Professional Builder explores the features and benefits of Ubbink’s MVHR systems
If there is a technology that is very much having its time then it is Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). The arrival of the Future Homes Standard is likely to make these systems an integral component of the modern new build, and they are amongst the most simple and effective of renewables solutions.
Ubbink wants to position itself at the vanguard of MVHR adoption. With that in mind, its Northamptonshire premise is to play a leading role in ensuring that the trades have the knowledge and skills to install its Ubiflux Vigor units with confidence. The company are in the process of building an extensive training facility for both practical hands-on instruction and classroom-based theory and will be developing an approved installer scheme to complement the tuition. This in turn will be accredited.
Not only does Ubbink produce a range of Passive Haus approved Ubiflux Vigor MVHR units it also supplies the ducting, connectors, terminals and everything else you’ll need for a successful job. Thanks to a whole system approach, it has effectively taken ownership of every part of the manufacturing process, with a ‘Design to Doorstep’ service. Aerfoam is, for instance, an easy-to install, insulated and mass airflow ductwork system complete with airtight click connections and rubber seals. It’s already the preferred product for many air-to-water heat pump makers and, thanks to the aforementioned airtightness and high insulation values, is particularly efficient at managing condensation. The range of ducting is complimented by a suite of easy to use and airtight clips and connectors to suit every installation.
It’s products like these that help Ubbink bring its commitment to quality to bear on every component whilst supporting installers at each stage. “What we can offer is a comprehensive design package,” explains Craig Cundey, Ventilation Product Lead at Ubbink. “This includes a full 3D CAD document that outlines the solution for a particular project, a full bill of materials, and all airflow calculations are taken care of. We can also guide you with installation, commissioning, or servicing via one of our partners. Ultimately, that will help our trade customers win more work. Changes in legislation are driving growth in MVHR and there’s a whole range of tradespeople who can capitalise.”
So just how does it work? Changes to Part L have already increased the air tightness of buildings, which in turn requires much greater thought on how these spaces are to be ventilated. To do the job properly you’re going to need more than 4in. bathroom and larger kitchen fans, and it’s here that MVHR finds its place.
The mechanics of MVHR are quite straightforward. Air is extracted from rooms that are inherently wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. That’s then passed across/through a heat exchanger warming the plates inside. Colder air is brought in from outside, which is then warmed by picking up the heat from the plates within the heat exchanger, this warmed air is supplied to habitable rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms.
Energy efficient
Ubbink’s solutions are very energy efficient, recovering around 91% of the heat from outgoing air. In addition, both the outgoing and incoming air is filtered, which significantly improves air quality, removing dust, pollen, diesel particulates and a whole range of other pollutants.
What, then, sets Ubbink MVHR units apart? Craig Cundey provides the detail: “The Ubiflux Vigor range includes built in vane anemometers to accurately measure air flow, which in turn delivers the perfect balance of equal supply and discharge. When you combine the technology with quality the end result is one of the best range of MVHR units on the market.
“Most MVHR installs come with 4 spigots on the top but with Ubiflux Vigor there is more choice with two to the left or two to the right or the top and the bottom, giving far more options in terms of where the unit is positioned. We can also help installers find the best solution in terms of the right location, which is then serviced and supplied by the most efficient ducting.
“There are eight ventilation options, 5 Vertical Units and 3 Horizontal units that can collectively cover virtually any property size. A touchscreen will allow end users to control the functions, and maintenance is minimal – in fact, it’s just a question of cleaning the filters on the incoming and the extract every six months or so.”
Simple in operation they might be, but these are machines that quietly work for the homeowner’s benefit. Humidity sensors detect increases in moisture, for example, and the Ubiflux Vigor will adjust its speed accordingly.
“Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery is not new but what we’re now seeing is legislation catching up with the technology and driving growth” concludes Craig. “It’s a great opportunity for installers and, for the property owner, they’re saving on energy bills and enjoying cleaner, filtered indoor air.”
Indeed, MVHR is no longer catering for the contractor who wants to achieve Passivhaus standards – although it will achieve just that very nicely for you as well. It’s now in the mainstream and can represent a valuable business boost for the companies doing the fitting. With Ubbink for support, you’ll have everything you need to take advantage.
For further information on Ubbink’s Ubiflux Vigor MVHR range visit Ubiflux Vigor Heat Recovery Units -| Ubbink UK | Ubbink.
