Buildings are notorious energy consumers, with a substantial portion of their energy usage allocated to heating and cooling, approximately 40% of the total consumption. Consequently, there has been an escalating need for building systems that prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency. Enter mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), an innovative system with widespread acclaim due to its exceptional energy-saving attributes. In this captivating blog, we will delve into the intricacies of MVHR, unravelling its inner workings, remarkable energy efficiency, and undeniable sustainability. Embark on this enlightening journey with us to determine the sustainability prowess of MVHR!
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Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is a type of system that uses mechanical fans to circulate fresh air into a building while simultaneously extracting stale air. The system works by passing the incoming and outgoing air streams through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, preheating the incoming air during colder months and precooling it during warmer months.
MVHR systems are designed to provide a constant supply of fresh air into the building while removing stale air. The system uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between the incoming and outgoing air streams, thereby reducing the energy needed to heat or cool the incoming air.
The heat recovery process works as follows: the fresh air is drawn into the building through an intake vent and passed through a filter to remove any particulate matter. The stale air is simultaneously extracted from the building through an exhaust vent. The incoming and outgoing air streams pass through a heat exchanger, transferring the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air. The preheated or precooled air is then circulated throughout the building using mechanical fans.
Read about how MVHR reduces condensation in our article What Causes Condensation?
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MVHR systems are highly energy efficient as they use the heat recovered from the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air. This means that the system requires less energy to heat or cool the incoming air, which in turn reduces the overall energy consumption of the building. In fact, MVHR systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional ventilation systems.
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MVHR systems are sustainable as they reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The systems can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal, further reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, the constant supply of fresh air provided by the system can improve indoor air quality, which is beneficial for the health and well-being of building occupants.
MVHR is a sustainable and clever system that not only helps buildings reduce energy usage but also promotes cleaner and healthier indoor air. It works by using a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, preheating or precooling the incoming air. This reduces the energy needed to heat or cool the incoming air and results in significant energy savings. Additionally, the system can be powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing its environmental impact. MVHR systems are an excellent choice for sustainable building systems, providing a comfortable and healthy indoor environment while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
MVHR is also a good way to meet Building Regulations for ventilation.
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