Balanced ventilation with heat recovery, also known as MVHR ventilation, is one of the most discussed ventilation systems in well-insulated and newly built homes. It promises fresh air without the heat loss of traditional ventilation. But is it the best choice for everyone? Here we list the pros and cons.
How does balanced ventilation with heat recovery work?
In this system, both the extraction of stale air and the supply of fresh air are mechanically controlled. The special thing is the heat exchanger: the heat from the extracted indoor air is transferred to the cold, fresh air coming in from outside, without the air streams themselves mixing. This way, fresh air enters that is already preheated, which saves a lot of heat loss compared to a vent that lets cold outdoor air directly inside.
Advantage: energy savings
The biggest advantage is the energy savings. Because the incoming air is already preheated, the heating system does not have to work as hard to maintain the room temperature. In a well-insulated home, this can make a noticeable difference in heating costs, especially in the colder months.
Advantage: constant, filtered air quality
Because the air is actively supplied through the system, it often passes through a filter first. This means that coarse dust and pollen from the outdoor air are stopped before the air enters the home, which is experienced as pleasant by many people with a pollen allergy.
Disadvantage: higher purchase costs
Balanced ventilation with heat recovery is considerably more expensive to install than a simple system with natural supply and mechanical extraction. The ducts must run to all rooms, both for supply and extraction, which can mean a major renovation in existing homes.
Disadvantage: maintenance and technology
The system consists of more parts than a simple ventilation system: filters on the supply and extraction side, a heat exchanger, and two fans. This requires more regular maintenance, and a malfunction is often more technical to solve than with a simple extraction system.
Disadvantage: noise and balance
Although modern systems are becoming quieter and quieter, balanced ventilation can still produce some background noise, especially if the ducts are not properly installed or the system is running at a high setting. The system also needs to be properly balanced, otherwise under- or overpressure can occur in the home.
Is it worth the investment?
In new builds, where the ducts are already being installed anyway, balanced ventilation with heat recovery is often a logical choice because of the long-term energy savings. In existing buildings, the consideration is more difficult: the renovation and costs are higher, making a simpler system sometimes more practical.
What to look for when choosing?
Do not only look at the price of the system itself, but also at the quality of the heat exchanger, the efficiency stated by the manufacturer, and the availability of replacement filters. A system with a high heat recovery efficiency saves more energy in the long term, even though the purchase price is often slightly higher. Preferably have the installation carried out by a certified installer, so that the ducts are properly installed and the system is correctly adjusted.
It is also important to think beforehand about how much space the system needs: the ventilation unit and ducts require more space than a simple ventilation box, which can sometimes be a practical bottleneck in a smaller home.
Whatever ventilation system you have, a healthy indoor climate also depends on factors such as dust, pollen, and moisture. Want to know more about a pleasant and healthy home? Then check out Dynter.