Can I get some advice on whether to get a decentralised heat recovery ventilation system for my townhouse

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Can I get some advice on whether to get a decentralised heat recovery ventilation system for my townhouse

mmKay

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#296288 5-Jun-2022 11:48

Kia ora koutou

I'm wondering if any of you can give advice on whether it's worthwhile to get a decentralised heat recovery ventilation system. I am looking at something like the Lunos system: https://www.theheatingcompany.co.nz/home-ventilation-systems-nz/lunos/ (not sure if the link will work as I'm new here).

My townhouse is three storeys, so something decentralised will probably be needed. My main concern is that, I see that these systems are meant for houses that are really airtight. While my house is modern (built last year, Homestar 6), I'm not sure if that will be enough.

It would be great to have some good ventilation in the house without having to rely on opening windows and getting clean, warm, dry air. I know I should probably ask the people selling these products for advice, but I wanted to get some independent advice on here, especially if anyone has any experience with these systems.

Cheers

mmKay

tweake

2641 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1137

#2922873 5-Jun-2022 12:40

imho its always worthwhile getting ventilation system. even if its simply for the fact that you don't have to leave windows open. plus i find ventilation systems work better than open windows.

decentralized systems will work just fine. the problems i see is getting power to each unit and the cost of having so many units. ideally you need one per room, but reality is you would fit one on either corner of the house so they flow air right through the house. for eg the units talk to each other so one will blow into the house while the other blows out, then they swap around. downside of that is side rooms don't get much ventilation.

the other units are balanced ventilation units, so each unit blows in and out through a hrv core. downside is they really only work per room. $$$$

the other way is to do simple positive pressure on each floor. wall fan and duct it to a central location like a hall way. what you can do is highly dependant on how the house is built and again side rooms don't get a lot of ventilation especially if the doors are closed.

the simple problem is kiwi homes are not designed or made with ventilation or heating in mind. so it becomes a major problem to retrofit units.

mmKay

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2948318 30-Jul-2022 13:38

Thanks for your response, tweake!

I've noticed over the winter - my first winter in the house - that it perhaps isn't as well insulated as I thought and we've had a few mornings with condensation on the windows. I still think that some sort of ventilation system would be beneficial, but I'm also thinking now that a heat pump might be necessary as well.

If anyone has any advice on good ventilation options/installers in Auckland, I would appreciate hearing it.

tweake

2641 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1137

#2948349 30-Jul-2022 15:23

standard double glazing has solid aluminium frames which gets tons of condensation on and also looses heat badly. in fact old school single pane wooden windows can perform as good.

all homes should have heating. so heat pump or fireplace etc should be installed. these should be done when under construction when its cheaper to do so.