Whole Houses

FOR HOUSES

Our whole house heat recovery ventilation systems supply fresh air in to your house.

• Reduces moisture, no condensation

• Helps prevent moulding

• Saves energy

• Fresh air with closed windows and doors

Every home needs fresh air to come into the building from outside for you to breathe, and for the safe operation of combustion appliances. It’s also vital that stale and damp air and pollutants are removed – both for your health, and the integrity of the building. Opening windows and doors – so-called purge ventilation – teamed with extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms will do the job, but of course causes heat loss.

To ensure that you are saving energy but also creating a healthy home, it’s vital to consider how the house is ventilated. Whole mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems are the solution. They exchange stale air for fresh air, and recover heat in the process.

What Is A Heat Recovery And Ventilation System?

An MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) system will extract the warm, moist air from rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. This is done through a concealed duct system. The air is passed through a heat exchanger then ducted outside. Fresh air from outside is drawn in and passed through the heat exchanger, which warms it, and it’s then ducted to the living rooms and bedrooms. Some systems have a feature so that when it’s warm outside, the air can bypass the heat exchanger to help keep the house cool.

The systems often have more speeds, so when the kitchen and bathrooms are being used – and producing lots of moisture – the extraction rate can be boosted. If you’ve built an energy efficient house, then the system can meet part of the heating needs of your home, as well as helping to distribute the heat. If you are building to Passive-house standard, MVHR will contribute to satisfying the requirements. Many systems come with air filters, so they’re helpful in preventing potential allergens entering the house.

An MVHR system will need regular maintenance. The system needs to be kept in balance in terms of the supply and extraction of air. Filters, grilles, fans and heat exchangers need to be kept clean, too. 

Where Does An MVHR System Go?

The system’s heat exchanger is generally fitted in the loft, although it could also be installed in a void in the eaves or ceiling, or a cupboard in the kitchen or utility room, or even in the garage. Consideration will need to be given to the positioning of the concealed ducting at planning stage.

How Much Does It Cost?

We suggest budgeting from around £500 for only one room (bedroom + bathroom, sitting room, etc.) £1,500 for a two-bedroom house, and £2,500 to £3,000 for a four bedroom.