New builds now (2014) have to comply with regulations concerning air tightness between walls and the ability to refresh air in the home every few hours without a window being opened and instead mechanical ventilation. This process is aided by built in air conditioning systems and heat recovery units. Old buildings and homes can benefit from having heat recovery and ventilation added too.
Although focusing on heat recovery, the terminology detracts from the dual purpose of units fitted. While during the summer it is advantageous to ensure air exchange by opening a window. In the Winter months a house simply loses too much heat. Units work to deliver both filtered cool air as well as hot air.
What Are The Different Types Of Heat Recovery / Ventilation Systems And How Do They Work?
In a similar vein as other new technology coming online. Systems are both hybrid and stand alone while at the same time being compatible with other sustainable energy sources. For instance you can buy individual units which are compatible with air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps or the whole kit is supplied when you purchase, invariably containing an earth to air heat exchanger for maximum benefit.
You can buy into whole house systems or simply deliver ventilation and heat exchange to one singular room. Though many tend to opt for whole building solutions for best use of air circulation. Both ventilation systems and heat exchange units work along the same lines. One part extracts cold air continually while the other filters the hot air and propels it back into the room after being reheated or cooled.
The whole cycle is completed by running air through the various renewable energy systems to gather heat from the ground or air, while only warming further if required. Systems run in consort with underfloor heating benefit hugely from costs on energy bills.
What Are The Benefits Of Heated Ventilation Systems?
If people in your family or business suffer from hay fever or other air related allergies, these air venting systems can filter out any of the bad stuff before they enter the building. Many operate on a high level and some are even suited for medical purposes, equal to those that are built for that same job.
The primary reason for buying however, will be to negate future rising energy prices and benefit financially in the short and long term.
As the majority of the systems resources are garnered from free resources, your energy bills will be slashed.
What Are The Costs Of Heat Recovery Ventilation And How Much Can Be Saved Or Earned?
Whole air conditioning systems can cost several thousand pounds to buy and have installed. While individual Whole House Heat Recovery Systems are priced at around the £1000 to £2000 mark, you will no doubt want to power any new device off a renewable source also to save on energy bills proper. Therefore it is important to look at the financial benefits as well as any health issues.
There area variety of government incentives from the Green Deal to the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive which you may be able to benefit from. Read about these financial cash payments and free installations here.
Is There Much Maintenance With Air Heat Systems And Are There Any Other Issues?
Air conditioning no longer needs to be seen as the stuffy alternative to fresh air. The main problem with some ventilation systems is that proper maintenance is not carried out which leaves flues and airway clogged with dirt and microbes, in some cases filters aren’t changed often enough. Which is why fresh air brought in can often smell stale.
Systems which are used in tandem with any ventilation or heat recovery units need an annual check up by a certified engineer. There are many symptoms which could be due to different problems within the system. A manual may advise you check filters throughout, note performance in a log book so you can notice any changes more easily. This need only be mentions of air quality and maintained temperatures versus energy bills.
Is Heat Recovery Ventilation The Right Renewable For You And Your Home Or Business?
Homes in the past didn’t need to have so much space allotted for these units. A cupboard for a boiler perhaps. Some may recommend loft space as the perfect solution but you need to insulate well any pipes or vents to ensure less heat transference.
In fact, any additional loft or wall insulation will aid in keeping heat contained. Units can be fixed to exterior walls also, if operating a ground or air source heat pump this would be ideal anyway. Simply consider your current central heating system and its failures. Radiators are no longer the cheapest option to run from mains electricity or gas.