Are you noticing unusual smells, stale air, or inconsistent temperatures in your home? These could be early warnings that your MVHR system isn’t performing at its best. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are vital for maintaining good indoor air quality while conserving energy in modern, airtight homes.
An MVHR system continuously extracts stale air and supplies fresh, filtered air, helping to reduce humidity, mould, and airborne pollutants. But like any home system, it needs regular maintenance to function effectively and avoid costly repairs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 5 Signs Your MVHR System Needs Maintenance, how to spot them early, and what steps you can take to ensure your system continues to deliver clean, fresh air while staying energy-efficient.
What is an MVHR System?
A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system is an advanced home ventilation solution designed to continuously circulate fresh air while retaining heat energy from the air it expels. It works by extracting stale, moisture-laden air from wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and at the same time drawing in fresh air from outside.
The system then uses a heat exchanger to transfer warmth from the outgoing air to the incoming air, significantly reducing heat loss. MVHR systems are ideal for modern, airtight homes where natural ventilation is limited. They help regulate humidity, improve indoor air quality, and lower heating costs year-round.
What Are the Top 5 Signs Your MVHR System Needs Maintenance?
Over time, even the most efficient MVHR systems can suffer from performance issues due to wear, dirt build-up, or lack of maintenance. Identifying these signs early can help you avoid expensive repairs, reduce energy waste, and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
1. Reduced Airflow or Weak Ventilation
If your home starts to feel stuffy or the airflow from your vents seems weaker than usual, your MVHR system may not be operating efficiently. This is often caused by clogged filters, ductwork obstructions, or a malfunctioning fan motor that reduces ventilation effectiveness.
Solution: Clean or replace the filters every 3–6 months and inspect ductwork for blockages or damage. Regular maintenance ensures consistent airflow and optimal system performance.
2. Unusual Noises from the System
Strange noises such as humming, rattling, or whistling coming from your MVHR system are often warning signs of internal issues. These could stem from loose components, ageing motors, or restricted airflow caused by debris buildup.
Solution: Arrange a professional inspection to identify and fix loose parts, clear any obstructions, and ensure the system is running quietly and efficiently.
3. Increase in Energy Bills
A sudden rise in your energy bills without a change in usage habits could be linked to your MVHR system working harder than necessary. This often happens when the heat exchanger is clogged or the airflow is restricted, making the system less energy efficient.
Solution: Regularly check and clean the filters, air vents, and heat exchanger to prevent overworking the system. Proper maintenance helps keep energy consumption in check.
4. Condensation or Mould Growth in Your Home
Visible condensation on windows or the appearance of mould on walls or ceilings is a strong indicator that your MVHR system isn’t managing indoor humidity properly. This could be due to airflow imbalances, duct leaks, or insufficient extraction of moist air.
Solution: Examine the system’s airflow balance settings and inspect the ducting for any leaks or blockages. Ensuring proper moisture control is essential for preventing mould and protecting your home’s structure.
5. Unpleasant Odours or Stale Air
If you detect musty or stale smells lingering in your living space, your MVHR system may not be circulating fresh air effectively. This is commonly caused by clogged filters, bacterial buildup, or neglecting scheduled maintenance.
Solution: Replace old filters and schedule a professional cleaning every 2–3 years. A clean system promotes better air quality and eliminates unpleasant odours, ensuring a fresher indoor environment.
What Are the Key Features of a Well-Maintained MVHR System?
A properly maintained MVHR system not only provides cleaner air but also ensures your home remains energy-efficient and comfortable all year round. Below are the essential features that define a well-functioning MVHR system.
High-Efficiency Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger plays a crucial role in recovering warmth from outgoing air and transferring it to incoming fresh air, significantly reducing the need for additional heating. When well-maintained, it operates smoothly and efficiently, helping to lower energy consumption without compromising comfort. Keeping the heat exchanger clean and free of debris is vital for maintaining peak performance.
Advanced Filtration
Effective filtration is key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. A well-serviced MVHR system is equipped with filters that capture dust, allergens, and airborne pollutants, preventing them from circulating around your home. Routine replacement of these filters ensures that the air remains clean and the system doesn’t suffer from reduced airflow due to clogging.
Balanced Ventilation
Balanced ventilation ensures that the amount of fresh air being supplied to your living areas matches the amount of stale air being extracted. This balance prevents draughts, pressure issues, and uneven temperatures throughout your home. Regular system checks help maintain this balance, promoting consistent airflow and indoor comfort in every room.
Conclusion
Maintaining your MVHR system is essential for ensuring optimal air quality, energy efficiency, and overall comfort in your home. By recognising the Top 5 Signs Your MVHR System Needs Maintenance, including reduced airflow, unusual noises, rising energy bills, mould growth, and unpleasant odours, you can address issues early and avoid costly repairs. A well-maintained system features an efficient heat exchanger, advanced filtration, and balanced ventilation, all working together to create a healthy indoor environment.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs or simply want to ensure your system is operating at its best, VentSolve is here to help. Contact VentSolve today to schedule your service and keep your home fresh, healthy, and energy-efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an MVHR system be serviced?
It is recommended to have your MVHR system professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance ensures the heat exchanger, fans, and filters are working efficiently and helps identify issues before they become major problems.
What happens if I don’t maintain my MVHR system?
Skipping regular maintenance can lead to reduced airflow, poor air quality, increased energy consumption, and even system failure. Over time, this can result in condensation problems, mould growth, and higher repair costs.
How can I tell if my MVHR filters are clogged?
Common signs of clogged filters include weak airflow from vents, musty odours, or increased dust around your home. If it has been more than 3 to 6 months since your last filter change, it’s time to inspect or replace them.
What affects the lifespan of an MVHR system?
The lifespan of an MVHR system is influenced by installation quality, regular maintenance, usage patterns, and environmental factors like dust and pollution levels.
Does a faulty MVHR system affect indoor air quality?
Absolutely. If your MVHR system is not functioning correctly, it may fail to remove pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture from your home, leading to stale air, odours, and a higher risk of respiratory issues.
Can an MVHR system help prevent mould in my home?
Yes, one of the primary benefits of an MVHR system is its ability to manage humidity levels by extracting moist air from bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas. This helps prevent condensation and mould growth, especially in modern, airtight homes.
