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Microbiologist Tackles Allergy
Designing a self build property gave one homeowner in Suffolk an ideal opportunity to create a
healthier and more efficient home. Here, Chris Marriott, Managing Director of ADM Systems, looks
at how the heat recovery MVHR system (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) helped with this.
he homeowner had suffered property. Eventually, the self builder decided on problem overnight.”
T
with an allergy to pollens for an MVHR system with a summer option, In terms of improved energy efficiency in
years, however the family were which allows it to bypass the heat exchanger winter, the MVHR system has made full use of
determined that it wouldn’t and provide a greater flow rate of cooler fresh the heat from the Aga. Recovering over 90 per
spoil their enjoyment of this filtered air in to the property during warmer cent of this heat, along with that from the
self build idyllic location. months. This avoids the need to open underfloor heating system and feeding it back
The hay fever sufferer is a microbiologist and windows, again reducing his exposure to into the house as warm fresh air, ensures that
therefore used his scientific training to identify the allergens. the owner is able to reduce the overall energy
the best method of alleviating the problem.
Airborne allergens in the form of pollen from
“Without an adequate air management system, research
nearby trees, grass and wild flowers were
has shown that the air inside a building can be up to
causing the symptoms and the self builder
therefore recognised that a method of
ten times more polluted than the air in the street
circulating fresh filtered air throughout the
(Building Research Establishment Report)”
property was needed.
Initially, a stand-alone air management system The MVHR system now provides a requirement of the building.
had been considered. However, it was soon continuous low level of background ventilation to The 8 x 15m, 2,500m
2
two storey house has
realised that an MVHR system would provide all the property, which has been designed to two large bedrooms at the East and West ends,
these benefits, along with the added advantage regularly change all the air. It replaces the one with an en-suite. Downstairs there is an
of improving the energy efficiency of the whole stale damp air with fresh, warmed, clean and, entrance area, inner hall with mezzanine level,
crucially for this dining room and kitchen along with a snug,
allergy sufferer, filtered which has a wood burning stove in an exposed
air. Since it was herring-bone brick inglenook fireplace.
installed, this hay fever There is a 5m x 6m glass-walled relaxation
sufferer has been able room on the south side of the property that has
to avoid taking daily a cathedral roof with exposed oak rafters.
antihistamines to The owner made it clear that the whole family
control his allergy liked to sit in this room as it has wonderful views
symptoms. onto the nearby countryside. Normally the glass
“I am delighted walls would mean that the room became
with the results of unbearably hot, however the MVHR system’s
fitting the MVHR cooling summer bypass and winter energy
system,” comments efficiency ensures it remains at a constant
the owner. “Having comfortable temperature throughout the year.
suffered from allergies Having suffered from the effect of airborne
for years, it was a allergens for many years and having previously
welcome relief when had to take strong antihistamines to control the
the MVHR system condition, this microbiologist is now enjoying the
virtually solved the benefits of an MVHR system.
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