Heat Recovery Units
Heat Recovery Units | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Manchester
Living and working in Manchester means living with changeable weather, bustling traffic and moisture-laden air that can easily creep indoors. HEP’s advanced heat recovery units capture up to 95 % of the warmth you have already paid for, then channel a constant supply of fresh, filtered air into every corner of your property—without the chilly draughts. The result is a space that feels consistently comfortable, smells naturally clean and costs far less to heat or cool.
Because each system extracts stale air while recovering its energy, condensation, mould spores and urban pollutants are quietly whisked away before they can take hold. This smart approach to ventilation and air quality supports healthier living, protects your décor and keeps carbon footprints in check—all while running almost silently in the background. Discover how simple it is to upgrade your home or workplace with HEP and breathe the difference every single day.
FAQs
What is a heat-recovery ventilation (HRV) unit and how does it work?
An HRV unit is a mechanical ventilation system that extracts stale air from inside a building while simultaneously drawing in fresh outdoor air. Inside the unit, a high-efficiency heat exchanger transfers up to 90 % of the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air without mixing the two air streams. In winter this means you pre-warm the fresh air entering your home, and in summer the process can help keep interiors cooler. The result is continuous, balanced ventilation with minimal heat loss, improving comfort and cutting energy waste.
How does an HRV system improve indoor air quality in Manchester’s climate?
Manchester’s damp maritime climate often leads to high indoor humidity and condensation, which can encourage mould and dust-mite growth. An HRV system removes moisture-laden air from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms and replaces it with filtered outdoor air, keeping relative humidity in the healthy 40–60 % range. The integrated filters also capture pollen, dust and diesel particulates common in urban traffic, helping asthma and allergy sufferers breathe easier while meeting Building Regulations Part F for ventilation.
Will installing a heat-recovery unit really lower my energy bills?
Yes. Because the HRV recovers most of the heat that would otherwise be exhausted, space-heating demand typically falls by 25–40 %. Clients in Greater Manchester report annual savings of £150–£300 on gas and electricity, depending on property size, insulation level and occupancy. The system’s small fans use around 20–40 W, so the electricity cost is low (roughly £40 a year), and payback is usually 5–8 years when combined with other efficiency measures such as loft and cavity-wall insulation.
Can I retrofit a heat-recovery ventilation system in an existing Manchester property, or is it only for new builds?
While HRV is easiest to integrate during new-build or major renovation projects, most existing houses and flats can be retrofitted. We offer compact, duct-in-room and decentralised units that require minimal ceiling voids, as well as loft-mounted central systems for larger homes. During a free site survey we assess duct routes, airtightness levels and noise constraints, then recommend the most practical solution that complies with SAP Appendix Q and Part L energy standards.
Are heat-recovery units noisy, and where will the equipment be installed?
Modern HRVs use EC (electronically commutated) fans with variable-speed motors and anti-vibration mounts. Typical sound levels at background (trickle) speed are 18–22 dB(A)—quieter than a refrigerator. The main unit is usually mounted in a loft, plant cupboard or utility room, while small diameter insulated ducts run to ceiling diffusers in habitable rooms. Where space is tight (e.g. in Manchester apartments), we can supply wall-mounted or through-the-wall single-room units with similar acoustic performance.
What maintenance does an HRV system require, and do you offer servicing in Manchester?
Routine maintenance involves replacing or vacuuming the intake and extract filters every 6–12 months, depending on local air quality, and checking the condensate drain for blockages. The heat-exchange core should be inspected and cleaned annually. We provide a local service package that includes filter changes, airflow balancing and a full performance report. Homeowners can sign up for an annual maintenance contract, giving peace of mind and ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency year-round.