Modern ventilation systems are playing a key role in ensuring energy efficiency and enhancing the sustainability of our homes. Specifiers are seeking innovative ways to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality in their projects. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are an essential technology that meets current energy standards and is compatible with sustainable living.
MVHR systems are advanced ventilation solutions that provide a continuous supply of fresh air while simultaneously recovering heat from the outgoing stale air. This ensures that homes remain well-ventilated without incurring excessive energy costs. By capturing and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost, MVHR systems significantly enhance energy efficiency. The key component is the heat exchanger, which transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air. This process can recover 73-95% of the heat.
By recovering heat, MVHR systems reduce the overall energy demand of a home, making them an essential feature for energy-efficient buildings. In addition, providing continuous ventilation improves indoor air quality by eliminating pollutants, allergens and excess moisture, creating a healthier living environment. Although the initial investment in MVHR technology may be higher than for traditional systems, the long-term savings on energy bills can be significant.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The latest Building Regulations require that all new homes built from 2025 must have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency. Incorporating MVHR systems is not just beneficial – it is becoming a necessity for compliance.
Domestic buildings account for a significant portion of energy consumption in the UK, with heating alone responsible for approximately 61% of energy use. Traditional ventilation methods often exacerbate this issue by allowing warm air to escape, leading to increased heating demands. In contrast, MVHR systems mitigate heat loss, making them a vital component in sustainable homes.
The integration of smart technology with MVHR systems enhances their efficiency and user-friendliness. Smart controls can adjust ventilation rates based on occupancy and air quality, ensuring optimal performance while minimising energy consumption. This adaptability is crucial in modern homes, where energy management is a priority.
DESIGNING FOR EFFICIENCY
The effectiveness of an MVHR system depends mainly on its design and installation. Correct duct routing and sizing is essential to ensure that the system operates efficiently. A well-designed system should function seamlessly in the background, providing comfort without creating a noise disturbance.
While MVHR systems are essential for energy efficiency, they are also integral to achieving higher standards, such as the Passivhaus certification. This rigorous standard creates homes that are not only energy-efficient, but also comfortable and sustainable. Achieving Passivhaus certification requires meticulous attention to detail in insulation, airtightness and ventilation, with MVHR systems playing a pivotal role.
Investing in MVHR technology is not just about compliance; it can help to increase the market appeal of homes. As the demand for sustainable living spaces grows, homes equipped with advanced ventilation systems provide added value and long-term savings.
While MVHR systems are at the forefront of energy-efficient ventilation, there are other options available that can also contribute to sustainability. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems introduce fresh air into the home, helping to dilute indoor pollutants. These systems operate continuously and offer energy-efficiency, making them suitable for both large and small homes.
Another option is Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV), which is typically installed in newbuilds, involving either centralised or de-centralised units. These systems remove stale air from the home efficiently, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air without excessive energy use.
Building designers are recognising that alongside achieving compliance, many modern ventilation systems, like MVHR, can bring benefits in terms of enhanced energy efficiency. This can make a major difference to people looking to live in sustainable, low-carbon homes.
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