Ensuring a comfortable indoor climate is a crucial aspect of modern living. Among the most popular solutions for air ventilation and cooling are air conditioners and decentralised MVHR systems. However, can these systems replace each other? Let’s explore the functional capabilities of decentralised MVHR systems and compare them with air conditioners.
What Is a Decentralised MVHR System?
A decentralised MVHR system is an independent ventilation unit installed in specific rooms. Unlike centralised systems that serve an entire building through a network of ducts, decentralised systems operate autonomously in individual spaces. They provide fresh air, remove stale air, and simultaneously retain heat through heat recovery. These systems are ideal for rooms where continuous ventilation is needed without energy loss.
Key Functions of Decentralised MVHR Systems
- Continuous Air Exchange. MVHR systems ensure continuous airflow, which is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor climate.
- Heat Recovery. This function allows the system to retain heat during winter, reducing heating costs.
- Humidity Control. MVHR systems help regulate humidity levels, preventing the growth of mould and mildew.
- Air Filtration. The systems are equipped with filters that remove dust, allergens, and other pollutants.
Key Functions of Air Conditioners
- Cooling Air. Air conditioners effectively lower the temperature in a room, providing comfort during hot weather.
- Heating Mode. Many modern air conditioners come with a heating function, allowing them to be used during colder months.
- Dehumidification. Air conditioners reduce humidity levels, creating more comfortable conditions in humid climates.
- Air Circulation. Air conditioners circulate the air within a room but do not supply fresh air.
Can MVHR Systems Replace Air Conditioners?
At first glance, the functions of MVHR systems and air conditioners seem similar, but their capabilities have fundamental differences.
- Cooling Air
Decentralised MVHR systems do not have a cooling function. They provide fresh air and facilitate air exchange but cannot lower the temperature in a room as air conditioners do. - Heating
MVHR systems retain heat through heat recovery but do not generate additional warmth like air conditioners in heating mode. - Energy Efficiency
MVHR systems are much more energy-efficient, as their main function is air exchange and heat retention, rather than cooling or heating. - Air Filtration and Quality
In this regard, MVHR systems have an advantage, as they ensure a constant supply of fresh air, whereas air conditioners only circulate the existing indoor air.
Practical Combination of MVHR and Air Conditioners
It is worth considering both systems in terms of perfecting the indoor environment: controlled, essential fresh air via MVHR; impak with air conditioning only for those summer periods when the heat is unbearable. On the other hand, decentralised MVHR systems alone would not be sufficient to replace the function of air conditioning systems, as they do not provide cooling. However, together they complement each other perfectly to create a healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment. Therefore, when choosing one of these systems, the requirements of the room and other climatic conditions should always be taken into account in order to achieve maximum comfort and convenience.