Heat recovery ventilation is not necessary for every house, but it can be a very useful solution for modern, well-insulated and airtight homes.
A heat recovery ventilation system supplies fresh air to the rooms while removing humid and stale air. At the same time, the heat recovery unit transfers part of the heat from the outgoing air to the fresh air entering the house.
The main advantage is that the house can be continuously ventilated with lower heat losses than with traditional ventilation through open windows. The system can also help control indoor humidity, reduce condensation and lower the risk of mold.
Heat recovery ventilation is particularly useful in a well-insulated house with airtight windows and doors. In such homes, natural air exchange may not provide enough fresh air.
However, the system requires a higher initial investment as well as proper design, installation and maintenance. Filters need to be replaced regularly, and the ventilation ducts must be correctly designed and installed.
For a new house, it is best to plan the ventilation system during the design stage. This makes it easier to integrate the ducts and equipment into the building.
Therefore, heat recovery ventilation is not essential for every house, but it can significantly improve indoor comfort and air quality in a modern, well-insulated home.
