VENTILATION THE BASICS
Rebecca Foster explains how to maintain a comfortable internal environment in your home, with a fresh supply of air throughout
This airhandling unit forms the heart of the MVHR network. This setup was installed by Paul Heat Recovery
In this house, semi-rigid plastic tubing forms the veins of the system, connecting supply and extract points in each room with the air-handling unit. This setup was designed and installed by Rega Vent
The goal to create a highly insulated, airtight house is a priority for many self builders. Yet, effective ventilation is important, too, especially when it comes to establishing a healthy internal living environment. UK homes have historically relied on trickle vents, air bricks, mechanical extraction systems and the age-old approach of opening a window/door to establish a fresh flow of air. However, for many new build houses, installing a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system provides the ideal solution.
This arrangement works by extracting stale air from the house and introducing a fresh supply. At the same time, the system removes warmth from the outgoing stream and recycles it by channeling it back into the incoming flow. An air handling unit, usually positioned in the loft, forms the beating heart of the setup. This is connected to a network of ducts that runs throughout the property, linked to extract and supply points in each room. Here, I investigate some of the key factors to consider when installing MVHR in your house.