FAQ
There are several regulations in the UK that cover not only MVHR but all ventilation systems types, the main driving regulations revolving around ventilation are Part F, Part O & Part L with other regulations that must also be considered Part B ( Fire Safety and Part M Access to and from buildings )
Coarse pre-filters can be gently vacuumed or washed to remove dust. High-grade pollen or HEPA filters must be fully replaced.
There a 2 ways in which MVHR units boost, the first is done via a Humidity Sensor located within the unit, this senses humidity spikes and automatically speeds the machine up to remove the increase in humidity, once the levels have returned to normal the unit itself returns to its trickle speed setting, the second way is via a boost switch or control located on a wall normally in the kitchen area, this is a manual input by the homeowner, this will set the MVHR unit to next available speed and will normally run on a timer for around 15 minutes and at this point it will return to its trickle speed.
Reducing the size of ducting has many implications in air velocity and air resistance , this can create lots of issues with the performance of your unit.
MVHR units will perform as intended, with a well designed and installed ducting system, if the ducting system is not designed and installed well it will cause long lasting problems.
No, an MVHR system will extract from all wet rooms so no need for Bathroom fans or Kitchen fans .
No, the MVHR unit is providing fresh air so you don’t have a need for added ventilation.
Yes, MVHR systems do have App connectivity, this varies manufacturer to manufacturer.
Yes, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) will not replace wet heating in your home however , it will reduce the demand on the heating system by recovering over 90% of the outgoing heat.
Yes occasionally ducting needs to be cleaned, especially if there has been a moisture build up as this can form mold spores and will these will need to be removed.
Commonly for a 3 bed house its about £50 per year
Your Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit will require a condensate drain to be fitted, this will remove any internal build up of moisture
100% yes, its role in your home is to remove moisture, odours and household pollutants.
The regulations say that ducting fitted to any Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR unit that is an area classed as unheated ie, a loft must be insulated.
There a 2 ways in which MVHR units boost, the first is done via a Humidity Sensor located within the unit, this senses humidity spikes and automatically speeds the machine up to remove the increase in humidity, once the levels have returned to normal the unit itself returns to its trickle speed setting, the second way is via a boost switch or control located on a wall normally in the kitchen area, this is a manual input by the homeowner, this will set the MVHR unit to next available speed and will normally run on a timer for around 15 minutes and at this point it will return to its trickle speed.
The sizing of an MVHR unit is key to ensure that the unit performs well within its limits, it delivers years of trouble-free use, it does not use excess energy and… it is not noisy when in use.
With regular servicing a good quality unit should give 15 to 20 years of trouble-free use.
All Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units use differing amounts of power, the average yearly running cost is around £50 per year
Most MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) units will recover 90% of your heat.
It is recommended to change the filters for a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery unit every six months, however you may live in an environment that would require a more frequent change for example in a rural area during summer months as the agriculture around you may produce extra dust, or you live in an urban area with lots of building work around you, this could also require a more regular filter change.
Every 6 months ideally, this will fall in line with filter change schedules.
If you are limited for space, MVHR units come in many shapes and sizes, one key component is the ability to have units that allow connectivity to ducting from both the top and bottom of the unit.
MVHR units come in both Vertical and Horizontal types, units are specifically made to fit in spaces that is limited , for example flats, and apartments don’t have lofts, so the space between your ceiling and the floor of the flat above will accommodate a horizontal unit.
Yes, a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery unit can be retrofitted, but it can be complex , the ducting may be required to be run in the ceilings and walls and this can prove difficult without careful planning.
It is very easy for us to assist with a design, if you supply us with your architect’s plan, we can take that a produce a full 3d CAD design of your property, please contact Contact Craig to discuss your options.
Your design will include a full 3d CAD design with several internal and external views of your property with your MVHR installation, you will also receive a full bill of materials and a comprehensive set of airflow calculations to be used for commissioning after installation. Please Contact Craig.
For servicing, most companies have a team of trusted service partners that they can recommend. You can contact the merchant or supplier you purchased through.
No, MVHR ( Heat recovery system) should not be noisy, if its is then the unit may have a problem and should be investigated- you can Contact Craig, our Ventilation product lead about this and he will be able to assit you with your options.
