A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system is an energy-efficient ventilation solution that provides continuous fresh air while recovering heat (or cooling energy) from exhaust air, reducing energy waste and improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and comfort.
Continuous Ventilation: Expels stale indoor air (containing CO₂, odors, moisture, etc.) and supplies filtered fresh air.
Energy Recovery: Uses a heat exchanger to recover heat (in winter) or cooling energy (in summer) from exhaust air, reducing HVAC energy consumption.
Air Filtration: Filters pollutants like PM2.5, pollen, and dust to enhance IAQ.
Key Applications
MVHR systems are ideal for airtight buildings and excel in the following scenarios:

Residential Buildings
- Passive houses / Low-energy homes (minimizes heating/cooling demand)
- Airtight apartments (ensures fresh air when natural ventilation is insufficient)
- Humid climates (prevents condensation and mold growth)

Commercial & Public Buildings
- Offices (improves occupant comfort and reduces "sick building syndrome")
- Schools / Hospitals (ensures clean air and reduces infection risks)
- Hotels / Restaurants (controls odors and enhances guest experience)

Special Environments
- Extreme cold/hot climates (minimizes heat loss or cooling loss)
- Highly polluted cities (filters PM2.5 and provides clean air)
Core Components
An MVHR system consists of the following key components:
| Component | Function |
| Heat Exchanger | Core unit, recovers 60%~95% of heat/cooling energy (counter-flow type is most efficient) |
| Supply & Extract Fans | Dual fans control fresh air intake and exhaust airflow (adjustable speed) |
| Filters | Remove PM2.5, pollen, and dust (typically includes primary + HEPA filters) |
| Ductwork | Distributes fresh air to rooms and collects stale air (insulated to prevent condensation) |
| Control System | Adjusts airflow, humidity, and can integrate with smart home systems (e.g., CO₂ sensors) |
| Bypass Mode | Allows fresh air intake without heat exchange in summer to avoid overheating |
