What is an MVHR System and what is it doing for my home?

Improvements in modern building techniques means that our homes are becoming more airtight than ever, which is great for insulation however it can leave stale air, foul smells, condensation and damp. An MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery) system is a complex ventilation system that extracts polluted air from your home and replaces it with a filtered and clean air supply whilst recovering the heat for your home.

The unit itself is either located in a utility cupboard or loft. Newer homes fitted with these systems have a much better indoor air quality if the system is commissioned and serviced regularly.

So, what are the benefits?

An MVHR system supplies fresh air into your home through a low-energy heat exchange meaning that your home is getting a consistent fresh air supply. This balanced ventilation works effectively in both the winter and the summer. The heat recovery aspect of an MVHR system recovers heat that would otherwise be lost through other ventilation systems at up to a 95% rate of efficiency. This means that the demand on your properties heating systems are reduced greatly saving you money on utilities and reducing your carbon footprint. The fact that the system is working year round means that a well-balanced system will reduce the likelihood of mould or condensation in your property which thrives in moist and humid room corners. This can massively help in alleviating airborne allergies and asthma symptoms as the air is much purer. By filtering the air, MVHR systems tackle odours and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can be found in household products and are detrimental to your health. These harmful compounds are filtered out protecting you and improving the overall internal environment in which you live.