Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, or MVHR for short, is a type of ventilation system commonly used in modern, energy-efficient buildings. While many older buildings rely on the leaks in the building envelope, window vents, or mechanical extract fans, an MVHR system provides fresh air while minimising heat loss.
- Mechanical ventilation - fans simultaneously supply fresh air into living spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, and extract stale air out of rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Heat recovery - as the system moves the air, it passes it through a heat exchanger. The heat from the outgoing stale air is transferred to the incoming fresh air. This reduces the amount of energy needed to heat (or cool) the building.
- Filtered air - MVHR systems usually include filters to remove dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the incoming air.
Key benefits over traditional ventilation when combined with improved airtightness:
- Energy efficiency - recovers up to 90% of the heat that would otherwise be lost through ventilation
- Improved air quality - continuous supply of fresh, filtered air
- Reduced condensation and mold - by keeping humidity under control
- Quiet operation - often quieter than traditional extract fans
Read more about how Sparran can help determine the appropriate ventilation requirements for your project here.