Advantages of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Better indoor air quality:

  • Provides a continuous supply of fresh air to improve indoor air quality.
  • Prevents the build-up of air pollutants, such as those from carpets, cleaning products, or radon.
  • Removes odors.
  • Controls mold and dust mites.
  • Some systems offer monitoring features to check air quality and humidity.

Energy savings:

  • Reduces heat loss in winter and summer.
  • Helps to reduce the load on heating and air conditioning systems.
Disadvantages of MVHR systems

High upfront cost:

  • MVHR systems have a relatively high initial capital cost.
  • However, they can save money on heating costs in the long run.

Ductwork:

  • MVHR systems typically rely on ductwork.
  • While ductwork can be 'hidden' in the ceiling space in most buildings, some building designs are not suitable for ductwork.

Maintenance:

  • MVHR systems require maintenance.
  • This is mostly low-tech maintenance and cleaning of filters.

Additionally:

  • Some understanding of how the system works is required to operate it effectively.
  • MVHR systems can be noisy if not installed and maintained properly.
Conclusion:

MVHR systems can offer many benefits for indoor air quality and energy efficiency. However, they have a high upfront cost and require regular maintenance. Therefore, you should carefully consider whether an MVHR system is right for your home before making a decision.

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