Can MVHR Be Used as Main Heating System?
MVHR systems contribute to the fresh air in your home, whilst also retaining heat that would normally be lost in ventilation. But how effective is it? Is it enough for you to not need your heating system?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Can MVHR be used as main heating system?’
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.
Why is ventilation important?
Ventilation, whether that be facilitated through a MVHR system, or extraction fans, serve a vital purpose in any home or indoor space. That function is to prevent the conditions that create mould.
Mould reproduces from tiny spores. The spores float through the air and deposit on the surfaces. Under adequate temperature, moisture, and nutrient conditions, the spores can form new mould colonies. Humidity provides the optimal environment for mould to develop.
Mould explained
Mould, otherwise known as damp, is a kind of fungus that grows on wet surfaces. Mould comes in a variety of colours: Black, Green, Brown, Grey and White. It can be difficult to identify mould by colour as it can occur in many shades. Some of the most common mould strains in the home are:
- Black Mould – Also called Stachybotrys chartarum, Black mould is commonly found in bathrooms and wet rooms but can also occur on cold exterior walls in habitable rooms such as the bedroom or living room.
- Cladosporium – Commonly found in bathrooms, under sinks, and around faucets but it can grow on surfaces like carpets, furniture, walls, and floors.
If you have found mould in your home, you need to assess if this is your landlord’s responsibility (for example it could be from a leaking roof that needs repairing). Or if the dampness is caused by improper ventilation. To assess your options, click here.
You should not be amongst mould, aim to get rid of it immediately, as it can be known to affect people’s health or intensify health conditions if you have a mould allergy.
What’s MVHR?
MVHR stands for ‘Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery’. This is the formal term, the units that use this technology are generally known as heat recovery units, or heat recovery systems.
As the name suggests, MVHR units provide the function and benefits of ventilation, whilst also finding a way to recover heat that is lost during ventilation. They are available in single or multi-room units.
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.
Can MVHR be used as main heating system?
No. MVHR is not designed to be the main heating system of your whole home. This goes for our single room systems and our multi-room systems. They are to be used in conjunction with your heating systems. The eventual goal being that you would need to use your heating system less often as a result of the MVHR’s effects.
The reason MVHR can’t be used as a main heating system, is simply because MVHR doesn’t generate heat, it retains heat. Specifically, heat that is lost through ventilation.
Replacing your ventilation with an MVHR system will result in the extracted air being replaced with fresh outdoor air, along with the heat that woud have otherwise escaped through extraction.
You must have heat in your home first before an MVHR system can retain it. Generally, your heating systems provide the heat in your home. On a micro scale, electronics, body heat, and heat from cooking/bathing can contribute to heat in the home, but it is not significant enough to heat the whole house.
Will MVHR retain heat if my house is cold?
If your house is cold, then you can’t feel the heat, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any at all, it just means there isn’t enough for you to feel warm. An MVHR system will retain that heat, if indeed there is any.
Can I have my heating on with MVHR?
Yes. The heat gained will not be lost. On occasions where your home is too hot, such as during the summer time, some of the MVHR systems we stock have a summer bypass feature. Retaining the ventilation function of the system without retaining the heat.
Signs you need a MVHR system
Below are some simple signs that can indicate that a MVHR system is a worthy investment for your home. These signs are…
- Your home or certain rooms feel humid all of the time.
- There is mould present in certain areas of your home.
- Heat escapes the house quickly when using ventilation.
- The air in your home isn’t fresh/ has dust present.
How much are MVHR systems?
The cost of MVHR systems vary between the type of MVHR unit you need. Naturally, single-room units will cost less than whole-house units. Our range of MVHR units begin from just over £260, to over £3000.
You can click here to view our full range of MVHR units.
Methods to retain heat in the home
By using a keen eye, you can easily recgonise if your home needs upgrading to retain heat better/ This also bolsters the performance of a MVHR system, should you already have one.
Below are methods and/or solutions to positively impact the effectiveness of a MVHR system, or ways to generally retain heat in the home.
- Invest in double or triple glazing if your windows are old and letting heat escape.
- Inspect doorways and windows that lead to outside, for any cracks, or drafts that enter the house when closed.
- Try to inspect areas with accessible insulation (safely) incase it may need to be replaced.
- Make sure your heaters are bled to ensure they are working completely.
- Don’t keep a window open constantly.
Purchase a MVHR system today
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 ‘Can MVHR be used as main heating system?’
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:
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Sunday: Closed
15 St John’s Parade
Sidcup, Kent
DA14 6ES
United Kingdom
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