Air Purifiers v HRV which is better for indoor air quality

Air Purifiers v HRV which is better for indoor air quality

Indoor air pollution is a growing concern, as poor air quality can have adverse effects on our health and well-being. To address this, it's important to take steps to improve the air quality in our homes and other indoor spaces. One effective solution is to use a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system with fine filtration.

Understanding Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) Systems

HRV systems work by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while also recovering heat from the outgoing air. This means that the air inside the building is constantly refreshed, helping to remove pollutants, allergens, and other particulates from the air. Fine filtration in an HRV system helps to capture even the tiniest particles, including pollen and bacteria, ensuring that the air we breathe is clean and healthy.

Continuous Air Exchange: The Key Advantage of HRV Systems

One of the main benefits of an HRV system is that it provides continuous air exchange, which is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Indoor air can become stagnant over time, especially in buildings with poor ventilation. This can lead to a build-up of pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), which can have negative effects on our health and well-being. An HRV system helps to remove CO2 from the indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air, ensuring that the air inside the building is always fresh and healthy.

Energy Efficiency Benefits of HRV Systems

Another advantage of an HRV system is that it helps to reduce heating and cooling costs in otherwise airtight homes. By recovering heat from the outgoing air, an HRV system can preheat incoming air in the winter, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the building. This means that an HRV system not only provides improved indoor air quality but can also help to save on energy costs.

Portable Air Purifiers: Limitations and Effectiveness

In comparison, portable air purifiers can be effective at improving the air quality in a single room or small space, but they do not provide the same benefits as an HRV system. Portable air purifiers typically do not exchange air from outside, meaning that while the air quality in the room can be improved, the air itself is not exchanged with fresh outdoor air. This means that pollutants and other particulates can still build up over time, leading to poor indoor air quality. Filter management becomes critical as they will clog up quicker and lose their effectualness. The caught bacteria or even viruses are now trapped inside the air purifier and need to be taken care of. With HRV, particles not caught by the filters are expelled from the building via the exhaust.

Making the Choice: HRV vs. Portable Air Purifiers

If you are looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home or other indoor space, an HRV system with fine filtration is an excellent choice. It provides continuous air exchange, removes pollutants and allergens from the air, and can help to reduce heating and cooling costs. With an HRV system, you can breathe easy, knowing that the air inside your building is clean, fresh, and healthy.

Heat Recovery Ventilation by STIEBEL ELTRON

The model you need depends on factors like your dwelling's type (new build or retrofit/renovation) and size. For retrofits/renovations, consider a decentralised ventilation unit for easy installation in existing walls without ducting. For new builds, centralised ventilation is recommended for precise building specifications. We also offer a classroom-specific unit that's easy to install, ensuring optimal ventilation for each classroom. These devices efficiently replace old air with fresh, healthy air, creating a comfortable learning environment.

VRL-C G Premium
VRL-C G Premium
  • Decentralised ventilation unit with heat recovery for schools, childcare centres, offices and community halls
  • Up to 92% heat recovery
  • Easy installation, even in retrofit projects
  • Purifies the air and reduces aerosol concentration
  • Additional accessories include CO2 sensor, VOC sensor, and motion sensor
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VLR 70 S decentralised heat recovery ventilation
VLR 70 S
  • Decentralised ventilation
  • Up to 92% heat recovery
  • Quiet operation – supplies fresh air from outside to in your home or office
  • Installed in pairs, connect up to 8 units together
  • Prevents mould growth
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VCR 180 MC air ventilation filtration
VCR 180 MC
  • Compact and discrete roof installation
  • Replaces indoor air with filtered fresh air from outside, ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers
  • Helps prevent condensation and mould through improved ventilation
  • Energy efficient with up to 87% heat recovery
  • Designed for air flow rates of 50-180 m3/h
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