MVHR: Not All Ventilation is Created Equal
We all want homes that are warm, healthy, and comfortable, and ventilation is a critical piece of achieving this. Positive pressure ventilation will help improve the health of your home, but a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) will help make your home healthy AND comfortable in an energy efficient package.
Here’s a break down on why MVHR is the best choice for modern homes.
Built for Comfort
Positive pressure systems fight condensation and humidity by introducing dryer roof or outdoor air into a home. While effective, this can come at the cost of comfort.
MVHR systems mean you don’t need to compromise between fresh air and comfort. By using the outgoing air to take the edge off the incoming air, fresh air is delivered without the icy draughts.
These systems also shine in summer, replacing overheated indoor air with cooler outdoor air when equipped with a built-in bypass.
Efficient by Design
There’s no such thing as free heating, but MVHR gets pretty close.
MVHR systems are designed to help support the warmth in your home, rather than undo it. By recovering heat from the outgoing air, less power is needed to re-heat the home than with a traditional ventilation system.
Over time the MVHR system will pay for itself in saved heating bills compared to a traditional ventilation system. Some regions can save over $1000 per year comparably—see the SmartVent MVHR brochure for more information.
What types of MVHR systems are available?
Of course, not all MVHR systems work the same way. What works in a single storey family villa might not work in a compact city apartment. Here’s a breakdown of the two main types of systems:
Centralised systems are the most common type of MVHR throughout NZ. Comprised of a central core, and a network of ducting and diffusers, these systems are often highly efficient and provide a whole home benefit. Many also come with the added benefit of being able to provide your bathroom extraction needs. Centralised MVHR systems can also be integrated with a heat pump or air conditioning system, allowing you to warm and ventilate your home more efficiently, find our more here.
Decentralised systems are a more recent innovation, typically comprised of a single or several through-wall units working individually or as a network. Great for complex homes particularly those without roof space, they offer more control over individual spaces and don’t suffer heat losses from ducting.
The SmartVent MVHR range:
Choosing a system type is only one half of the equation, you’ll still need to pick a specific system. SmartVent has a range of MVHR options for almost any type of home:
Econiq: A centralised system which is best for high-performance, custom or larger homes focused on airtightness, energy efficiency and integrated smart control. Fully expandable with a range of add-ons. Find out more.
Balance: A great all-round centralised solution for most homes, with a strong balance between energy efficiency, performance and comfort with no fuss controls. Find out more.
Fresh: A compact, decentralised system for homes with limited space. Capable of operating individually or in a wireless network. Ideal for bedrooms and living areas that need low noise and smart control. Find out more.
Want to take your system a step further?
UniflexPlus+ ducting is a low-profile click and connect ducting system that simplifies system installation and helps ensure reliable performance of your MVHR unit and system. It’s so straightforward that even your uncle with a knife and too much confidence could manage it (but please don’t let him.)
🛠️ Have a Complex MVHR Project?
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We’ll provide a full system design and detailed parts list - so you get it right the first time.
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