Q. Does the system really recover 90% plus of the heat?

A. Yes...but...Tests vary country to country.  The same product can be 90% in one country yet only 80% in another because of the test criteria.  The tests which give these results are generally test on the unit not including the system. If the system is not designed and installed correctly there can be big thermal losses in the duct work.  The efficiency of the system depends on the speed the air passes over the heat exchange block and the humidity of the air. In the UK the units tend to be the most efficient in the autumn and spring months

Q. What is the saving?

A. It all depends on what you compare it against.  It is reckoned the a conventional central extract system in a detached house can extract over 2 kW of energy an hour.  If a system is running at 80% efficiency then the unit will recover 1600W of energy at a cost of less than 50W for the fans. Giving a nett saving of 1550W an hour. This equates to 1.5KW per hour at what ever price you pay. The savings are less in warmer weather.

Q. Are there any other benefits of whole house ventilation with heat recovery?

A. Yes.  A draft free well ventilated house with much reduced pollution. The system will help to dry out newly built houses and reduce condensation through out the home. People think long and hard about the financial investment but I have yet to meet somebody who has this type of system installed who would not insist on it be in a new home.

Q. Is whole house ventilation suitable for all homes?

A. No. Normally it suits new builds best when the systems ductwork can be designed in at the beginning.

Q. Can a domestic heat recovery unit be installed anywhere in a house?

A. No. HRV units should always be installed in insulated (warm) areas of a house.

Q. Do I need trickle vents?

A. No. The idea is to create a mechanical system where the home owner has full control (within the building regulations).

Q. What about transferring heat around a building from wood burning stoves and similar appliances?

A Please click on this text for a detailed answer.

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