Had some issues with condensation and really need to fit some extraction (no extractor in kitchen and like to steam veg!)
Clearly, heat recovery makes pure sense, so would like to install some. No room for ducting associated with normal loft positioned ones. 1920's semi, Pretty well insulated now considering the type of house.
Saw a couple neat looking units at EcoBuild. One by Vent-axia (Tempra) and Xpelaire do one too (HXR150).
Essentially a replacement for a standard through the wall extractor, but claiming 75 or 80% recovery, Draws slightly less air in to maintain a negative pressure in the room. Would like to fit one to my bathroom, and one in my kitchen. (Will have to be vigilant with using our cooker hook which is just a recycling one, but clearly don't wont to cack up an expensive MVHR with grease etc)
Has anyone out there had any experience with these rather neat looking units. Wondered if they can live up to their claims.
tony
7 Mar 2010, 4:48 PM
There is no way that I would entertain one as putting all that grease/fat laden air in must clagg up the workings
I have MHRV but vent cooking smells to outside when they are gross.
heinbloed
7 Mar 2010, 6:37 PM
As Tony said already: a heatrecovery installation should not be used as a kitchen hood. The build-up of grease is not only a nuisance, it influences the efficiency of the heat exchanger as well. Marathon swimmers used vaseline/petrol jelly to avoid cooling out, some just used lard. The same will happen on your heatexchanger, dust and grease will condense there and reduce the heatrecovery, thermally insulating it. Then there is the fire risk as well: a mixture of dust and cobwebs together with fat and oil will form an excellent fuel. And that along a duct passing through all the house supplied with plenty of oxigene. Desaster is waiting to happen with such an installation. Before you go for a HRV check the various brochures of the manufacturers, not only the user's manual but also the installer's manual. If they don't give it to you shop somewhere else.
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