IDM - Supplying Warmth

Essentially a variation on traditional air conditioning systems, a Mechanical Heat Recovery System can take advantage of previously wasted heat whilst at the same time providing cleaner air cooled or heated through an exchanger.

It is particularly attractive to people who suffer from lung debilitating diseases, most commonly asthma and emphysema. But it is equally desirable for clients wishing to improve the air quality and better control heat in their homes.

A mechanical heat recovery system works by extracting stale warm air in homes through a specially designed ventilator under conditions whereby the interior of the property is well sealed from draughts, typically through windows and doors. Conversely, it can also extract stale cold air to help cool incoming fresh warm air to a cooler temperature during warm summers. The key to this system is a tightly sealed internal environment.

The importance of well sealed properties is crucial because the ventilator utilises the warmth in stale air to heat new fresh air from outside coming into the property via the same ventilator. Whilst the warmth of the stale air heats the new fresh air, the two do not mix, resulting in new fresh air already warmed. If draughts exist, the warm stale air escapes uncontrolled and the heat in this stale air is lost. As mentioned above, the system works in reverse in the summer months to keep homes cool and fresh.

The installation costs are relatively high, measured against conventional heating systems. Space is required to install the ventilator and ducts to and from each room and a back up heat source is normally required to increase heat during extremes of temperatures. Nevertheless, the system has many advantages, most notably the ability to control air conditions, recycle existing heat effectively, reduce heating bills and contribute in a personally significant way towards carbon footprint reduction.