What Is HRV Ventilation?

HRV ventilation is an increasingly common system in Swedish homes - but what is it, and why is it so effective in improving indoor climate and saving energy? What does it cost? In this article, we look at that and much more!

First of all, what does HRV mean?

HRV stands for Exhaust and supply air with heat exchange. It is a ventilation system that both ventilates out stale air and brings in fresh air - while recovering the heat from the exhaust air. It is very energy efficient because it recovers the heat from the old air, which is a big advantage compared to conventional exhaust air systems.

Comparison of ventilation systems

How an HRV system works

A unit extracts stale air from kitchens and bathrooms, for example. At the same time, new, filtered air is supplied to bedrooms and living rooms.

A heat exchanger ensures that up to 85-90% of the heat in the exhaust air is recycled to the incoming air. There are both rotating and counterflow heat exchanger, where rotary is most common. Counterflow units are often used where it is particularly important that no unwanted air transfer occurs.

Advantages of HRV ventilation

There are many advantages to having a FTX unit, for example:

• Better indoor air
• Lower heating costs
• Less risk of moisture and mould
• Increased comfort and more even temperature
• Works all year round - even in cold climates

Disadvantages of HRV ventilation

As with any technological solution, there are also some drawbacks to be aware of:

• Higher installation cost compared to simpler systems
• Need space for ducts and aggregates

What does an HRV unit cost?

It all depends on the type of unit you need - there are everything from small spice rack assembly to large modular units for larger buildings. Installation costs also vary between different buildings and installers.

To get an overview of prices including VAT, check out our online shop! There are additional costs for installing the unit.

How to choose the right HRV unit

When choosing an FTX unit, you should pay particular attention to the following factors:

• House size (m² and air flow): The unit must be able to handle the volume of air needed to ventilate the entire dwelling effectively. A model that is too small will not be able to cope, and one that is too large can be unnecessarily expensive to run and purchase.
• Sound level and location: Think about where the unit will be placed. A unit placed near a bedroom should have a low noise level so as not to disturb the night's sleep. Common locations in homes include above the stove integrated with the cooker hood, in the bathroom, wardrobe, garage, storage room, attic or in a technical room.
• Energy efficiency: Choose a high-efficiency heat recovery unit. It makes a difference in the long run in terms of energy consumption and heating costs.
• Filter class and maintenance needs: A good filter protects both the indoor air and the unit itself. Check the how often the filter needs to be changed and how easy it is to do yourself.

Every situation is unique, so you should talk to one of our local sellers or retailers to help you find the right solution. A technical data run should also be done to ensure the right sizing and function for your particular home.

💡 Do you want to quickly test different rotor types and airflows to get an idea of which EvoAir FTX unit might be suitable? Then try our proprietary tool!