HRV question

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quentinreade

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#210281 20-Mar-2017 20:37

Hi guys,

So we have had our HRV turned off while doing kitchen renovations. I turned it back on and decided to get a service (it's been a while since it's been serviced, and I have done the filters myself a few times). HRV guy shows up and tells me it's rusted up and needs a full replacement.

Got to say the eyebrows raised a tad, especially when he expected me to sign off on some serious $$ on the spot.

So, couple of questions:

- has anyone had an HRV system die on them? Ours was in before we got the home - I would guess 10 years

- what next steps would you recommend?

- if I have to replace motors etc, is there a better system / alternative to HRV to investigate?

Cheers! Quentin

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#1744909 20-Mar-2017 22:00

Haven't used them personally, but SmartVent seems relatively highly regarded.

If you're replacing anyway and your budget will stretch that far, you could consider going for a full blown ducted central heating option, either gas fired or with a heat pump.

mattwnz

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#1744929 20-Mar-2017 22:34

What's there to rust up? We have another type and it is twenty years old and is often off.

andrewNZ

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#1744935 20-Mar-2017 22:57

The first thing I'd be doing is getting up and having a look myself. I don't trust those people one little bit.

If you're going to spend money, dont spend it with HRV/DVS. Positive pressure systems are a bloody scam. (I could rant for days about why)

Go with a real balanced pressure heat recovery ventilation system (one with a heat exchanger). Smart-Vent do it, as do Cleanaire.
Be aware Smart-Vent also do a cheaper positive pressure system, you don't want that.

Jase2985

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#1744954 21-Mar-2017 05:21

surely its under warrently and if not the Consumer Guarantees Act should cover you. I would exepct a device like that to last 10+ years give the amount they cost. Its just a fan at the end of the day.

but what is there to rust? my DVS is all plastic

timmmay

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#1744961 21-Mar-2017 06:59

A salesmen for HRV straight out lied to me about their systems. I called them on it and kicked them out. Go look at it yourself. I have a cheap old system someone put in the house, it works fine.

Cleanaire is my pick for this type of system.

Stu

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#1745010 21-Mar-2017 08:17

Our HRV has recently died after about 12 years. Not even going to call them. Have unplugged it in the roof and will have a better look once the roof space is cool enough to spend some time checking it out properly. Probably late autumn, early winter.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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quentinreade

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#1745043 21-Mar-2017 09:17

Thanks for all the good advice guys.

I believe he was suggesting the bearings and motor had rusted.

It's fair to say I'll get a second opinion !

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cadman

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#1745078 21-Mar-2017 09:52

timmmay:

A salesmen for HRV straight out lied to me about their systems. I called them on it and kicked them out. Go look at it yourself. I have a cheap old system someone put in the house, it works fine.

Cleanaire is my pick for this type of system.

You can hardly expect any honesty from a company whose entire business model is built around exploiting irrational fears and ignorance. People that aren't natural born liars couldn't live with themselves working there.

Personally, I prefer the "open some windows" system. Coupled with the "turn the bathroom extractor on" and "use the rangehood when cooking" systems it's just as effective.

BlueOwl

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#1745081 21-Mar-2017 09:55

Definitely get a second opinion or inspect it yourself. We've got an HRV system which has been running fine for a couple of years, but the excessive prices and the hard-sell treatment is really reducing my opinion of them. God help you if they find out you've replaced the filters yourself.

Also, if it's in your loft space then it's unlikely there's enough moisture to cause much corrosion.

timmmay

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#1745087 21-Mar-2017 09:59

cadman:

You can hardly expect any honesty from a company whose entire business model is built around exploiting irrational fears and ignorance. People that aren't natural born liars couldn't live with themselves working there.

Personally, I prefer the "open some windows" system. Coupled with the "turn the bathroom extractor on" and "use the rangehood when cooking" systems it's just as effective.

I actually like ventilation systems, just not HRV brand. There's not always a breeze, and not that much air comes in the windows when they're on open latch. I have mine running during the day, with a bit of fresh air put in evening and night.

If I was building a new house I'd probably have a heat recovery ventilation system integrated with a whole house heat pump. Possibly ducted through the floor, not the ceiling.

MadEngineer

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#1745099 21-Mar-2017 10:16

Just be aware of the efficiency drop when using ducted heat pumps and other ducted heating systems.

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jonathan18

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#1745111 21-Mar-2017 10:46

MadEngineer: Just be aware of the efficiency drop when using ducted heat pumps and other ducted heating systems.

... that may be the case compared to running a number of separate units, but my experience of having used a ducted system through two winters is that they're pretty damn affordable to run - certainly cheaper than buying fire wood! Our total heating bill is a lot lower than it was prior to installing the system, when we used a mix of wood, gas and standard heat pumps - and we heat more of the house for longer now as well.

And the convenience factor of a ducted system is massive compared to other options, but I do agree with the preference to install the vents in the floors, going by my problems with ceiling-mounted vents in a house with high ceilings.

openmedia

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#1745174 21-Mar-2017 12:53

jonathan18:

MadEngineer: Just be aware of the efficiency drop when using ducted heat pumps and other ducted heating systems.

... that may be the case compared to running a number of separate units, but my experience of having used a ducted system through two winters is that they're pretty damn affordable to run - certainly cheaper than buying fire wood! Our total heating bill is a lot lower than it was prior to installing the system, when we used a mix of wood, gas and standard heat pumps - and we heat more of the house for longer now as well.

And the convenience factor of a ducted system is massive compared to other options, but I do agree with the preference to install the vents in the floors, going by my problems with ceiling-mounted vents in a house with high ceilings.

@jonathan18 which ducted system did you go for?

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richrdh18

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#1745176 21-Mar-2017 13:10

Have a look at it yourself first. I don't trust HRV sales people. They continuously ring in the evenings.

You can often find good second hand units on Trade Me at reasonable prices. I have a DVS and rang DVS to get a replacement controller unit for the fan unit in the roof space, and was surprised that it wasn't that expensive. Picked up a second hand fan unit off TM for $25 should normally be around $400+.

MadEngineer

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#1745177 21-Mar-2017 13:11

jonathan18:

MadEngineer: Just be aware of the efficiency drop when using ducted heat pumps and other ducted heating systems.

... that may be the case compared to running a number of separate units, but my experience of having used a ducted system through two winters is that they're pretty damn affordable to run - certainly cheaper than buying fire wood! Our total heating bill is a lot lower than it was prior to installing the system, when we used a mix of wood, gas and standard heat pumps - and we heat more of the house for longer now as well.

And the convenience factor of a ducted system is massive compared to other options, but I do agree with the preference to install the vents in the floors, going by my problems with ceiling-mounted vents in a house with high ceilings.

Definitely have to weigh up the pros n cons. They're certainly better than conventional heating and great to have a single unit serving your whole house with unobtrusive outlets but not so good if you have lots of residents who all have differing temperature preferences. It's not uncommon for Some people to find they have to add more systems anyway once they get a central heating system installed eg servicing areas they previously thought didn't need outlets.

Not to mention the rather large increase of cost with a ducted system. Good for large homes, don't bother for small homes.

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