By Ruth MacEachern
Product Manager
The installation of a mechanical ventilation system represents a significant expense. Provided the installation is carefully designed, dimensioned, and installed, it can, however, be a major selling point for architects and house builders, and a considerable source of savings for building occupants on account of reduced heating costs. This is especially true of a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, whereby stale air is extracted from the building before being filtered, heated, and returned into the indoor environment. Aside from tangible cost savings, such systems naturally offer the vital benefit of improving indoor air quality and occupant health while simultaneously contributing to environmental protection.
As with any significant investment, users will seek to ensure that their investment stands the test of time, and that they can continue to reap the benefits of their initial outlay for many years to come. With proper maintenance, an MVHR system can be expected to last for around 25-30 years, although the entire installation should not require replacement at once. It is estimated that higher-quality installations should have the ability to recover up to 90% of the heat that would otherwise be lost in the new build, offering heating bill savings of as much as 25%. Consequently, if an installation is well looked after, users can quickly recoup the initial expense and enjoy significant savings over several years. This represents a major selling point that can elevate your service as a house builder or architect above that offered by competitors.
So how can you ensure that your customers get the most out of their ventilation installation and increase its longevity? Below are a number of tips that can help extend the lifespan of a ventilation system.
If a system is too small for the building in which it is installed, it will not run efficiently. This will result in elevated running costs and excessive wear of moving components. Careful design planning must be carried out, especially regarding the routing of ducts and the positioning of vents, particularly in rooms with high moisture levels such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Ducts must be adequately insulated to ensure that heat is not lost. The home itself must also be suitably insulated to ensure that ventilation and heating systems do not have to run excessively to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Airflow tests must be performed by a professional to ensure that a system is running correctly and efficiently. Occupants should be advised to call in a professional to repeat these tests if there are any significant changes within the property such as retrofit or airtightness works.
As mentioned above, it is important to know when to call in the professionals. While many of the measures listed here can be carried out independently on a regular basis, airflow tests to ensure regulatory compliance and servicing require a higher level of expertise and specialist equipment.
Good hygiene practices go a long way when it comes to extending the lifespan of the ventilation installation. Filters should be cleaned regularly and replaced, particularly if excessively soiled. Ductwork should be cleaned and inspected for leaks and damage, and vents should be cleaned to avoid a build-up of dirt and dust. Humidity control is also essential to avoid excessive load on a ventilation unit. Users should also ensure that the central ventilation unit is kept clean and clear, and also to watch out for mould and pests.
Residents should be advised to adjust the thermostat in summer and winter to avoid unnecessary heating and heavy load on the ventilation system. The inclusion of a programmable thermostat may represent added value for both comfort and ease of use.
While it may be prudent to call in a professional for more technical testing, occupants should regularly check their entire system for signs of wear or damage, and ensure that the unit is functioning correctly.
Technology advances at a rapid pace, and it is likely that progress will continue to be made in terms of the efficiency and performance of ventilation systems. Furthermore, the efficiency of mechanical systems can decrease with age. End users may wish to gradually replace various components of the installation to avoid the expense of replacing the entire system at the end of its product life.
Careful design planning and dimensioning are essential to ensuring that ventilation systems stand the test of time. However, much of the responsibility lies with the occupant: a little time and effort on a regular basis are all it takes to ensure that their mechanical ventilation heat recovery installation will last for several years to come, saving them money on heating bills along the way. Aside from practising general good hygiene and extending the lifespan of ventilation products, targeted cleaning and regular inspections are advised, along with periodic servicing and testing.
Our article on seasonal ventilation maintenance offers tips and strategies on how to spread out cleaning and maintenance efforts throughout the year, or feel free to get in touch should you require any further advice on how to extend the life of your installation.
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