Can MVHR Provide Cooling?

The need to have cooling mechanisms in the house, even in a cool and usually cold country like the UK, is important to have. Neglecting to have any cooling via ventilation could result in your house being affected by unaddressed humidity.

In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Can MVHR provide cooling?’

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 stands for ‘Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery’ the machines that supply this kind of ventilation can also be known as a ‘heat recovery system/unit.‘

A MVHR system is a type of ventilation system. It extracts indoor air, and replaces it with fresh outdoor air, with no loss in temperature. MVHR units are available in single or multi-room appliances.

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, but they do partly share a similar characteristic, which is to extract the indoor air. Typical extractor fans start and stop at that level of function. Whereas, a MVHR unit will replace the indoor air with filtered air from outside without a loss of heat.

Extractor fans are commonly found in rooms where there is a high level of humidity frequently, this would be in bathrooms and kitchens. The removal of humidity helps to prevent the development of mould within the home.

Does MVHR prevent mould?

As part of a regular ventilation routine, MVHR can help the prevention of mould. That being said, MVHR can’t stop any non-humidity issues that cause mould, such as leaking pipes. Mould poses a threat to your health and should be treated immediately to prevent any developments with a mould allergy.

Can MVHR provide cooling?