Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) FAQ
- What are the benefits of Heat Recovery Ventilation?
- How often do I have to replace filters?
- Can I change the filters myself?
- Is the HRV system noisy?
- How much does it cost to run?
- How often should the unit be serviced and what maintenance is required?
- Can I turn the unit off?
- What can I do to keep the house cool in the summer?
- Where can the unit be installed?
- Where are the controls located?
- Do I need wall and window vents?
- Where does the steam from the shower go?
- What size is the unit?
- How does it work?
- How many HRV units will I require for my house?
- How efficient is the unit?
- How do I get an estimate?
- What type of ducting is used?
- Is the ducting insulated in the attic?
- Can the cooker hood be integrated into the HRV system?
- Is it ok to have a free standing stove and a HRV system in your house?
What are the benefits of Heat Recovery Ventilation?
The following are some of the benefits:
- Your home will have a constant supply of fresh air with higher comfort levels.
- Overall air quality within the house is significantly increased which is of benefit to all occupants especially Asthma & Hay Fever sufferers - incoming air is filtered.
- No condensation on Windows.
- No fungal growth in bathrooms.
- Fresh smelling bathrooms (air is constantly being changed no need for air freshener).
- Less dust windows can be kept closed.
- Less outside noise as windows are kept closed.
- Saving on Energy bills.
How often do I have to replace filters?
" Under normal conditions it is recommended that the filters be changed every 12 months. "
Can I change the filters myself?
" Yes. It is very simple. A full demonstration will be given when commissioning. "
" The Itho HRV system is extremely quite and does not vibrate. "
" Tests carried out estimate the running cost per unit at approx. €35 per year. "
How often should the unit be serviced and what maintenance is required?
" The filters should be replaced every 12 months. It is recommended that the heat exchanger is removed and cleaned after 5 years in service. "
" It is recommended that the system runs continuously. This will keep the house fresh and clear of odours. "
What can I do to keep the house cool in the summer?
" The Itho unit has an automatic summer by-pass. This means that the incoming fresh air is at ambient temperature. "
Where can the unit be installed?
" Generally the unit is installed in an attic space, utility room or basement. "
Where are the controls located?
" Most Itho units installed have remote control. "
Do I need wall and window vents?
" No. The house should be airtight. "
Where does the steam from the shower go?
" All Itho units come complete with condensate trap. "
" The Itho HRU ECO 4 unit measures: 850mm High x 730mm Wide x 480mm Deep. "
" The principle behind the Itho HRU ECO 4 heat recovery ventilation unit is to change the air continuously in the house and use the recovered heat to warm the incoming air. Extract points are located in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchen, utility and WC's. Supply points are in areas such as bedrooms, living and dining rooms. "
How many HRV units will I require for my house?
" Itho produce just ONE unit. The HRU ECO 4 unit will easily supply fresh air at the correct rate for house size's up to approx. 250sq.m depending on the number of wet rooms and occupancy level. Itho do a full design and will recommend the correct number of unit required. "
" The Itho unit is fully SAP Appendix Q tested. The unit has an efficiency rating of up to 91% with an SFP rating of 0.46. "
" You can email a set of house plans to our website and we will send you a detailed quotation within THREE working days. "
" Ithi recommend 204mm x 60mm rigid PVC ducting. "
Is the ducting insulated in the attic?
" Ducting passing through any unheated areas should be insulated. "
Can the cooker hood be integrated into the HRV system?
" Yes, Itho supply a wide range of integrated cooker hoods. "
Is it ok to have a free standing stove and a HRV system in your house?
" Yes, but stove needs to be room sealed (Balanced Flue). "

