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Ventilation with heat recovery, known as heat recovery ventilation (HRV), is still competing with traditional gravity ventilation. Which is the better solution? For investors who prioritize energy-efficient solutions in their homes, installing an HRV system, specifically a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), is definitely the better option.
More and more investors are opting for modern solutions when building houses. Proper materials and good insulation ensure lower operating costs. One factor that can contribute to cost reduction is the implementation of an air recovery system. Not long ago, an HRV system recovered 60% of the heat from the air, but today's technology allows for recovery rates of up to 90%. Home HRV is also something new; until recently, it was only used in public buildings. However, its incredible advantages prompted its utilization in residential buildings as well.
A home HRV system primarily consists of a heat recovery ventilator and ventilation ducts. Their task is to provide air ventilation in a supply-exhaust manner. The HRV brings together air from two sources: inside and outside the house. They do not mix but undergo heat exchange. The dirty and stale air from inside the house transfers its heat to the cold but clean outside air. Sometimes a ground heat exchanger and electric heaters are used to further increase the air temperature.
While HRV is primarily seen through the lens of quick heat recovery, it has many more advantages. Firstly, it's worth noting that the air entering the house is fresh and clean because it is devoid of many pollutants. When you choose to install HRV with a high-quality filter, the air purification reaches an even higher level, with no bacteria, viruses, allergens, exhaust fumes, dust, or insects. Additionally, it can also be ionized. Breathing such air, without the need for constant ventilation, is incredibly comfortable. Furthermore, one of the major advantages of HRV is energy savings. Investors who have installed HRV systems achieve up to 50% lower heating costs in their homes. Moreover, when heat recovery ventilation is planned during the design stage of home construction, the savings can be even greater. This allows for the elimination of unnecessary ventilation chimneys. Many people also argue that using HRV reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the well-being of our planet.
Modern construction focuses on achieving buildings with increasingly better parameters. It relies on strong, solid materials and durable, airtight thermal and acoustic insulation. Modern homes are energy-efficient buildings that allow for lower operating costs while being environmentally friendly. How does HRV fit into this trend? Airtight construction prevents traditional natural ventilation from functioning effectively. It needs to be addressed independently, and in this case, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery works excellently. The HRV system provides fresh air to the building regardless of the season, without the fear of losing heat gained through heating and insulation. Properly designed HRV ensures efficient ventilation with simultaneous heat recovery, reaching levels as high as 90%.
Contrary to the concerns of some investors, a ventilation system with heat recovery does not generate high operating costs. An energy-efficient heat recovery unit consumes very little electricity while providing additional savings. Installing heat recovery in a home can reduce heating costs by up to 50% per year. The daily cost of using a heat recovery unit is typically around 40 groszy. Additionally, a properly planned installation allows for cost savings in construction by eliminating the need for certain ventilation chimneys. When the building is powered by a heat pump, costs can also be reduced by eliminating the need for flue chimneys.
When considering the costs associated with installing heat recovery, it is also necessary to analyze the building in which the system will be installed. Heat recovery in a house with an area of up to 100 square meters will cost significantly less than heat recovery in a 300-square-meter house. The cost is also influenced by whether the installation of heat recovery is planned during the construction phase or will be carried out in an existing building. The cost will be significantly lower if the installation is included in the initial house design. However, we understand that investors are interested in a specific reference. Heat recovery in a house with an area of approximately 150-200 square meters will cost around 25,000 Polish zlotys.
Which one is better? It is difficult to determine a definitive choice because both solutions can be effective but in different conditions. Heat recovery ventilation is a good choice for those who prioritize an energy-efficient home and minimizing heat losses. Gravity ventilation, unfortunately, leads to such losses (up to 50% during the winter season), while heat recovery ventilation allows for better thermal conditions in the building. Although the cost of heat recovery is higher, it enables significant savings in the long run. We also recommend this solution to individuals who value fresh and clean air regardless of the season. The effectiveness of gravity ventilation is dependent on the prevailing atmospheric conditions, and such ventilation does not allow for air filtration.
Are you looking for a suitable company to install heat recovery in your home? We encourage you to cooperate with New-House. We are a professional construction company that has been operating efficiently since 1991. We have had numerous collaborations with various investors, building homes for them from A to Z. Comprehensive cooperation is the perfect way to ensure a stress-free and efficient execution of the entire project. Hundreds of satisfied customer reviews can serve as a guarantee of our professionalism. You can familiarize yourself with them through the following link: https://new-house.com.pl/en/referencje. We also recommend checking the comprehensive projects that have been completed by our company. We have been involved in design, construction, and even provided support with the necessary documentation. The homes realized by New-House can be viewed on our website: https://new-house.com.pl/en/realizacje.
If you are interested in heat recovery in your home, we will be happy to provide you with a professional design of a house with such an installation and take care of the construction. Please feel free to contact us:https://new-house.com.pl/en/kontakt.
Modern single-family home construction focuses on energy-efficient solutions. Due to rising fuel and energy prices, investors are placing increasing importance on property tightness. The construction materials market offers insulation products with very low thermal transmittance coefficients, and manufacturers provide airtight windows and doors. All of this means that gravity ventilation simply does not work in newly constructed buildings. Buildings without air leaks can experience problems with moisture condensation, mold growth, and a pervasive sense of stuffiness in the rooms. To avoid these issues, regular fresh air supply is necessary.
