A heat recovery unit effectively ensures the air quality in all rooms. Find out what you need to pay attention to in order to choose the perfect model for your family home!
How does a heat recovery system work?
Modern construction uses very airtight finishing materials. It is therefore important that a building has functioning ventilation that prevents moisture, mold and unpleasant odors. These requirements are perfectly met by heat recovery.
Heat recovery is a mechanical ventilation system with a heat recovery function. It is increasingly used in modern homes. Despite appearances, the way heat recovery works is not complicated. The task of the recuperator is to supply fresh air and remove used air, recovering heat energy.
The air flowing through the recuperation device is filtered (both on the supply and exhaust side), which significantly increases ventilation efficiency and removes pollutants. The device itself is usually installed in a storage room or in the attic, so the operating noise does not disturb anyone.
What are the differences between heat recovery systems?
The heat recovery units available on the market differ primarily in their technical parameters. It is obvious that every investor wants to order a device that is efficient, quiet and easy to use. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the following points before purchasing:
- the design of the heat exchanger
- the capacity,
- type of control
- Type of fans and filters used,
- estimated operating costs,
- the duration of the warranty and the service costs.
Each of these parameters is important and can affect the performance of the device and the electricity bill. Below you will find more tips for choosing the right model.
type and efficiency of the heat exchanger
The most important selection criterion is the type of heat exchanger. In modern heat recovery systems you will most often find heat exchangers:
- Countercurrent. They are used in the latest generation of devices and are usually made of PVC or aluminum. Their characteristic feature is the use of a large exchange surface and the countercurrent direction of the air flows. The efficiency of recuperators with such heat exchangers is up to 95%.
- Cross-flow. Models with cross-flow exchangers are relatively inexpensive, but have a lower efficiency, which is between 50 and 70%. The air flows in them in a slightly different way, which results in a smaller contact area between the flows. This directly leads to a lower efficiency.
- Rotating. Rotating heat exchangers consist of a rotating aluminum cylinder part and have an efficiency of over 80% heat recovery. The advantage of this solution is that there is no condensation, the disadvantage is that there are leaks in the system. In this case, unpleasant odors enter the interior.
Type of control and type of fans used
Heat recovery units can be controlled in a variety of ways. If you want to operate the unit conveniently, choose a model equipped with an electronic control with a weekly programming function. This allows you to easily adjust the operation of the fans and quickly read the temperature range.
Mechanical ventilation must work 24 hours a day without interruption, so it is important to choose a model with solid and energy-efficient fans. DC fans are currently very popular because they consume less power and produce significantly less noise than AC fans.
type of filters used
The use of suitable filters is very important because they effectively clean the air from dust, dirt and other contaminants. Filters of classes G, M and F are most commonly used in recuperators.
- G3 and G4 filters ensure basic cleaning.
- M5 and M6 filters are fine and effectively capture basic pollutants and pollen; they can also capture smog and some bacteria.
- F7 and F9 filters are ideal for capturing almost all pollutants.
Operating costs, warranty and service
Running costs include filter replacement, electricity consumption costs and regular maintenance costs. Before you choose a particular appliance, you should find out about the scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. The longer the warranty, the greater the chance that you will not incur any repair costs in the event of a defect.
Proper installation of your heat recovery system makes it efficient, safe and virtually maintenance-free. Our specialists have extensive experience in installing and maintaining modern ventilation systems. We will be happy to show you which device will work best in your home and is cost-effective in daily operation.
