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.
Tags
Related news
The Spirit of Passive Design
Passive Design is not merely a collection of techniques or technologies — it is a philosophy of living, a way...
View detailQuality of Life (QoL) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Quality of Life (QoL) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) are directly connected. In fact, IEQ is one of the most...
View detailSaving Energy Begins with Letting Go of Desire
In recent years, terms like energy saving and Net Zero have become hot topics in architecture and construction. We talk...
View detail