What is a heat recovery unit for?

What is a heat recovery unit? It is a ventilation system that provides comfort in enclosed spaces, renews the environment, and also saves energy, thus helping to improve energy efficiency. But what exactly are these ventilation units, what are they used for, and what are their benefits?

What is a heat recovery unit for?

A heat recovery unit is one of the ventilation components that can be installed in a building. This equipment takes advantage of the differences in ambient temperature, as it exchanges air from the inside with air from the outside. This is achieved with an element called a heat exchanger. Thanks to it, energy loss is avoided, and interior air and exterior air are prevented from mixing.

The different types of heat exchangers determine the efficiency of these devices. They are as follows:

• Cross-flow (up to 75%).
• Rotary (up to 90%).
• Cellulose (up to 90%).
• Counterflow (up to 95%).

The other components of heat recovery units are:

• Fans for propulsion and extraction.
• Filters.
• Bypass partial or total.
• Temperature probes.
• Differential pressure switches.
• Control.

To perform their function correctly, these devices draw in air through a extraction fan and expel it using a discharge fan. Thus, in the heat exchanger, the warmer air gives up temperature to the colder air. In the colder seasons, this system is used for heating, while the process is reversed during the warmer months.

Lastly, it is important to highlight that this process to prevent poor ventilation is subject to the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE). Along the same lines, the devices must meet the European ecodesign ErP 2018 standards.

Advantages of bathroom extractors

One of the most commonly used heat recovery systems is bathroom extractors. Their benefits are numerous. Here, we review some of them.

Reduction of humidity

Sometimes, we like to have a certain level of humidity when bathing. However, to avoid bacteria and unhygienic conditions, it is ideal to control it. In this sense, a device of this type reduces levels and ensures that they are maintained in optimal conditions. Thus, for example, paint or wallpaper lasts longer.

Moreover, we prevent cabinets or doors from swelling and closing with difficulty. In addition, we control the proliferation of mold. Once it appears, it can be very complicated to eliminate.

Control of unpleasant odors

Another noteworthy advantage provided by these devices is the control of unpleasant odors. We all know how humidity smells, especially when it has become a chronic problem in a particular area. This is a way to avoid that unpleasant sensation.

Increase in safety

Undoubtedly, ensuring the health of people using the bathroom is essential. With a bathroom extractor, the harmful effects that cleaning products can have on air quality are mitigated. In this sense, we should not forget that some are composed of chemicals that, when inhaled, can adversely affect us.

For all these reasons, a heat recovery unit is an excellent system to ensure air quality in homes. The same applies to any other building, such as an office block, for example. In spaces like bathrooms, installation is especially recommended.