Installing a ventilation system (MVHR) in an existing home

[@antoinelegoux2288]

Delighted to see this kind of product in action in the UK! We are sooo late in terms of air tightness and whole house ventilation!

[@frzen]

Thanks for spending the time making this video. I need to do this on a house I'm buying and this makes it look less daunting to DIY.

[@themoth111]

Thanks Will! This inspired me to DIY install an MVHR system in my house. I managed to do 75% of it myself with the remainder done with some help from my plumber. I got ducts to every room in the house with only needing 1 section of boxing out in the corner of a room. Delighted with it and I’m already enjoying the benefits of the summer bypass as the weather starts warming up! Thanks again for the inspiration :)

[@univ01883]

What brand and where did you buy please? Looking for recommendations for a Victorian terrace

[@FiscalWoofer]

That is an excellent video!! Thank you. Regarding the dropped ceiling it’s most likely for getting the dB rating for conversion into self contained flat. In your case it’s been highly useful that it can take the ducts.

[@Toob41]

Lovely job, what a pro. The trick with the magnet was the best tip!

[@ChrisLee-yr7tz]

I'd have never thought of that trick. Brilliant.

[@jonascer]

Next week I will be installing very similar air ventilation system in my flat for the very first time. Technical information you provide in this video helps alot! I love your idea of using a rubber glove for dust prevention. Thanks for your time making this video! Wish you well

[@myatix1]

Great video! Thanks for sharing, I just noticed that you intake and exhaust are too close to each other!

[@wilfredsouth2482]

@@myatix1 yes you're right that they're closer than rules of thumb or guidance would give, but the amount of air moving through them is very small and they're quite exposed, so practically there is probably minimal cross contamination. I was limited by the amount of external wall I had and brick dimensions, I think the risk is often overstated. It is probably more of an issue that they are on the street side with worse air quality.

[@AndriSoren]

Great video, and nice presentation, very relaxed!

[@shivaniiss5545]

i am an architecture student, i have been asked to do calculations for using an MVHR unit, thanks your video helped me a lot!!

[@wilfredsouth2482]

I'm glad it was useful!

[@yellowgreen5229]

Now we just need to fit this to EVERY home. Nice work. Please put links in description

[@shortshorts4265]

Well done also looking for a compact system to retrofit with humidity sensors

[@paulwatsonguitar]

Outstanding work. I'm just about to install a single room heat recovery Ventilator but your job is a work of art. Well done 👏

[@ajavrick]

Maybe this way will work for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b367m6aJa69qecU

[@paulwatsonguitar]

@@ajavrick thanks for the video. That's quite a sizeable unit! I've completed mine now. It runs on a constant trickle feed and turns on via a humidistat. Seems to work well so far. Thanks again for sharing your information 😀

[@i-vanlife4981]

Great to see a nice small DIY system. Thanks Wilfred. I'm looking into doing something similar in my house renovation but was concerned about all the space that the ducting and the heat exchanger take up.

[@wilfredsouth2482]

It does take up space, but there's quite a lot of dead space in houses, so I'm sure you can find somewhere. Best to think about duct runs first. Above the stairs? They can go outside in a porch too, as long as they're against the external wall, would that help?

[@okcyurwin]

Thanks for recording your install and sharing. This gives the DIYer an insight to process of retro fitting these 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@jimgeelan5949]

Open job Wil, some bloody tuff obstacles to overcome there i think you could do that as a full time installer.

[@freakeystyley34]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@evelyn367]

Great work nice video great technical skills neat finish well done

[@afnankhokhar5578]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing the journey

[@DK388]

Nice Vid and Install. Epic project for DIY!

[@davidsamways]

Really nicely done - thanks for sharing your experience.

[@MP-mu1kw]

I just started looking at these systems and came across your first video and I would like to thank you so much for sharing this short video covering all the main points of a MVHR and how you went about actually installing it into your flat. I would like to look at getting a similar system for my 1200 sqft 2 story home that was built in the late 1990's. The question that came to my mind is what type of heating system did you have in the flat? And did it improve the efficiency of your heating system after installation i.e needed less kWh. I currently have a radiator based central heating system and was not sure if this system might be more suited for electrical heaters.

