Does a heat recovery system save me money?
Yes, a heat recovery system can save you money. By recovering and reusing heat from stale air being expelled from your home, these systems reduce the need for additional heating, leading to lower energy bills. Over time, the improved energy efficiency can offset the initial investment, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and improving air quality.
How much does a heat recovery ventilation system cost?
151-200m2 you’d be looking at around £3,500-£4,500 including the unit as well as ducting and ancillaries.
However, the cost of a heat recovery ventilation system depends on factors like your home's size, layout, and specific requirements. For a quick and tailored estimate, try our 60-second quote tool to get an idea of costs and options perfect for your project!
Can I install a heat recovery system myself?
Yes it’s possible to install a heat recovery system yourself. It is recommended to have airflow calculations, and a professional CAD design and layout competed to you can install a system that will be efficient and quiet, and you understand how all the components work and fit together. At the Air Shop we have developed a VentAssure™ our Installation Compliance & Support Pack which has everything you need for an onsite installation.
Is MVHR suitable for my home?
Is the property well insulated?
MVHR is most commonly used in new build homes, however, can also be applied to existing homes and extensions. It is a very effective ventilation system if your property has been designed, or renovated to 'keep the heat in'. MVHR works on the principle of recovering and reusing heat that would otherwise have been lost. If your home is not air-tight or well insulated, this heat will just be lost through the facade of the building and heat recovery efficiency will be reduced.
At the very top level you need to consider where the unit will be located and where the ducting will be concealed as it runs out to each room and then the outside. Two terminations (one for supply air and one for extract air) are required and ceiling valves in every room.
Call us and we can help - 0330 223 6776 or email us at sales@theairshop.co.uk
How often do I need to change the heat recovery system filters?
Heat recovery system filters should typically be changed around every 6 months to ensure optimal performance and air quality. Regular maintenance prevents clogging and keeps the system running efficiently. Visit our filters page to find the right replacements for your system. Our filters include:
The Basic Barrier Your essential, entry-level MVHR heat recovery filter to aid indoor air quality and protect your unit and motors. It filters out coarse, visible particles such as dust, sand, hair, insects, and other organic materials.
The Dust Destroyer Our dust destroyer has improved filter density and coverage. If you are sensitive to house dust, dust mites, or allergies linked to these particles, this upgrade is ideal.
The Summer Sneezer A higher-grade filter for common summer allergies. If summer brings nose blowing and itchy eyes, the Summer Sneezer is the best upgrade for you.
The Proper Stopper This is the highest-grade filtration option for your MVHR heat recovery system. It is ideal for high-pollution areas with traffic particulate concerns and for those with high sensitivity to airborne particles. It’s also the perfect option for anyone concerned about their indoor air quality. This option provides complete filtration and is typically added within the ducting network. It filters out very fine dust, combustion particles, bacteria, viruses, and smaller spores.
What is SFP on a heat recovery system? (Specific Fan Power)
Specific Fan Power (SFP) is a measure of how efficiently the fans in a heat recovery system use energy to move air. It’s calculated as the power consumption (in watts) per unit of airflow (measured in litres per second). The lower the SFP, the better the energy efficiency of the unit. Additionally, the higher the percentage of heat recovery, the more heat is retained and reused, further enhancing energy savings and system performance.
What maintenance is required for a MVHR Heat Recovery System?
A MVHR Unit is moving a lot of air in and out of your property every day and can quickly become clogged with dust, debris and grease. Overtime, this can impact performance and issues such as condensation and mould may become an issue, your indoor environment may also start to feel 'stuffy' and increased noise may be experienced as the system works hard to do its job.
Filter changes are recommended every 6 months (or even sooner if you live in a polluted area or suffer with allergies or respiratory issues).
Both filters are helping protect the unit and contribute to your indoor air quality. Filters are available in a range of grades to suit to your indoor air quality need
A system service is recommended annually (it's more than just the filters!)
A full comprehensive service should cover the key parts of the system including:
- Motors and heat exchanger
- In room air valves and ducting connections
- Filters
- Check controls and condensation connections
- Test airflow rates to ensure a balanced system and trickle and boost speeds set to be effective within in the home
What are the key MVHR design considerations?
MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) offers benefits like improved air quality and energy efficiency, but poor design or installation can lead to issues like noise, condensation, and mould.
Here are the key considerations for an effective MVHR system:
- Correct Sizing
- Undersized units lead to excessive noise as the system works harder. Ensure the unit is sized based on floor area, number of bedrooms, and occupancy. Avoid running the unit above 70% of its airflow capacity and consider duct resistance.
- Unit Location
- Place the unit centrally (e.g., in a hall, utility cupboard, or loft) to minimise noise. MVHR systems need annual maintenance, so ensure the unit is accessible for filter changes and motor servicing.
- Ducting Type
- Use rigid or semi-rigid ducting for better performance. Avoid flexible ducting, except where necessary for positioning. Semi-rigid ducting offers easier installation and noise reduction.
- Insulated Ducting
- Uninsulated ducts can cause condensation, leading to water buildup. Insulate ducts, especially in cold areas like lofts, to prevent moisture issues.
For more guidance on MVHR design and installation, contact us at 033 0223 6776 or email sales@theairshop.co.uk.
What is a PassivHaus approved heat recovery unit?
A Passivhaus-approved heat recovery unit is a ventilation system that meets the energy efficiency and performance standards set by the Passive House Institute. These units are designed to recover a high percentage of heat from outgoing air while maintaining low energy consumption and providing excellent air quality. Choosing a Passive House-approved unit ensures optimal performance, energy savings, and compliance with Passive House certification requirements.
For help selecting the right unit, check out our range of high-quality heat recovery systems, and for more information, check out our page completely dedicated to PassiveHaus MVHR Units.
How much does MVHR cost to run?
Heat Recovery Units are designed with energy efficient motors to keep running costs at a minimum.
A typical unit that might be installed in a 2 bedroom flat or small house will typically cost between £35-£45 for the entire year - and remember the heat recovery process is helping recover and re-use heat so you can keep that thermostat static or turn it down a couple of degrees too!
What is MVHR and how does it work?
What is MVHR?
MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) is a system that supplies and extracts air in a home, recovering and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost. It works throughout the entire property, connecting to both wet and habitable rooms.
How it works:
- The MVHR unit extracts moist, polluted air from wet rooms (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens) at a low, constant speed, boosting when needed.
- The extracted air passes through a filter and heat exchanger, where up to 95% of the heat is stored.
- Fresh air is drawn in from outside and supplied to habitable rooms like living rooms and bedrooms.
- This air passes through a filter and heat exchanger, where the recovered heat is transferred to temper the incoming air.
- Summer Mode: When the outside air gets warmer, the heat recovery mode is automatically switched off to prevent overheating.
For more information, check out our dedicated blog on how MVHR works and discover everything you need to know about your system!
Here's our Simple Homeowner Guide - MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation
What are the benefits of MVHR?
- Improves Indoor Air Quality
- Indoor air can be five times more polluted than outdoor air. An MVHR system filters out pollutants, moisture, and particles, providing fresh air throughout the day. Filters tailored to your air quality needs (dust, pollen, pollution) ensure cleaner indoor air.
- Creates a Comfortable Indoor Environment
- A family of four can generate up to 24 pints of moisture daily. MVHR systems remove moisture and particles, maintaining comfort, especially in humid environments. In summer, it also provides a cooling effect by moving air continuously.
- Reduces Heating Bills
- MVHR systems recover up to 95%* of heat from exhaust air, reusing it in incoming air. This reduces energy usage, lowering heating bills.
For more information or to discuss an MVHR project, contact us at 033 0223 6776 or email sales@theairshop.co.uk.
Discover more about the advantages of MVHR systems on our blog page
How is a MVHR System Controlled?
A MVHR unit runs continuously 24 hours per day extracting stale air and replacing with new. It has two speeds - trickle and boost.
The trickle speed runs continuously at a low level throughout the day/night. The boost speed increases the rate of ventilation when activities such as cooking and showering takes place, as there are increased moisture/odours that needs to effectively extract. The boost speed is activated automatically or manually depending on the system set up:
- Automatically via bathroom light (switch live)
- Automatically via humidity sensing
- Manually via a wired switch which is usually located in a central area/kitchen