Characteristics and performance of MVHR systems: a meta study of MVHR systems used in the Innovate UK building performance evaluation Programme

This meta-study was commissioned by Innovate UK as part of the Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) Programme to provide an overview of the performance and use of whole-house heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) systems in domestic projects. With increasing requirements for energy reduction, the impact of ventilation strategies has increased in importance, both in terms of energy reduction and indoor air quality (IAQ). The primary aims of this meta-study are to: 1. Review the characteristics of installed systems in relation to air flow, system balance and compare to existing published guidelines, particularly those contained in the relevant Building Regulations documents; 2. Investigate, via surveys and interviews, the reasons for selecting MVHR as a ventilation strategy on a development and experience of MVHR systems in practice; 3. Review available monitored data to investigate the performance of houses with MVHR systems; 4. Determine the key features of MVHR systems with respect to the quality of their design and installation and commissioning procedures.