Heat Recovery Ventilation

Featuring the best heat recovery ventilation in New Zealand

A heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system optimises the environment around it, ensuring you enjoy fresh and safe air in your home. Unlike standard heating systems that circulate and eventually expel stale air, HRV systems replace it with fresh air while retaining warmth. This process not only maintains high air quality but also enhances energy efficiency by recycling and reusing the warm air. Only the best heat recovery ventilation systems in New Zealand are featured on ArchiPro, an important part of a broader range of ventilation systems to consider for your home.

Advantages of heat recovery ventilation systems

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems enhance indoor environments by providing various benefits, from improved air quality to energy efficiency. These systems create a self-contained atmosphere by recycling existing air, leading to cleaner air that is beneficial for personal health and similar in function to mechanical ventilation systems, which optimise carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. This results in less pollen and pollution in both working and living spaces. HRVs provide constant fresh airflow and retain heat within buildings, especially useful in colder seasons when opening a window would otherwise result in heat loss. This ability to maintain internal temperature consistency increases energy efficiency and reduces energy costs, allowing occupants to remain comfortable while saving money. Environmentally, HRVs are advantageous as they recycle used air, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions. In commercial and industrial settings, these systems are particularly beneficial due to their capacity to handle higher energy outputs, ensuring that employees enjoy cleaner and more comfortable air year-round, all while significantly cutting overhead energy costs and enhancing overall efficiency.

Types of heat recovery ventilation systems

Core-based heat recovery ventilators (HRVs):

These systems use a heat exchange core to transfer heat between outgoing and incoming air without mixing them, maintaining indoor air quality and recovering heat. Ideal for cold climates.

Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs):

Similar to HRVs, these systems transfer both heat and moisture between air streams, balancing indoor humidity and temperature. Perfect for humid climates.

Plate heat exchangers:

Utilising thin plates to separate and transfer heat between air streams, these simple and effective systems have no moving parts and ensure efficient heat recovery.

Rotary heat exchangers (thermal wheels):

These systems feature a rotating wheel that can be coated with desiccant material to transfer both heat and moisture between air streams, making them versatile for various climates. Non-desiccant-coated wheels transfer only heat and are suitable for environments where humidity control is unnecessary.

Run-around coil systems:

These systems use a liquid medium to transfer heat between two separate coils in the exhaust and fresh air streams. They are ideal when air streams cannot be placed close together and offer flexibility in design.

Dual-core systems:

Featuring two separate heat exchange cores, these systems provide higher efficiency and better performance, especially in extreme climates, ensuring optimal heat recovery.

How to choose a heat recovery ventilation system

When selecting a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system, consider the local climate. HRVs are less effective in mild climates without regular heating or cooling needs but are highly efficient in colder areas, enhancing warmth and reducing air conditioning workload in hotter regions. Choose HRV models with high energy ratings for maximum savings and review their warranties, especially for industrial or commercial use, where some models offer lifetime warranties. HRVs improve indoor air quality by reducing humidity and contaminants, boosting HVAC efficiency, and maintaining constant, filtered airflow to eliminate drafts. Domestic HRVs range from simple single-room units to whole-home systems requiring ducting, while commercial HRVs are larger and designed for extensive climate control. Installation varies, with larger systems typically requiring professional setup.

Ongoing maintenance

Ongoing maintenance for heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems is essential to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and effectively. Regular tasks include cleaning or replacing filters every few months to prevent airflow blockage and maintain air quality. The heat exchange core and ventilation ducts should also be checked and cleaned annually to remove any dust or debris that could impair their function. Additionally, it's important to inspect the condensate pan and drain system to ensure they are clear of blockages and functioning correctly. For systems with fans and motors, periodic lubrication and checks for wear and tear are necessary. Keeping up with these maintenance tasks can extend the lifespan of the HRV system and optimise its performance.

Other ventilation systems products that you might need

There is more than just a heat recovery ventilation unit to consider for your home. For example, passive ventilation systems are a great option for regulating internal temperatures while reducing energy costs. However, if you want a system that provides constant and controlled ventilation, a mechanical ventilation system is ideal for your home. Additionally, ArchiPro has a wide range of ventilation components for those requiring replacement parts or personalisation of their ventilation system.