Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)
With the introduction of air testing, improved thermal bridging and air sealing as well as closed flues, the necessity for heat recovery ventilation has taken on a more prominent role in today’s market. In essence, your house needs to breathe and the more air tight we make a structure the more consideration we need to give to ventilation. Heat Recovery Ventilation uses the
warm air created in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms and mixes it, via an exchanger, to provide temperature controlled fresh air to other areas of the house. It uses a simple PVC ducted system with ceiling or wall mounted grilles. The main unit itself is usually housed in the attic with access to an external air source. Like all mechanical objects it will require a power source as well as regular servicing including filter changes etc. Some more elaborate models can also be fitted with heating and cooling coils for further enhanced temperature control.
Another system worth considering is DCV or Direct Control Ventilation. This is less expensive than HRV and offers ventilation adapted to the needs and demands of the occupants while ensuring that indoor air quality is not compromised. Control is achieved by detecting and removing pollutants affecting indoor air quality that ultimately cause mould growth and condensation build-up.
