How Does Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation Work?

Mechanical heat recovery ventilation sounds like a complicated process. Which it is, but, it’s a process that could greatly benefit your whole home. In this blog, we will address the question ‘How does Mechanical heat recovery ventilation work?’

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.

What is mechanical heat recovery ventilation?

Mechanical heat recovery ventilation is a process facilitated by ventilation units known as MVHR, which stands for ‘Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery’, It is an advanced form of a ventilation system.

Its advancement is characterised by the fact that it can retain the heat in the space it ventilates, whilst simultaneously filling the home with filtered outdoor air. MVHR units are available as a single or a multi-room unit.

Single room MVHR units are ideal for bathrooms or kitchens, whereas whole house units are appropriate for any home, as long as the home is appropriately insulated, you will feel the full effects of the MVHR unit.

Whether your home is new or old, MVHR is a win-win. Your home will feel comfortably warm, whilst also combatting the environments that mould thrives in. You gain the benefits of having fresh air, an environment with a reduced level of allergens, and peace of mind that you’re saving money on energy bills in the long-term.

The benefits provided by the system pale in comparison to the comfort you have knowing that mould will struggle to grow in your home. Mould can seriously affect anyone with an allergy to it, along with those with a compromised immune system.

MVHR benefits

The benefits 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.

How does mechanical heat recovery ventilation work?