Choosing an MVHR System?
Five Essential Considerations For Self-Builders.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are essential in today’s high-efficiency, low energy and airtight homes. Working in partnership with Brink Climate Systems, at Kernohan Distribution, we helped pioneer affordable, efficient and
effective ventilation.
With systems installed across Ireland and Northern Ireland, we know a thing or two about MVHR. So, below, you’ll find our top 5 essential considerations for anyone choosing an MVHR system for their new home.
System Sizing and Design
Why It’s Overlooked? Because many people assume one size fits all.
Why Is It Important? Proper sizing and ductwork design are critical. MVHR systems must be tailored to the specific needs of the house in terms of airflow and the layout. Oversized or undersized systems lead to in efficiency, excessive noise, and potential discomfort.
Duct Quality and Installation
Why It’s Overlooked? Ductwork is often hidden and considered secondary.
Why Is It Important? Using airtight, insulated ducts and properly sealing all connections, reduces heat loss and ensures optimal
performance. Poor-quality ductwork can lead to heat loss, noise transfer and compromise system efficiency.
Filtration and Maintenance
Why It’s Overlooked? It’s easy to focus upon a system’s initial efficiency at the expense of long-term performance.
Why Is It Important? High-quality filters (e.g.,HEPA) are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Regular filter replacement and cleaning schedules are often forgotten, which can reduce system efficiency and negatively impact air quality over time.
Noise
Why It’s Overlooked? Too great a focus on efficiency, and too little focus on acoustic comfort.
Why Is It Important? Noise can be a significant issue if the system isn’t installed with attention to sound insulation, and the positioning of components. Systems with poor acoustic design can lead to disruptive background noise, especially in living and sleeping areas.
System Controls and User Interaction
Why It’s Overlooked? Controls are erroneously seen as simple and straightforward.
Why Is It Important? A well-designed MVHR system should be easy to control and adjust, based on occupancy levels and outside
conditions. Overly complex or inaccessible controls can lead to users mismanaging the system, reducing energy efficiency and
comfort.
A Pre-Heater For Frost Protection
Why It’s Overlooked? Many machines come with ‘frost protection’.
Why Is It Important? Whilst many machines incorporate a basic level of frost protection, a well designed and specified unit will
additionally include a pre-heater. Without a preheater, the system may need to bypass the heat exchanger or reduce its supply airflow whilst increasing its extraction rate, leading to a reduction in heat recovery and potentially higher heating costs. It can also dump heat from your home when it is the coldest weather outside. ALWAYS opt for a unit with a pre-heater.