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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