PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2024 40 Ventilation & Heat Recovery


Easy steps for a successful MVHR project


MVHR systems offer an effective way to meet the latest requirements of the Building Regulations, but what if you are unsure about how to design and specify such systems? Rhys Jones from National Ventilation outlines some of the design services available to installers.


is the ideal time for installers to capitalise on this trend through projects in small housing development plots. The latest updates to Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations are designed to facilitate the transition to Net Zero including achieving nearly a third reduction in carbon emissions for new homes. However, as buildings


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become more airtight in order to improve energy efficiency, it becomes even more essential to prioritise indoor air quality (IAQ). The new Part F represents a significant milestone, because it outlines crucial changes that will drive adoption of low carbon ventilation as an industry standard while simultaneously enhancing IAQ. For new build residential homes, the new Building Regulations require higher rates of ventilation to protect resident health. This means a move to more advanced ventilation solutions, such as MVHR. It means that installers will


need to be familiar with the design and specification of technologies such as MVHR. There is also the additional need for specialist knowledge of the equipment or software programmes to ensure that the pressure in the system over a given length of ducting can be correctly calculated. This can be a daunting prospect for contractors who are unfamiliar with system design. Fortunately, there are design


s MVHR increasingly becomes the preferred ventilation system for new build projects, now


The design service supplies a full design and quotation, including unit calculations, a full kit list, as well as recommended duct routes, making the whole process simple and


straightforward CUT TO THE CHASE


 New Part F of the Building Regulations will drive adoption of low carbon ventilation solutions such MVHR


 Drawings will be needed to specify the right size of ventilation unit and correct type and length of ducting


 It is vital to specify the correct unit for a property as different MVHR systems will offer different configurations


 Modern MVHR systems now feature integral controls and sensors, ensuring the highest levels of indoor air quality


Rhys Jones National technical manager at National Ventilation


p Semi rigid ductwork is ideal for smaller developments


pu Ducting can be run through webbed eco joists


services available, such as the free service we offer at National Ventilation to help installers win new business. The service supplies a full design and quotation, including unit calculations, a full kit list as well as recommended duct routes, making the whole process simple and straightforward. So, what steps do installers


need to take to design and specify a ventilation system?


In the picture The first step in designing a ventilation system is to obtain the drawings from the architect or developer. This is needed to specify the correctly sized ventilation unit and the correct type and lengths of ducting – whilst ensuring it complies with Building Regulations. The architect drawings and property details, including room dimensions, are then entered into an airflow calculator. This ensures that the ventilation specified can meet the airflow demands of each room. Once the total airflow figure


has been calculated, an MVHR unit can be selected. It is vital to specify the correct unit for a property as different MVHR systems will offer different configurations. It is also important to design a system that will provide the correct levels of ventilation and will physically work within the structure.


Best location The next step is to decide where best to locate the unit. The loft is an ideal location for the MVHR


but in properties with vaulted ceilings an alternative location is needed such as a utility room or a plant room. Next it is important to work


out where to locate risers and ducting. It is essential to consider the building design and whether the ceilings have voids to run the ducting or alternatively webbed eco joists where the ducting can be run. However, if these aren’t an option, contractors might want to consider other solutions such as running the ducting between floors or within stud walls. When it comes to MVHR


systems, contractors can be put off by the arduous and specialist nature of traditional plastic ductwork, but there is now a cost effective, simple alternative: semi rigid ductwork, such as our Monsoon Radial ducting. This is ideal for smaller developments as it is flexible, yet robust, and a Stanley knife the only real tool needed to install it. This type of ducting also means fewer mistakes, since even a novice can install it to a high standard, resulting in an airtight installation and improved system performance.


Integral controls The next step to consider is controls. Traditionally MVHR was often linked to bathroom lighting, but not every bathroom visit is a shower or a bath and so systems could boost unnecessarily. Modern MVHR systems now feature integral controls and sensors, ensuring the highest levels of indoor air quality. With built-in intelligent


humidistats, CO2 sensors, frost protection and summer bypass, the MVHR automatically controls the ventilation and comfort in the home.


Meanwhile, wireless app- control allows households to control ventilation through their smartphone, which allows them to boost ventilation during hot temperatures in the summer or reduce ventilation while on holiday. An integrated digital controller also allows simple and accurate commissioning which is handy for the installer.


Site visit Once the location of the MVHR units, risers and ducting has been decided the next stage is for National Ventilation to send the design and quote to the installer’s stockist. This is supplied with detailed calculations, proposed ducting layout, where to put the MVHR unit and risers and how to control the unit. However, although a design


may appear correct on paper it is vital to ensure a design works on site. Quite often plans only tell half the story and contractors can often be caught out if things such as steels don’t show up on the original plans. To avoid any issues, our project managers undertake a free pre-order site visit to ensure the design will perform as intended.


Design service Once the design team has the project’s building drawings it will then produce free professional REVIT ventilation designs for the customer. The service provides a free step-by- step guide to explain the process. By using our free planning and advice service, contractors can be safe in the knowledge that they are installing a well- designed, fit-for-purpose system and will have a point of contact that will assist them throughout the whole job. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/424/62


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