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Renewable Energy

Mechanical Ventilation Systems With Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Mechanical Ventilation With Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery is an energy efficient ventilation and heating solution suitable for both new and retrofit properties (addition of new technology or features to older systems).

MVHR systems perform three main functions. It supply’s fresh filtered air to the living areas such as bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms etc. while also extracting the humid, stale from wet room such as the kitchen, utility and bathrooms. Before exhausting this stale air, it extracts the heat from it. After all you have already spent money heating it. This heat is then transferred to the fresh air and distributed throughout the house.

Benefits Of MVHR Systems Ensure excellent indoor air quality

  • Protects against mould & condensation issues within the property
  • Recovers up to 98% of heat typically lost with passive systems
  • Clinically proven to help sufferers of asthma and other respiratory problems
  • No trickle vents or bathroom fans required.
  • Allow occupant to ventilate property securely without having to open doors or windows.
  • Quiet and draught free
  • Removes unwanted cooking smells and other odours.
  • Helps prevent build-up of potentially lethal radon gas
  • MVHR systems are environmentally friendly and are a recommended in Part F of Irish TGD.
 

Features To Look For In MVHR Systems

The standard of modern MVHR system is extremely high. The features of the high performing MVHR systems recommended  include;

  • Greater than 90% efficiency
  • High Efficiency EC Fans
  • Counter Flow Polystyrene Heat Exchangers
  • Automatic Summer Bypass
  • Built in Humidity Detection
  • Frost Protection
  • Digital Controller
  • Extended Warranty

Introducing Demand Controlled Ventilation

Demand Controlled Ventilation is a controlled method of ventilating your home that links the amount of fresh air supplied to the occupancy of the home. DCV systems continuously monitor indoor air quality measuring parameters such humidity (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are harmful to our health. As these levels fluctuate daily so too does the DCV system ensuring that the flow rates are sufficient when levels are high. The system runs in trickle mode when air quality is good. This ensures optimum ventilation throughout the home using the minimum energy to do so.

Fitting A DCV System

A demand controlled fan unit is installed in the attic/ utility or plant room. A separate duct is installed from the fan unit to the wet rooms such as the kitchen, utility, bathrooms & WCs. Sensors, fitted inline in the duct, or in the room, depending on the brand used, measure air quality in each area. Based on these readings, humid or stale air is extracted from the wet areas and fresh air is drawn into to the house through wall or window vents strategically positioned in each habitable area such as bedrooms, living rooms etc.

Benefits Of DCV

  • DCV systems are demand controlled meaning each room is ventilated at the optimum level.
  • DCV systems are significantly more cost effective to run versus other ventilation systems using as little as .2 to .5 w/l/s. This translates to running costs of less than €50 p/year.
  • DCV systems are automatic and as such demand no user interaction Ensures no mould/ condensation issues throughout the property.
  • DCV systems are suitable for new and existing buildings.
  • DCV systems are very quiet when operating, running at approx. 25-30db.
  • DCV systems do not require filters.
  • DCV systems ensure optimal security as occupants do not need to open windows for ventilation purposes.