Heat recovery: what is the big fuss all about?
We all know that fresh air is vital for our wellbeing. Historically, the simplest way of getting that air was
So you’ve set your heart on heat recovery, and then you find there are two types: centralised and decentralised (also known as single-room). Which should you choose?
Let’s break it down – both of these systems have the same aim: extracting humid and stale air while supplying tempered fresh air.
The difference is that a centralised system has a big (central) unit with ducting running to each room we want to serve, while the decentralised system uses single-room ventilators fitted to each room we want to serve with no ducting required.
That seemingly subtle distinction means a world of difference when it comes to the installation process.
The centralised system needs extensive building work, which in practice results in significant disruption while carrying out those works. Ducting runs need to be planned and condensation in the ducting needs to be taken into account. The building works are decidedly more involved and translate to much higher costs. Due to the complicated nature of the works, the centralised system is usually considered only when whole-house refurbishments are carried out or with new build projects.
The decentralised system, in contrast, is much less disruptive. The work is localised to the particular room where the unit is to be installed. There can be just one, or many units installed in many rooms. If many units are installed, they can function as a whole-house system but crucially, they don’t need ducting runs.
What about ongoing costs?
The centralised system, apart from the regular filter replacements, needs to account for maintenance costs associated with keeping the ducting runs free of condensation.
The single-room units are virtually maintenance-free. All that’s required is a quick filter clean (and an annual replacement if you have one of the upgraded filters). There is no need for ongoing servicing – the filter removal is so easy it can be done by the consumer alone, like with our Ambientika units made by Südwind.
So, in terms of both installation and maintenance costs, the single-room units have an undisputed edge over the centralised system.
We all know that fresh air is vital for our wellbeing. Historically, the simplest way of getting that air was
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