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.