Heat Recovery
Ventilation Systems
HRV systems recover 75–92% of the heat from extracted air and transfer it to the incoming fresh supply — slashing ventilation heat loss without sacrificing air quality. We design and install both centralised ducted and decentralised through-wall units.
Choosing the Right
HRV Approach
Heat recovery ventilation comes in two main configurations. Centralised ducted HRV (sometimes called MVHR) uses a single unit and a network of ducts to serve the whole building — ideal for new builds. Decentralised through-wall units are self-contained and pair-balanced, making them the go-to choice for retrofit projects where installing ductwork is impractical.
- Centralised units: 75–92% heat recovery, single plant location, quieter operation
- Decentralised pairs: installed through the external wall, no ductwork needed
- Both strategies achieve Part F compliance when correctly designed
- CO₂ and humidity sensors trigger automatic boost mode when needed
- Suitable for residential, commercial, educational and healthcare settings
- Summer bypass / free-cooling mode available on most modern units
Why Invest in Heat Recovery?
75–92% Thermal Efficiency
Counter-flow plate heat exchangers recover the vast majority of heat from stale outgoing air. This significantly reduces the additional heating load required to bring incoming cold outside air up to room temperature — particularly valuable in UK winters.
Demand-Controlled Ventilation
CO₂ sensors in classrooms and offices trigger boost ventilation exactly when rooms are occupied and crowded — not on a fixed timer. This keeps CO₂ below 1,000 ppm (the CIBSE-recommended threshold) without wasting energy ventilating empty spaces.
Ideal for Retrofit
Decentralised through-wall HRV units can be installed with minimal disruption — no ceilings opened, no ductwork to route. Each pair of units balances supply and extract through the same core hole in the external wall, making them perfect for occupied homes and offices.
Proven in Schools & Offices
Studies consistently link poor classroom ventilation to reduced pupil attainment and higher absenteeism. HRV with CO₂ control is now specified by many local authorities for new and refurbished schools. We have installed systems across a range of educational settings in the North West.
Homes & Apartments
Retrofit & New Build
For occupied homes being improved under an EnerPHit programme or a general fabric-first retrofit, decentralised HRV units are often the most practical choice. We carry out a room-by-room assessment to size units correctly and ensure Part F flow rates are achieved.
- No ductwork — units installed direct through external wall
- Low noise levels suitable for bedrooms and living areas
- Filters replace annually — straightforward homeowner maintenance
- Compatible with smart home controls and app monitoring
Offices, Schools
& Healthcare
Larger buildings benefit from a centralised ducted HRV strategy where a single air handling unit serves multiple zones. We design duct layouts to CIBSE Guide A, specify appropriate filtration for the environment, and provide full commissioning documentation for BREEAM assessors.
- Full CIBSE Guide A duct design and air flow calculations
- BREEAM-ready commissioning documentation and air flow test results
- Integration with BMS for centralised monitoring and scheduling
- Planned maintenance contracts available for ongoing compliance
Related Services
Air Conditioning
Installation, servicing and repairs for domestic and commercial air conditioning.
Refrigeration & Cold Rooms
Cold room design, commercial refrigeration and emergency breakdown response.
HVAC Design & Consultancy
Load calculations, system specification and project management for HVAC projects.
Electrical & Plumbing
Power supplies, pipework and electrical services supporting HVAC installations.
Compliance & Maintenance
PPM contracts, F-Gas compliance, TM44 surveys and reactive maintenance.