[@ZylonFPV]

Really cool! How’s it working out now after 2 years?

[@djwehenkel]

nice work!

[@healthsaints8972]

Excellent video, so Wilfred that is your new business! if not it should be, you have a Knack for teaching.

[@sciencewithme4649]

hey please do a lot of new video! I love to watch your process

[@kaifong6324]

Great! Thanks for sharing. Is MVHR possible to conduct pipe across different floors in property? I plan to install MVHR in my garage on the ground floor. Is it possible to conduct pipes to bathroom and bedroom on third floor where I think were the most damped in home? Or should I install the MVHR on the loft, thanks for your advice

[@harry-norton]

amazing work!

[@lovelikeacascade]

"Danish warning" made me lol Great video thanks

[@shadshriver1541]

Great video. Thanks for the walk through.

[@Danothebaldyheid]

Thanks for this - very interesting!

[@jedaitchison2523]

does the ducting have to be inside the thermal envelope? Does the unit have to be inside the thermal envelope of the buidling?

[@neon_gamer127coolguy4]

My auntie Hussa has this MHVR diffuser vents in her kitchen!

[@DICARLOSxBE]

What type of Nilan heat recovery box is this? After watching your video I may also make a false ceiling.

[@OliWatts1979]

Thanks for the video, just what i needed to start my own planning. Did you find that the constant turn over of air, even with the MVHR, had an overall chilling effect in the home? Did you need to ramp up the heating to accommodate any lost heat? Thanks again.

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Hello Oli, thanks for watching. The fan is bringing in a very small amount of air, and has 80% heat recovery, so the heat loss is much much less than it would be getting the same ventilation (or even 1/4 of the ventilation) pulled through by a basic fan or openings like trickle vents. So no, it uses less heating and you get better air quality. The position of the supply vents is quite important so that you don't feel a draft, it can make you feel colder. So high up and make sure to use proper supply terminals that direct the air along the ceiling. Hope that helps, good luck with the install.

[@GeorgeHafiz]

It may be nice to have supply terminals that let you direct the airflow, as in the summer it could be enjoyable to direct it towards a seating area for example

[@matthewseymour8972]

Great stuff. Really helpful vid

[@rupaloop671]

Hello, great video. Can you tell me where I can get a design specification done? Thanks

[@jimkimmix]

What was your spend on this system in equipment? Do you have a shopping list as I am about to do a similar project

[@jamienash5263]

How did you decide on the system and size it too?

[@StevieToddler]

Great video! Just wondering how your controls work - do you turn it on/ off manually? or is there some kind of occupancy sensor? I'm looking to install MVHR in a music studio where occupancy is less consistent than in a home, so I want to avoid having the fan running 24/7. Similarly with the heat recovery, are there any automated controls for bypassing that in the sunmer? Or would you do that manually?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Hello Stevie, it's a manual controller with 4 speed settings. I leave it running 24/7 at one speed, a good strategy for most homes, but you could set a time program or there's a humidity sensor option for different speeds. The summer bypass is automatic based on internal and external temperature. For your application I'd leave it running all the time at a very low speed, then turn it up manually when you use the space. Some manufacturers do an app now (of course) so that might be useful to you. Most of the time it's a bit overkill.

[@porshenn]

Thanks for the video, very useful for me. Cheers! May I ask where did you buy this MVHR system? Thanks

[@meghapapal9422]

I really like this project but my lease won't allow whole in the walls 😢

[@lukepeacham9663]

Does this heat the home too?

[@abutw0]

Thx for video, not too many retro fit ones out there. I live in a 3 storey mid terrace victorian house. As you mention in comments, noninsulstion without ventilation. What are your thoughts of using Mhrv in a single floor... E. G. My top floor has 3 x beds and shower room... Easily ducted via attic...

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Thanks for comment. Good luck with your install! You can do ventilation by zone, but it needs to be balanced per ventilation unit, same amount of air in as out. Three bedrooms need quite a lot more air than one shower room so you would end up with more ventilation than you need in the house. Only using a bit more energy, technically possible. There aren't many good MVHR units small enough, would probably work better as a whole house install. Ducts must be inside the airtightness line, and inside the insulation, something to think about in the loft!