MVHR units come in both Vertical and Horizontal types, units are specifically made to fit in spaces that is limited , for example flats, and apartments don’t have lofts, so the space between your ceiling and the floor of the flat above will accommodate a horizontal unit. Take a look at the sizes we currently have available.
No, Ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is not suitable for all types of property. The installer would need to hide ducting in walls and ceilings require that the property either be in a renovation state or a new build.
If your MVHR Unit is making noise, it can be attributed to many things but check the internal filters , if they are blocked then the unit will potentially speed up to compensate, and in turn become noisy.
Yes, an MVHR unit should be on constantly, they are designed to run in trickle mode all the time and will boost when required diluting excess moisture and odours
Yes your MVHR unit should be insulated if the loft is in a cold area, not only should the MVHR unit be insulated but all ducting in a cold space must also be insulated to prevent condensation forming, this is a legal requirement.
Yes, you can get an MVHR unit with connectivity options. We offer multiple connectivity options to aid the installer.
If you go on holiday, you do not need to do anything, you leave it running all the time.
The Boost setting on an MVHR Unit, increases fan speeds to maximum volume to quickly clear humidity spikes from showering or remove strong smells while cooking or hosting parties.
MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. It is a sustainable, energy-efficient ventilation system that continuously extracts stale, humid air from a building, typically kitchens and bathrooms, while simultaneously drawing in fresh, filtered air from the outside. Ubbinks MVHR Units will recover up to over 90% of the heat from the extracted air to warm the incoming air, improving indoor air quality and reducing heating bills.
Comissioning of the MVHR Unit means that once the MVHR unit has been installed, it will need to be commissioned.
The commissioning agent should be competent and trained to understand what is required, what is to be recorded, what to use to measure airflows, how to measure airflows, the adjustment of the system to ensure balancing is achieved, equipment calibration schedules, and what information is to be handed over to the client when completed, this is a specialist role and must be taken seriously.
The commissioning agent should be competent and trained to understand what is required, what is to be recorded, what to use to measure airflows, how to measure airflows, the adjustment of the system to ensure balancing is achieved, equipment calibration schedules, and what information is to be handed over to the client when completed, this is a specialist role and must be taken seriously.
The Summer bypass is fitted to prevent the internal temperature of your house being increased, if the outside temperature is warmer than the inside temperature of your home , there is a risk that the unit that is bringing in warm air would add heat to your internal temperature, the Summer Bypass will not allow this, it will simply not send the incoming air through the heat exchanger , it will bypass this and send the warm air back outside.
The condensate trap must be fitted to an MVHR unit and also connected to a waste pipe, the unit internally will create moisture, this will collect in the well of the unit and an allowance for it to be drained away must be made, it is also recommended to fit a Hep 0 trap to stop odours coming up the waste pipe.
All manufacturers offer differing guarantees or warranties for MVHR Units , normally 5 years . At Ubbink UK, we offer an extended warranty option, where you can register via our website.
Installing a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system is primarily done to achieve a healthy, energy-efficient, and comfortable home. It provides continuous, filtered, fresh air while reducing heating bills by up to 25% by recovering up to 95% of heat from waste air. It also prevents condensation, damp, and mould. • The modern new build home must be built to strict airtightness regulations, once completed the new build house will be subjected to Air Tightness Testing in essence this is to test that the house is not “leaky “and that the energy/heat used to heat the home is not lost through the building’s fabric.
The knock-on effect of this is that the internal atmosphere can become dangerous as we trap inside our homes, Moisture and Odours, this can leak to damp and mold issues which can cause health related problems.
Another key benefit with installing MVHR is that you do not require any background or trickle ventilation in the home, these are the slotted louvres in the tops of your windows, without MVHR these must be fitted, with MVHR there is no need for them as the unit is directly supplying fresh filtered air into your home.
The knock-on effect of this is that the internal atmosphere can become dangerous as we trap inside our homes, Moisture and Odours, this can leak to damp and mold issues which can cause health related problems.
Another key benefit with installing MVHR is that you do not require any background or trickle ventilation in the home, these are the slotted louvres in the tops of your windows, without MVHR these must be fitted, with MVHR there is no need for them as the unit is directly supplying fresh filtered air into your home.