Wellington Builders | Design & Architecture Services | Eco-Friendly Design | High Performing Home | Structural Insulated Panels | Energy-Efficient Home
Today, we’re excited to welcome Stiebel Eltron, a leading Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) system supplier, to the Green Abode blog. At Green Abode, we’re proud to equip every home we build with an MHRV system as part of our commitment to creating healthy, energy-efficient living spaces.
These systems play a vital role in maintaining excellent air quality by continuously refreshing indoor air while conserving energy—making our homes healthier and more sustainable.
Let’s explore how MHRV systems contribute to the comfort and efficiency of every Green Abode home with insights from the experts at Stiebel Eltron!
In today's world, where energy efficiency and indoor air quality are paramount, Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) systems have emerged as a vital solution. These systems not only improve the air quality within buildings but also significantly reduce energy consumption.
Understanding Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation
Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) is a system designed to improve indoor air quality by continuously replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The key feature of MHRV systems is their ability to recover heat from the outgoing air (Return Air) and transfer it to the incoming air (Supply Air), thereby reducing the energy required to heat or cool the building.
How MHRV Works:
Air Exchange: MHRV systems use fans to draw in fresh air from outside and expel stale air from inside the building. Fresh air is continuously delivered into bedrooms and living rooms. Stale moist air is continuously extracted from wet rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. The volume of air extracted is the same volume of air supplied. This is balanced ventilation (with heat recovery).
Heat Exchange: At the heart of any MHRV system is the Heat Exchanger Core. Extracted air passes through the heat exchanger core. Valuable energy in this Return Air is transferred to the Supply Air while inside the Heat Exchanger core. These two air streams do not mix or come into contact with each other. Fresh filtered air is warmed to a similar temperature as the room temperature eliminating draft concerns and lowering relative humidity.
Filtration: Supply Air is filtered to remove pollutants, allergens, pollens etc, ensuring air quality inside the building is significantly improved. Indoor air quality will be better than outdoor air.
Moisture removal: Extracted Air from wet rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries continuously removes moisture from the source location(s). As these spaces are permanently negative pressure. That moisture is not able to permeate to the rest of the dwelling. Moisture migration is negated.
Benefits of MHRV Systems
1. Energy Efficiency:
MVHR has the ability to reduce energy consumption. MVHR system recovers energy from the Extract Air steam therefore reducing the heating load requirements. A recent BRANZ newsletter mentions halving the heating cost when incorporating air tightness and MVHR. This was for a low-grade system of 50% efficiency. Good system design and installation greatly improve this.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality:
MHRV systems continuously supply fresh, filtered air into the building while removing stale air. This constant exchange helps to reduce indoor pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, moisture, and pollens and even viruses which can contribute to health issues and discomfort. Improved air quality can lead to better health outcomes, increased productivity, and overall well-being.
3. Enhanced Comfort:
By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and humidity level, MHRV systems create a more comfortable living or working environment. The pre-warming or pre-cooling of incoming air ensures that temperature fluctuations are minimized, providing a stable and pleasant indoor climate.
4. Reduced Condensation and Mold Growth:
MHRV systems help to control humidity levels by expelling moist air and bringing in drier air, thereby reducing the risk of condensation and mould-related issues.
5. Environmental Impact:
By reducing the energy required for heating and cooling, MHRV systems contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice for both residential and commercial buildings, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Considerations for Implementing MHRV Systems
While MHRV systems offer numerous benefits, there are several factors to consider when implementing them:
1. Initial Cost:
The installation of an MHRV system can be a significant investment. However, the long-term energy savings and improved indoor air quality often justify the initial expense. Initial costs are offset by the health and well-being benefits of the occupants and also for the fabric of the building.
2. Maintenance:
Annual maintenance is recommended to ensure the optimal performance of MHRV systems. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking the heat exchanger, and ensuring that the fans and ducts are free from obstructions. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the system but also ensures that it operates efficiently.
3. Building Design and Insulation:
The effectiveness of an MHRV system is influenced by the design and insulation of the building. Well-insulated buildings with minimal air leakage will benefit the most from MHRV systems, as they help to maintain the desired indoor temperature more efficiently.
4. Climate Considerations:
The performance of MHRV systems can vary depending on the climate. In regions with extreme temperatures, the energy savings from heat recovery can be substantial. However, in milder climates, the benefits may be less pronounced.
Conclusion
Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation systems offer a compelling solution for improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency. By continuously exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air and recovering heat in the process, MHRV systems create healthier, more comfortable living and working environments. While the initial investment and maintenance requirements are important considerations, the long-term benefits of energy savings, improved air quality, and environmental impact make MHRV systems a worthwhile investment for many buildings.
As we continue to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, MHRV systems will play an increasingly important role in modern building design. Whether for residential or commercial applications, these systems provide a practical and effective way to enhance indoor environments while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Want to enjoy fresher air at home? Check out our guide on healthy home ventilation here! Plus, find out the four essential factors that keep the air in SIP homes fresh and clean here. Your lungs will thank you!
If you have questions about building a SIP home, feel free to reach out to us at kevin@greenabode.co.nz.
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