Do You Need a Cooker Hood With MVHR?

A cooker hood is a fairly large vented extraction fan. It has the task of extracting steam, smoke and/or odours whilst you cook. They are more often than not placed directly above your hob/oven. 

The extracted materials are then led through a vent which leads directly outside, this is a one-way system designed specifically to expel pollutants and excess heat.

Cooker hoods usually come with settings that allow you to operate it at different levels. These different levels result in a higher output, the higher you go. The result is the extraction is completed at a quicker rate, at the expense of a louder sound and a larger amount of energy being used.

What happens if I don’t use my cooker hood?

Not using your cooker hood will result in the following…

• A build up of humidity as a result of steam not being able to leave.
• The build up of steam can transfer onto surfaces as condensation.
• Surfaces with condensation can result in mould forming.
• You may get burned from the steam.
• You may choke from any smoke that is emitted
• You can end up smelling like your cooking, which isn’t ideal if you want to avoid that in the first place.

You should use your cooker hood frequently when cooking. Opening a window whilst using it can make it more effective.

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.

Do you need a cooker hood with MVHR?