MVHR-system

• What is the difference between an MV and an MVHR?

  A mechanical ventilation system (residential fan) draws polluted air out of the house. Fresh air is often supplied by tilting windows or permanent ventilation. The valves for extracting the polluted air are usually located in the 'wet' rooms, such as the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, storage room and any washing machine installation. The disadvantage is that the air is neither filtered nor preheated.

   

  A heat recovery system (MVHR) also extracts the polluted air from the above-mentioned rooms. However, it differs significantly from an MV system. The MVHR system draws in fresh air in directly from outside and passes it through a filter and heat exchanger. The supply valves are usually located in the living room, bedrooms, hobby room, hallway, etc. During the winter months, the MVHR system pre-heats the outside air with heat from the house. In the summer months, cooler fresh outside air can be blown in during the evening and at night.

• My walls are not sturdy enough to mount an MVHR unit. Is there a solution for this?

  In situations where wall mounting is not possible, you can use a mounting chair where the unit is mounted on the floor.

• Balanced ventilation (MVHR) often causes dry air. How can this be?

  Outside air contains little moisture, especially when it is cold. When this air is drawn in and then heated, the relative humidity drops. This feels dry. Residents often blame balance ventilation for the dry air. However, the system as such has nothing to do with it: it happens with any form of ventilation. One solution could be to equip the ventilation unit with an enthalpy exchanger that recovers some of the moisture from the exhaust air and adds it to the fresh air.

• My MVHR system makes a bubbling noise. What could I do?

  It is possible that the MVHR system hose is dry. A simple solution is to fill the hose with water and add some oil to prevent evaporation. If this does not solve the problem, we recommend that you have the system checked by a technician.

• The fan is making noise, what are the possible causes and how can I fix it?

  There are several possible causes for extra noise coming from a ventilation unit. Below are some common causes and possible solutions:

  • Dirty air filters: If the air filters in your MVHR ventilation unit are clogged or dirty, this can cause a reduction in airflow and an increase in noise levels. Check the filters and replace if necessary.
  • Incorrect installation: An incorrect installation of the ventilation unit can cause vibration and noise. Ensure that the unit is installed correctly and that all connections are tightened securely.
  • Air duct problems: Air ducts run throughout the house and can cause echoes and noise. If there are problems with the ducts, such as leaks or blockages, this can also cause abnormal noise. Have the ducts cleaned, inspected or repaired if necessary. Make sure you use the correct ventilation ducts and add silencers.
  • Fan motor problems: If the fan motor is not working properly, it may cause abnormal noise. Have a qualified technician check the motor and replace it if necessary. If your unit is still under warranty, we advise you to contact the installer or contractor first. 
  • Age of the unit: After +/-15 years it may be time to replace the unit completely. You may find that the unit is struggling to operate at higher settings and energy costs are increasing. Newer technologies make the units quieter and more energy efficient.

  A completely silent ventilation system is not possible, either the motor of the unit itself or the air flow through the ducts will generate noise. However, we recommend regular maintenance to keep the unit running optimally and to avoid unnecessary noise.

• Any leak? Tips for dealing with a leaking ventilation unit

  If your ventilation unit is leaking, this could indicate a problem with the unit itself. This unit removes humid air from the bathroom, kitchen and toilet. If the ventilation box is not working properly, the moist air can become trapped in the ventilation ducts. This can cause the moisture in the air to condense and enter the house through the vents, with all its consequences.

  The most common cause of a leaky ventilation unit is a clogged or blocked exhaust or condensation drain. Check these and clean them if necessary.

  It is also important to have your ventilation system serviced and cleaned regularly. We recommend that you book a service every two years to clean and inspect the unit. To prevent leaks in your ventilation system, it is also important to have the installation done by a professional.