Maintenance Tips for MVHR Systems: Expert Advice on Ensuring Optimal Performance
Maintaining Your MVHR System for Optimal Performance
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are essential for keeping your home fresh, healthy, and energy-efficient. These systems work tirelessly to filter the air in your home, but they require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to perform at their best.
The main component that needs regular attention in an MVHR system is the filter. Most MVHR filters should be replaced every 3 to 12 months, with more frequent changes (closer to 3 months) in dusty or urban areas to maintain efficient airflow and clean air quality. The precise interval depends on environmental conditions, filter type, and usage frequency.
MVHR units often come with a digital display, which may have small batteries to run the memory. It's a good idea to check these batteries periodically to ensure the system continues to function correctly.
The condensate drains in MVHR systems require periodic checking for blockage due to dirt buildup. A dry trap should be fitted to the condensate drain, which prevents smells from the waste pipe entering the MVHR system and filtering into your home.
The ceiling valves should be cleaned with warm water and household cleaner, and dried to avoid rust. It's important to ensure these valves are not mixed up, as this may require rebalancing by an experienced MVHR installer.
Grease filters can be installed in room extract vents to prevent dirt from clogging up the heat exchanger in the fan unit. These filters should also be cleaned or replaced regularly, depending on usage.
Maintaining the filters is a user-friendly operation, but the fan unit should be installed in an easy-to-reach area to ensure regular maintenance. For basic coarse filters (like G4 class), the replacement interval may be 6–8 months, depending on air quality outdoors.
Some MVHR units have boost switches, which may have batteries if they are wireless or fitted in wet rooms. These should also be checked periodically to ensure the system continues to function correctly.
Pollen filters and charcoal filters can be used at certain times of the year to save on costs. However, it's important to note that a charcoal (carbon) Nox filter is often used in MVHR units to filter out exhaust fumes or smoke, and these filters are not washable and single-use only.
If your MVHR system becomes noisy, it may indicate a problem, such as worn bearings in the fan motor, which may require a fan motor replacement. This work should be done by an experienced installer.
In summary, for optimal performance and air quality, check and replace MVHR filters typically every 3 to 12 months, adjusting frequency based on dust, pollution, and filter class. Systems with filter change indicators should be closely monitored. Failure to replace filters on time reduces airflow efficiency and air quality and can increase energy consumption.
Periodic inspection and maintenance are advised for MVHR systems due to potential mechanical wear and failure. With normal design working conditions and basic maintenance, the MVHR system should keep you and your home fresh and healthy for many years without you noticing it.
For more information about adding an MVHR system to your self-build, check out our guide to MVHR installation. Filters can be purchased from the fan unit manufacturer or from other online vendors. It's important to ensure you purchase spare parts for the fan unit from the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and longevity.
- MVHR systems, crucial for maintaining a fresh, healthy, and energy-efficient home, filter air tirelessly, but their performance depends on regular maintenance.
- Filters in MVHR systems should be replaced every 3 to 12 months, with more frequent changes in dusty or urban areas to guarantee efficient airflow and clean air quality.
- MVHR units often have a digital display with small batteries, so it's beneficial to check these batteries periodically for proper system function.
- The condensate drains in MVHR systems can become blocked due to dirt buildup, and a dry trap should be fitted to prevent smells from entering the home.
- To prevent dirt from clogging the heat exchanger, grease filters can be installed in room extract vents, but these filters also need regular cleaning or replacement.
- MVHR systems should be installed in areas that are easy to reach for regular maintenance, and filters, particularly basic coarse filters, may need replacement every 6–8 months, depending on air quality outdoors.
