Can You Design Your Own MVHR?

MVHR systems provide a number of benefits and ease the burden of maintaining a mould free home, there are many kinds of MVHR systems available, but can you design your own MVHR 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.

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 does MVHR stand for?

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.

Are there any advantages of MVHR?

Yes, there are many advantages of a MVHR system, the key advantage is its ability to retain warmth without contributing to humidity. This saves money that could be spent heating your home, whilst helping to prevent the environment that mould thrives in.

The aim of a heat recovery system, aside from recovering any heat that is lost through ventilation, is to create an environment in which condensation, and consequently mould, can’t survive. 

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 there a disadvantage to MVHR?

Not exactly, though if you are already short on space, having an MVHR unit can take up more space than you are able to give. However, some models have more than one way to set up, some of these set-ups are specifically made to give you more space.

Which rooms require MVHR the most?

As everybody has different homes, there are different factors at play that can affect which room requires MVHR the most. However, generally the kitchen and bathrooms of a home require ventilation, due to the steam that is created through cooking and bathing respectively. 

Other rooms that may require MVHR more than others are ones where condensation occurs easily, or rooms that have lots of electronics operating, which have a by-product of heat, which can become condensation if you aren’t careful.

Can you design your own MVHR?