Heat Recovery Ventilation

RegaVent Heat Recovery Ventilation

Energy Efficiency

In recent years the need for carbon reduction has placed considerable emphasis on preventing the waste of costly energy in the home by insulation, draught proofing and double glazing. Worthwhile as this is, it inevitably cuts the level of ventilation in the home causing the build up of airborne pollutants and preventing the circulation of fresh air which is essential for healthy living.

The conventional answer to this has been the installation of trickle vents in doors and window frames and noisy extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens, effective but defeating the object of building to a high standard to achieve an airtight construction.

Now the energy efficient answer is the installation of a RegaVent heat recovery ventilation system. This system provides a continuous gentle flow of fresh air to all living rooms whilst removing moist polluted air from bathrooms, kitchens and toilets.

The problem

Pollution

Poor indoor air quality can result from the build up of gases from building materials, furnishings, or cleaning products in addition to the problems caused by dust mites, pollen, pet odours and unpleasant smells.

Water Vapour

An average size household can produce up to 18 litres of moisture per day by the normal activities of cooking washing and breathing. Without correct ventilation this can result in condensation and mould growth. This causes unhealthy living conditions and in extreme cases damage to the fabric of the building.

Allergies

House dust mites are proven to be major factor in the increase in the incidence of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Moist warm conditions are ideal for the dust mite causing an increase in their population and greater health problems as a result.

Heat Loss

Open windows, fans and trickle vents result in uncontrolled air movement with excessive air changes which can mean that the cost of warming the indoor air can be 40% of the total heating bill. In addition open windows and trickle vents create unwanted draughts and unsightly extract fans are noisy in operation.

The Solution

Controlled energy efficient ventilation with heat recovery provides continuous balanced ventilation throughout the home creating a fresh, healthy and comfortable household environment.

The System

The heart of the RegaVent MVHR system is a central air unit housing two powerful low energy fans and a high efficiency heat exchanger. One fan is connected by a duct system to all of the “wet†rooms of the home where moisture and pollutants are produced, the air from these rooms is extracted and exhausted to outside. En route to outside the stale air passes through a heat exchanger where up to 95% of its heat is removed. A second fan brings fresh air in from outside, the fresh air passes through the heat exchanger where it is pre-warmed by the heat transferred from the extract air and ducted to the living rooms and bedrooms.

Through the heat exchanger the air streams do not mix, so the home is supplied with a constant supply of pre-warmed fresh air whilst steam and moisture are removed at source to clear condensation quickly and efficiently.

Providing a balanced and controlled fresh household atmosphere whilst maintaining a tightly sealed home gives dramatic reductions in heating costs. The ventilation rate in the dwelling is reduced from two air changes to the recommend level of one air change per hour, this can show a saving on the total energy bill in excess of £300 per annum after the running cost of the ventilation unit.