In theory, a classic mechanical ventilation system could solve the problem. However, in energy-efficient construction where this type of ventilation is used, heat losses can reach up to 60%. This is all due to ventilation chimneys. So, what can be done to ensure regular air exchange without energy losses? The solution lies in utilizing the benefits of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
The principle of heat recovery operation is straightforward. Firstly, the system filters the air brought in from the outside of the property. This way, pollutants, dust, smog, allergens, and insects are prevented from entering the interior of the house. At the same time, from the air that has already been used inside the building and contains viruses, bacteria, dust mites, moisture, and high levels of CO2, heat recovery extracts the energy, and then this air is expelled from the property. It is also worth knowing that the expelled (polluted) and supplied (cleaned) air do not have the ability to mix with each other.
A home heat recovery system consists of a heat recovery unit and ventilation ducts, which are responsible for conducting ventilation in supply-exhaust mode. In the heat recovery unit, air from inside and outside the house is brought together. The air from both sources does not mix but only undergoes heat exchange. The dirty and used air from the interior of the house transfers its heat to the clean but cold outside air. Additionally, to increase the indoor air temperature, a ground heat exchanger (GHE) can be used, which improves the system's efficiency in winter and allows for cooling in summer.
The use of a heat recovery unit goes beyond caring for the natural environment, resulting in reduced carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and, consequently, cleaner outdoor air that we breathe. It also provides economic benefits and enhances comfort. Let's take a closer look at them.
A ventilation system equipped with a heat recovery unit allows for reducing heating costs by limiting heat losses by 60 to 80%. However, it should be noted that achieving the desired level of savings requires a properly designed heat recovery ventilation system and a high-quality unit. Therefore, it is best to hire experienced professionals for the installation of heat recovery in a single-family home, who have successfully completed numerous installations of this type. You can find such specialists at New-House. Also, remember that an incorrectly installed system may not lead to reduced heating bills and, in some cases, can even increase them.
Another economic benefit of implementing heat recovery in a new home is the savings resulting from not having to build expensive ventilation chimneys. There is no need to install costly windows with micro-ventilation or air inlets. Additionally, in houses equipped with a heat recovery unit, there is a reduced demand for heat, allowing for the downsizing of radiators and the heating system's capacity. This translates to additional savings from the start of construction.
The use of a heat recovery unit ensures fresh air in the building around the clock. In practice, this means that the microclimate in the rooms remains unchanged regardless of the conditions outside the building. Additionally, the heat recovery unit is equipped with a filter, guaranteeing the inflow of clean air free from pollen, dust, allergens, and insects. With its help, there are no unpleasant odors in the house either. These advantages are particularly significant for individuals suffering from allergies or chronic respiratory conditions. It is also worth mentioning that breathing clean air has a significant impact on the health and well-being of all residents.
Furthermore, houses equipped with heat recovery do not experience drafts because there is no need for traditional ventilation by opening windows and doors. Additionally, it keeps mosquitoes and flies out of the house, which is particularly bothersome during the summer season. The heat recovery unit also eliminates problems with fogged windows and mirrors.
However, like any solution, heat recovery is not without its drawbacks. The most commonly raised concerns by investors include:
high cost of purchasing a ventilation unit with heat recovery and the necessary installation,
increased electricity consumption due to the continuous operation of the heat recovery unit's fans,
noise generated by the ventilation unit—this can be easily addressed by installing the unit away from bedrooms.
The new building regulations in force in Poland since 2021, also known as WT2021, concerning the increased energy efficiency of new buildings, apply to thermal insulation, window joinery, eco-friendly heat sources utilizing renewable energy, and ventilation systems. It turns out that mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is the most effective way to meet the legal requirements regarding the primary energy demand of buildings.
This is because heat recovery captures energy from the extracted air that would otherwise be lost and then uses it to heat (or cool in summer) the supplied air. As a result, the building is better able to meet the new legal requirements. In this situation, the installation of a heat recovery system in new single-family homes may become the norm and a necessity.
The cost of installing heat recovery will be significantly lower if it is chosen during the construction of the house. It is estimated that the installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in a house with an area of 150-200 square meters costs around 25,000 Polish zlotys.
The actual cost of heat recovery depends on the capacity of the heat recovery unit, installation costs, and the size of the house. Therefore, the installation of a heat recovery unit is always individually priced after considering the property's parameters where the system is to be installed. It is also worth noting that it is not advisable to save on the components used for the installation, as low-quality parts are characterized by high failure rates.
It is estimated that the installation cost, using high-quality solutions, pays off after approximately 10 years in the form of heating bills reduced by up to 60%. Even if we add the cost of electricity consumed by the heat recovery system and the maintenance cost, such as filter replacement, it is still an economically justified investment. Not to mention the aspects related to the health of residents and the protection of the natural environment.
Are you interested in the installation of heat recovery in your home? In that case, we invite you to contact us. Our specialists are at your disposal and will gladly answer all your questions and concerns regarding mechanical ventilation with heat recovery as well as the comprehensive construction of a house with New-House!
