Green Building Forum - Independent MVHR design Sat, 30 May 2026 23:18:52 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200111#Comment_200111 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200111#Comment_200111 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 22:09:27 +0100 divorcingjack
I'm looking to DIY install our MVHR system and have it professionally commissioned and balanced. I also had the though that I would design the ducting, but I've just spent a VERY frustrating couple of hours trying to make some headway.

I've now come to the conclusion that visualising ducting in 3D is not my strong point.

Are there companies/individuals that will design a ducting system without requiring me to buy all their bits and bobs? I already have the unit and was planning on buying all the other materials myself.Any idea of costs? Had a scary quote for PHPP modelling, so don't want to go down that road again!

Suggestions of people who actually know what they're talking about would be much appreciated.

cheers,
dj]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200123#Comment_200123 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200123#Comment_200123 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 09:49:04 +0100 Simon Still
Airflow did a very detailed quote for me with flow rates, 3D images and plans. They don't even supply direct - you then need to send their 'part list' to one of their retailers for a quote. I can't see any reason you couldn't swap out various parts (including the MVHR unit itself) for other manufacturers (which I intend to do - their own pre insulated ducting is horrifically expensive compared to others)]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200184#Comment_200184 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200184#Comment_200184 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:33:36 +0100 divorcingjack
I have already got the Vent Axia Sentinel Kinetic Plus B unit - too good a price to resist, so hopefully it will be OK.
Currently researching ducting, there's so many more options than I thought were possible!

Cheers,
dj]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200227#Comment_200227 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200227#Comment_200227 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 18:02:14 +0100 Simon Still Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200262#Comment_200262 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200262#Comment_200262 Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:41:33 +0100 divorcingjack
Thanks for the tip.]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200557#Comment_200557 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=200557#Comment_200557 Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:17:25 +0100 Daren
Also, try Vent-Tek in Dorset. They're independent and extremely knowledgeable and helpful.]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204092#Comment_204092 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204092#Comment_204092 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 12:56:38 +0100 AMG
1. Does every room need a supply?
2. Does every room need an extract? Or do you
extract from wet areas only (bathroom/toilet and kitchen)?

How do you decide where silencers go?

I have sent my drawings to a number of companies but non will show me the design. Instead they just give single quote. Happy to pay for it or to design it myself (with help) and then order the components?
Ayaz]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204100#Comment_204100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204100#Comment_204100 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 15:27:15 +0100 Ed Davies Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204102#Comment_204102 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204102#Comment_204102 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:14:17 +0100 AMG
I suppose it must as everyone does comment in the freshness and air quality after installing mvhr.]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204106#Comment_204106 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204106#Comment_204106 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 18:08:52 +0100 Ed Davies Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204107#Comment_204107 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204107#Comment_204107 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 18:14:17 +0100 Gotanewlife
And you must also have inlets not just extracts as you perhaps didn't mean to say above :wink:]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204227#Comment_204227 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204227#Comment_204227 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 22:11:14 +0100 Archmoco
You want the unit as central as possible and ensure good access for changing filters. I went with a Beam Acxo and very happy with it, it's rotary so technically not as efficient as plate ones, but it's rare if my efficient drops below 90%. With rotary you don't need a condensation drain. Also,there can be a bit of noise from the units so don't stick it directly over a bedroom or near the TV]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204310#Comment_204310 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204310#Comment_204310 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 00:22:52 +0100 djh Posted By: divorcingjackAre there companies/individuals that will design a ducting system without requiring me to buy all their bits and bobs? I already have the unit and was planning on buying all the other materials myself.
Yes but ...

The various ducting systems don't all have the same design rules. So if you get a design for one ducting system, you can't just apply it to a competitor's system.

We just bought a semi-rigid ducting system. I haven't fitted it yet but I'll whisper my experience so far.]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204311#Comment_204311 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=204311#Comment_204311 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 00:28:46 +0100 djh Posted By: ArchmocoI've seen the kitchen extract through a grease filter, but I kept mine as standard extract directly to the outside
That depends on your target efficiency, of course. There's a lot of valuable heat produced in a kitchen that is worth recovering for a very low-energy house.

You want the unit as central as possible

It's true that a centralised unit or distribution manifold can minimise the overall duct length. But to minimise the heat loss/gain from the external supply and exhaust you want the insulated ducts that lead to the wall/roof terminals to be as short as possible. So with wall terminals such as we have, it's apparently best to have the unit next to an external wall.]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=205888#Comment_205888 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=205888#Comment_205888 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:07:26 +0100 Triassic
Just a thought, the lounge has a wood burning stove, how does that affect the design?]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=205889#Comment_205889 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=205889#Comment_205889 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:44:09 +0100 Gotanewlife Posted By: TriassicCould I use a separate small mvhr system just for that part of the house?Yes definitely but be alert for those units that don't have balanced flow (ie same volume of air in as out) - it probably will not be an issue but is factor that ought to at least be considered if you go for more than one unit.]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=205893#Comment_205893 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=205893#Comment_205893 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 09:38:07 +0100 barney
Do a combustion test on the WB when the room is finished and with the MVHR running normally

If it has a boost capability, put a CO sensor in parallel to force boost if CO is detected

Regards

Barney]]> Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=206034#Comment_206034 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=206034#Comment_206034 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 19:48:26 +0100 finny Independent MVHR design https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=206047#Comment_206047 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11973&Focus=206047#Comment_206047 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:28:50 +0100 Shevek