Can MVHR Systems Heat Your House

MVHR systems are primarily designed to improve indoor air quality by providing a constant supply of fresh air while recovering heat from the extracted air. While they’re highly efficient at recovering heat and reducing energy consumption, they’re not a standalone heating system.  

Think of an MVHR system as a tool to help your existing heating system work more efficiently. It doesn’t generate heat itself, but it significantly reduces heat loss by recovering the warmth from extracted air and transferring it to incoming fresh air. This means your home stays warmer for less energy, leading to potential savings on heating bills.  

However, there are limitations. In extremely cold climates, the recovered heat might not be sufficient to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without additional heating support.

Additionally, the efficiency of heat recovery can vary depending on factors like the system’s design, the temperature difference between the incoming and outgoing air, and the overall insulation of your home.

It’s important to consider your specific needs and climate when deciding if an MVHR system is right for you. While it won’t replace your main heating system, it can be a valuable addition to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort.  

In summary, MVHR systems can help to heat your home by recovering and redistributing heat, but they are not a primary heating source. They work best in conjunction with other heating systems to optimise energy efficiency and indoor climate. 

Should You Turn Off Your MVHR in Summer?

Generally, no, you shouldn’t turn off your MVHR system completely in the summer.

While it’s true that the heat recovery function of MVHR units are less beneficial during warmer months, the system still plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. By extracting stale air and introducing fresh air, it helps to prevent issues like mould, condensation, and stuffiness.

Many modern MVHR systems have a ‘summer bypass’ mode. This setting allows fresh air to bypass the heat exchanger, preventing it from warming the incoming air. This mode helps to cool your home down, especially at night when outdoor temperatures are lower.

So, instead of turning off your MVHR entirely, it’s recommended to switch it to summer bypass mode when temperatures rise. This way, you benefit from continuous ventilation without compromising indoor comfort.

However, if your MVHR system doesn’t have a summer bypass mode, you might consider adjusting the fan speed to a lower setting to reduce airflow and energy consumption.

Remember, every home is different, and factors like your local climate, home insulation, and personal comfort preferences can influence the best approach.

Can I open my windows if I have MVHR?

Generally, it’s okay to open your windows even if you have an MVHR system. While the MVHR is designed to provide constant ventilation, opening windows can offer additional benefits:

• Increased ventilation: Opening windows can provide extra ventilation, especially in rooms without dedicated extract fans.
• Rapid cooling: On hot days, opening windows can help cool your home quickly.
• Fresh air: If you prefer the feel of natural air, opening windows can provide a more refreshing environment.

However, there are a few things to consider:

• Efficiency: Opening windows can reduce the efficiency of your MVHR system as it disrupts the balanced airflow.
• Heat loss: In winter, opening windows can lead to increased heat loss, potentially raising your energy bills.
• Noise pollution: Opening windows can increase noise levels from outside.

Ultimately, the decision to open your windows depends on your personal preference and the specific circumstances. If you want to maximise energy efficiency, it’s generally recommended to rely on the MVHR system for ventilation.

Low-energy heating solutions

Keeping your home warm without breaking the bank requires a combination of insulation, heating system efficiency, and clever habits. Here are some effective strategies:

Improve Insulation

• Loft insulation: Ensure your loft is well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping through the roof.
• Wall insulation: Consider cavity wall insulation to reduce heat loss through your walls.
• Floor insulation: Insulating your floors can help retain heat, especially if you have ground-floor rooms.
• Draught proofing: Seal up gaps around doors, windows, and skirting boards to prevent cold air entering your home.

Optimise Your Heating System

• Regular servicing: Ensure your boiler or heating system is serviced annually to operate efficiently.
• Radiator bleeding: Bleeding your radiators can improve heat distribution and efficiency.
• Radiator placement: Avoid obstructing radiators with furniture to maximise heat output.

Warmth-Saving Habits

• Layer up: Wear warmer clothing indoors to reduce the need for higher heating.
• Close doors: Keep doors to unused rooms closed to retain heat in occupied spaces.
• Curtains: Close curtains at dusk to prevent heat loss through windows.
• MVHR units: Having a MVHR unit will naturally help to retain warmth in rooms in which has more ventilation, such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Alternative Heating Sources

• Log burners. These can provide additional warmth, but ensure they are used safely and efficiently.
• Electric blankets and hot water bottles: These can offer personal warmth without heating the entire room.

Remember, a combination of these measures will yield the best results. By making gradual changes and being mindful of your energy consumption, you can significantly reduce your heating bills while maintaining a comfortable home.

Explore MVHR systems today