A heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system is an energy recovery ventilation system that works between multiple sources, both at a different temperature. This system helps satisfy the heating and cooling demands of a building. Almost every building will have residual heat which is useful for such a system. A heat recovery unit will usually consist of a core unit with channels for air inlet. A building exhaust is used as a heat source system however; it does depend on the time of the year. These are highly efficient in reducing energy impact on the environment. This is a good method of reducing energy demand and help use energy more efficiently. An HRV system helps reduce humidity & remove condensation, replaces state air with fresh air, transfers waste exhaust heat, cost of running is very low compared to benefits achieved by saving. It also helps reduce the greenhouse gas mission since it recycles energy.
This article goes on to describe dos and don’ts as far as heat recovery and efficiency system is concerned; it also describes how it works.
DOs and Don’ts
Heat recovery and ventilation systems are useful in many industries; however, there are many important factors to take into consideration when using it.
Here is a list of a few important do’s and don’ts:
- Running HRV in summer: It is best to shut off any HRV system during the summer months since it can have a negative impact. It will be drawing in warm air that contains a lot of humidity and moisture depending on which part of the country you live in and potentially have an opposite effect than intended. Thus, it is usually a good idea to shut off an HRV system when the furnace is not in use.
- Do not switch it off in winter: A humidity control should ideally be set as per the season with a special setting necessary in winter. Unlike in summer when the temperature is on the highest setting; the setting needs to be lower during winter. Ideally, it should be just low enough to prevent condensation on the windows. It is best not to shut it since that would result in high humidity levels leading to the growth of mold.
- Do not leave it running all the time: It is a good idea to leave HRV running at all times since it can increase the humidity level and also increases heating/cooling costs. It is best to keep it running as per instructions provided in most cases.
How does it Work?
There are several renewable energy systems around those that harness the energy of the sun, wind and transform it for use in houses or buildings. There are also those which make use of the energy generated from existing systems that run on the principle of heat recovery. These systems help reduce the impact on the environment as well.
The basic principle of a heat recovery system is to ensure that warm air generated by the existing ventilation system does not go to waste but instead is recycled and fed to a boiler or other system that can use the heat. This will not replace the need for a boiler or any other heating system; however, it helps them function more efficiently and effectively.
This type of heat recovery and efficiency system works best in offices or houses that are insulated in the right manner so that very little air escapes. It is also used at an industrial scale, especially where there is dairy equipment to make dairy farms more energy efficient.
