Heat recovery systems are an innovative solution designed to improve indoor air quality while minimizing heat loss and energy consumption. They ensure your space remains well-ventilated and energy-efficient without the need to open windows or rely on traditional extractor fans.
The Basic Principle
A heat recovery system works by recycling heat from the air you’re already using before it’s lost to the outside. Instead of simply expelling warm, stale air and replacing it with cold, fresh air, the system transfers the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air all without the two air streams ever mixing.
Step-by-Step: How It Works
- Warm, Stale Air Is Extracted
The system pulls warm, moist, and stale air out of rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas through a network of ducting. - Fresh, Cold Air Is Drawn In
Simultaneously, fresh air from outside is brought into the system through a separate intake. - Heat Exchange Takes Place
Inside the heat recovery unit (typically installed in the attic, roof space, or plant room), the outgoing and incoming air pass through a heat exchanger.- These two airflows remain separate.
- Heat from the extracted indoor air is transferred to the incoming colder air through conductive surfaces inside the unit.
- Filtered, Warm Air Is Supplied Indoors
The now warmed, filtered fresh air is delivered into living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, or offices through supply vents. - Used Air Is Expelled Outside
After its heat is recovered, the stale air is safely vented outdoors.
Important Note: No Cross-Contamination
The system is designed so that the two airflows never physically mix ensuring fresh, clean air is delivered inside, while unwanted moisture and pollutants are removed.
Works Independently from Your Heating System
Heat recovery systems run 24/7 and function separately from your home’s heating or cooling system. They don’t generate heat; they recover and reuse the warmth that would otherwise be lost. Some advanced systems even include humidity sensors and smart controls that adjust airflow based on the conditions inside your home.
Why Heat Recovery Systems Matter
- Energy Savings
Up to 95% of the heat from outgoing air can be retained, which significantly reduces the demand on your heating system. - Healthier Indoor Air
Filters in the system remove dust, pollen, and airborne pollutants. - Humidity Control
Helps prevent condensation, damp, and mould by continuously removing moisture-laden air from wet rooms.