heat to escape. And if you neglect using ventilation frequently, or at least open your windows from time to time, you will eventually be dealing with humidity, condensation, and mould.
This is why MVHR units are so important, especially in newer homes, as you are not compromising on losing heat, gaining humidity, or neglecting ventilation.
Purchase a MVHR system today
![Buy a kitchen extractor fan today](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shutterstock_749942077-1.jpg)
We at I-Sells endeavour to ensure our customers have all the information they require before investing in our mould solutions. Be sure to visit our blog page to learn about the vast array of factors and issues surrounding ventilation, mould, condensation, and much more.
We hope to have answered the question ‘Are MVHR systems noisy?’
We understand you may have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about whatever you need our help with. If you’d like to send us an email, click here. For other contact options, see below:
Call us on 020 8463 9696
Visit us at our showroom:
*OPENING TIMES*
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
15 St John’s Parade
Sidcup, Kent
DA14 6ES
United Kingdom
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