What is an MVHR Filter?
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units usually have 2 filters inside them - a supply air filter and an extract air filter. As air is drawn in from outside, the supply air filter helps remove airborne particles like dust and pollen from entering your home, therefore protecting your indoor air quality - especially important in urban areas with higher levels of pollution. The extract air filter helps protect the motor from grease and dust build up as it remove air from inside your property.
Overtime these filters get clogged (just like your hoover filter!) and become less effective at doing their job, and start to impact how the entire system is working for your home. Think - clogged filter on hoover doesn't pick anything up - clogged filter on MVHR unit makes it difficult to remove stale moisture laden air and replace with new!
How often should I change the MVHR Filters?
It's really up to you, your indoor air quality wants and needs and your external environment - but here are some recommendations:
- MINIMUM every 6 months
- Every 3–6 months where outdoor air pollution is high, or allergies and indoor air quality is a concern
- You may want to consider seasonal changes e.g. upgrading to a summer sneezer during the pollen season
MVHR Filter from The Air Shop - What do our colour tabs mean?
We've made it easy for you to choose your MVHR filters based on your indoor air quality needs. We offer a range of high performance filters to help with a range of allergies and airborne particles
Here’s a breakdown of our MVHR filter packs:
- The Basic Barrier: 2 x blue tag filters (G3).
- The Dust Destroyer: 1 blue tag (extract) and green tag (supply) filter (G3 and G4).
- The Summer Sneezer: 1 blue tag (extract) and yellow tag (supply) filter (G3 and M5).
- The Proper Stopper : 2 x pleated filters (M5 and F7).
How do I know where to put each filter if I have two different colour tabs?
You usually DO NOT need to turn the unit off to replace filters - however we recommend to have a look at the manufacturers guide to confirm.
Follow these simple instructions to locate which filter goes where:
1. Locate where the filters are in the MVHR Unit
Filters are often accessible via slots on the front of the unit as shown below. Sometimes, you need to remove the front panel of the unit to change the filters. Refer to the manfacturers user guide if you are unsure.
2. Look at the old filters
When you are removing the older filters take note of the side with the dirtiest filters - these are typically on the SUPPLY AIR side of the unit and where you will need to place your highest grade filter e.g. yellow tag for Summer Sneezer and green tag for Dust Destroyer
3. Use the condesate connection as a guide
If you can't distinguish between the filters you are removing, use the condensate connection of the unit to understand which side the SUPPLY AIR is on the MVHR Unit. It is recommended you consult the manufacturers user guide, however you can visually look at the condensate on the unit. The SUPPLY AIR will be on the opposite side to where the condensate pipe is coming out. Therefore, this is where you put your highest grade filter.
If you are unsure, please send us a photo and we will be able to help email sales@theairshop.co.uk or call 033 0223 6776