Heat Recovery Ventilation: Is It A Better Alternative?

Copyright (c) 2015 Matt Reardon

Ventilation is an important thing in every house. It helps in keeping your house fresh and also getting rid of germs found in the air. Having a good ventilation system will ensure that air inhaled by you and your family is always clean and fresh.

While most homes still depend on the central heating system, the method has become quite unreliable especially in cold seasons. Heat recovery ventilation is a modern approach that helps preserve heat found within the four walls of your home. This method has been ranked as one of the best methods on the market by experts and serves as the best alternative to other mechanical heating methods.

ASHRAE HVAC Handbook 2008, a handbook that has extensive information about environmentally friendly products and homes, ranks heat recovery method as "an efficient and reliable means of keeping a house warm and fresh".

How A HRV System Operates

A HRV system is a specially designed ventilation unit that you can purchase and have installed at your residence to enhance air movement and circulation. There are air filters inside a HRV system that are specially designed for the purpose of ventilating air using a different method from those in use by other mechanical heating systems.

This method of ventilation is widely used in areas that experience cold climates. As the name suggests, a heat recovery system for ventilation utilizes heat that is already in a room to pre-heat incoming fresh air, which is usually colder than air present in the house.

Alternative Technology Association (ATA), a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the use of renewable energy and sustainable building, recommends HRV systems for homeowners whose outside temperatures are below minus 20oC.

As some might expect, mechanical devices are always noisy while operational. This is due to the physical impact these types of equipment have while in operation. However, HRV units are modified to work without producing noise. Apart from a lulling buzz or hum, there is nothing else noticeable about a HRV unit that might disqualify it as the best.

Benefits Of Owning A HRV Unit

HRV units offer a number of benefits for your family as well as your home. The most notable advantages include:

- Removal of water vapour, carbon dioxide and stale air from your home, which normally accumulate when you have a large number of people occupying the house. A HRV unit provides a fresh indoor environment all the time. It also helps prevent mould.

- A cost effective option when it comes to installation since it occupies less space, requires minimal labour and can be mounted anywhere according to your convenience.

- HRV units are easy to operate since they can be controlled by one electrical connection. They can also be managed through an inside panel that gives you the capability to control how fast the fans run.

- These units are an excellent alternative to opening windows, especially during windy weather, cold seasons or when you want to keep flying insects and animals out.

A house lacking proper ventilation is prone to many unhealthy aspects that might affect you or your family's health. Therefore, you stand to benefit from having a HRV system installed in your home by professionals.


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Matt Reardon is an indoor ventilation expert working at Mould Buster. He has years of experience in dealing with installation of house ventilation systems. Mould Buster can help you comply with all AS and BSA regulations. If you need more advice regarding the service browse our page at http://mouldbuster.com.au/ .