Energy Efficient Homes, Integrating Mechanical Heat Recovery in House Design
When it comes to designing and building Energy Efficient Homes, one principle stands out as a game-changer: mechanical heat recovery. At Energy Efficient Homes Ltd, we firmly believe that incorporating a mechanical heat recovery system from the very beginning is not an optional extra, but an essential element.
Unlike traditional systems, a mechanical heat recovery system doesn’t rely on the roof space and operates within the living areas, all protected by top-notch insulation. This approach ensures consistent temperatures throughout the house, as the roof space tends to fluctuate in temperature. Furthermore, our balanced system doesn’t pressurize the house, maintaining a comfortable environment. For every litre of air, it introduces, an equal amount is extracted.
The Benefits of Mechanical Heat Recovery
Capturing Energy and Eliminating Moisture
So, what makes this system so beneficial and why do we highly recommend its installation? A mechanical heat recovery system extracts air from all the wet areas in your home, including the bathroom, kitchen, toilets, and laundry. This air is laden with moisture, which, if not properly removed, can lead to various problems. The air is typically warmer than the general heat in the house, making it a valuable source of energy that we aim to capture.
The Science Behind Heat Exchange:
How Mechanical Heat Recovery Works
This is where the heat exchanger comes into play. Resembling a honeycomb, it is made of ceramics. The extracted air passes through one side of the ceramic, warming it. Meanwhile, fresh air passes over the other side and is heated by the ceramics. Depending on the unit’s make and quality, you can recover over 90% of the energy.
To put it simply, if the outgoing air is 22 degrees Celsius and the incoming air is 0 degrees Celsius, the air entering your home will be approximately 19.8 degrees Celsius.
By eliminating the moisture-laden air, the mechanical heat recovery system ensures a drier and easier-to-heat indoor environment.
The unit operates continuously, 24/7, 365 days a year. It offers various modes to accommodate different times of the day or adjust the airflow as needed. We even have a party mode! After all, why let all the heat generated by your guests (approximately 110 watts per person) go to waste? The running cost of the system is incredibly low since it doesn’t mechanically heat or cool the air. It functions similarly to a light bulb and has an annual running cost of around $75.
Clean Air, Healthy Living:
Filtering Pollutants and Allergens
By extracting air from wet areas and introducing fresh air into living spaces and bedrooms, our system ensures a constant supply of clean, filtered air. The intake and outtake air both pass through filters, removing particulates and pollutants.
When I changed our filters after four months, I was astonished by how dirty the intake filter was, covered in black soot. It was a mix of diesel soot from passing vehicles and other airborne pollutants.
These are the kinds of things we often overlook when we leave our windows wide open. While it’s well-known that these systems help keep pollen out during spring and summer, the presence of soot caught me by surprise.
Another unexpected benefit was the effect on our heat pump. After 12 months, I removed the front cover to check the filters, only to find them looking brand new, as if they hadn’t been used at all. The reason behind this is the clean and fresh air constantly circulating in our Energy Efficient Home, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
Reimagining Ventilation:
The Myth of Open Windows in Energy-Efficient Homes
When designing Energy Efficient Homes, we emphasise that there’s no need to open windows for ventilation. Although some find it difficult to grasp this concept, the reality is that with a mechanical heat recovery system providing a constant supply of fresh air, open windows become unnecessary. Of course, if you want to open a window for any reason, you can do so without any issues. Once you close it again, the house will quickly return to its balanced state.
In the summer, if you wish to have a barbecue and open all your doors for an indoor-outdoor party, go ahead! However, we prefer to keep our doors closed while outside and open them only when entering or exiting.
Why? Let me share my top three reasons:
Keeping the soot and pollen outside ensures a cleaner and healthier home environment.
Even on hot days, our well-insulated homes maintain a comfortable temperature.
Say goodbye to flies buzzing around inside the house!
Ultimately, the choice to open doors or windows is entirely up to you. Rest assured that with our Energy Efficient Homes and mechanical heat recovery system, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy the perfect balance of comfort, cleanliness, and control over your indoor environment.
