Micaul Solar Heat Recovery and Ventilation

The causes and effects of poor ventilation are becoming increasingly well known. Modern construction

techniques used to build homes mean that there are very few leaks through which air can enter or

leave naturally. This means that indoor air quality has significantly deteriorated, leading to higher rates

of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Already 3 million people in the UK suffer from allergic disorders

and the numbers are rising steadily.

Recent legislation has made it a legal requirement to implement efficient ventilation, in order to ‘restrict

the accumulation of such moisture (which could lead to mould growth) and pollutants originating within

a building as would otherwise become a hazard to the health of the people in the building'. The

detail of this (rates of exchange etc) can be frustrating for the architect and developer if forced to use

conventional ventilation methods.

Trickle vents, air bricks and standard extractor fans can be unattractive, noisy and allow heat to be

extracted from the building, therefore costing money. Open windows pose a security problem and in

cold weather create draughts. Nor are any of these systems are very controllable – up to 37% of

the total heat loss of a house is due to excessive, uncontrollable ventilation.

Heat Recovery and Ventilation Systems offer a controllable and efficient method of managing air changes

in line with the Building Regulations, Part F. The major advantage of an HRV over more conventional

ventilation methods is that it maintains optimum air quality for the incoming air. A high efficiency filtration

system removes up to 30 times more incoming particles such as pollen and car fumes that can trigger

allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems and it also dehumidifies the air.

The incorporated heat exchanger harnesses what would otherwise have been wasted energy that is

present both in the exhausted air that is being extracted and the fresh air that is being introduced. The

heat energy that it collects can either be released inside or outside depending on whether heating or

cooling is needed For example, in the winter the heat exchanger in the ventilator can capture 96%

of the heat energy from outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air before circulating it through the

home. This very efficient heat recovery system can reduce your heating bills by between 20% and 30%.

A well designed Whole House Heat Recovery and Ventilation System from will:

• Substantially improve indoor air quality in your home

• Help you become energy efficient

• Reduce your property carbon emissions

• Ensure you achieve your SAP ratings cost effectively

• Comply with building regulations more easily than traditional ventilation

• Benefit the health of your family and people living within the home

• Reduce moisture build up and mould growth

• Reduce outside noise from entering the home

• Improve security to your home