It’s a common question we are asked by clients who are looking to invest in an MVHR system for their build, but are unsure how they work and sometimes more importantly how they are controlled. It’s a big investment to install one of these systems, and if the system doesn’t work the way you want it, it can be a worry. 

Hopefully in this blog we can answer just that! 

There are many ways to control an MVHR system, including: 

• •  Automatic – these will require little or no control from the user.

• •  Touch panel – a touch sensitive panel is located on the unit or elsewhere in the home

• •  Manual controls - located on walls in the home or on the unit itself. Usually known as a ‘boost’ switch

• •  Cloud controlled – some of the newest and high-end units can control the unit via the web or a mobile app.

• There are many key factors that will control the amount that the user (you) has over the system and restrict what they can and can’t do. There’s a very important reason for this. A qualified installer must balance an MVHR system, who will fine tune each individual vent on the system to what it needs to be to work at its highest efficiency rate. Too low, and it won’t provide the required supply and extract levels needed to sufficiently ventilate the home. Too high will lead to higher running costs and sound pollution.  

Therefore, manufacturers will limit the amount that the user can control the unit, usually only allowing the simple changes between trickle, normal and boost modes. But that being said, some manufacturers are happy for the user to do what they like once a system has been commissioned and installed.