[@grzejnikMilosz]

Could you share some installation costs? How much for the unit? How much for piping materials?

[@thepeginator2556]

Any idea on running costs?

[@shehzadhaq9814]

Hello, great video! I have a Nuaire system put in 2 years ago, never switched it on sadly. Are you able to share who did you use to check the flow rates|?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

You could try Enhabit in London, or Green Building Store in Huddersfield. They need to have small enough air flow hood to measure low flow rates, commercial engineers might not.

[@jgraff3094]

This was super helpful thanks! Out of interest, does it cool the flat in summer Wilfred? If so how much?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Hello Jugbeh, not really, there is a small amount of ventilation that is helpful and it bypasses the heat exchanger when it's warm. You can get one with a cooling coil, but not really needed in the UK.

[@jgraff3094]

@@wilfredsouth2482 Cheers for the info mate.

[@jonathansaunders2425]

So Wilfred, are you happy with the system in general? And do you think it has reduced your heating bills at all? I am looking into doing a similiar install albeit in a larger detached property but havent really seen any recent installs with newer recovery systems. Thanks. Jonathan.

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Hello Jonathan, 6 months in and I'm really pleased with my install. I doubt it will have reduced my heating bills yet as I haven't done any airtightness measures, so the ventilation rate has probably got higher if anything. However I won't be paying any extra either (apart from the really low power fans). The air quality in the bedroom and bathroom is loads better. It also means I can replace the front windows and do some internal wall insulation with no worry of moisture problems, "no insulation without ventilation!" Good luck with your install

[@DmitriyBabenko]

great job, man

[@melashri]

I need a service to my unit any recommendation

[@forgingassets6509]

Great video. How long would you say it took and how much did you spend if you don’t mind me asking?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

All in one go I think I could do it in 3days just the ducts and unit, with some help for fixing the unit itself. Boxing in and finishing took longer. Then a separate visit by a commissioning engineer when everything is clean. Hope that helps.

[@ujkhan1]

How much you charge to install

[@xyxtom007]

Awesome video! Did you source all the kits yourself? I'm based in South London, struggling to find someone to design and supply the whole system. Any recommendations? Thanks

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Yes I sourced it direct from the manufacturers. Nilan and Lindab. You also could try Enhabit, Green Building Store, Passivhaus Store, or Greenwood for a design and supply service.

[@CHUNRAF98]

Hi. Great job with your retrofit. I’m about to fit mvhr in my 3 bed. Would you recommend someone who can design my system? Thanks

[@jasonlewis4686]

Manufacturers have their own in house design teams - for instance Blauberg has a service and it only costs less than £ 40 according to their web site and you get that back if you buy.

[@wilfredsouth2482]

As Jason says, the manufacturer/supplier will often do you a design. Worth asking for bigger ducts and acoustic attenuators though as they can cut it a bit fine leading to noisy systems. I sourced idirect from the manufacturers: Nilan and Lindab. You also could try Enhabit, Green Building Store, Passivhaus Store, or Greenwood for a design and supply service.

[@redshorts12]

Nice project you have there Wilfred! If you don't mind, how much the whole system costs and where can you order the mvhr from?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Thanks! Materials only but including the finishes was a bit over £3000. This is a small unit though. Most of the equipment came from Nilan UK and Lindab. You can could try Passivhaus Homes or Green Building Store as well.

[@craigfraser7583]

Boss Video Wilfred.

[@broganwatkins4359]

What to do if you don’t have a suspended ceiling?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Find some neat areas to box in ducts, an area where you can drop the ceiling like a corridor, or use the loft (under insulation). The solution needs to match the property, the only rule is that there's always a solution!

[@gabzqwerty]

hi wilfred how long did this take you in man hours roughly

[@wilfredsouth2482]

All in one go I think I could do it in 3days just the ducts and unit, with some help for fixing the unit itself. Boxing in and finishing took longer. Then a separate visit by a commissioning engineer when everything is clean. Hope that helps.

[@stemoore5842]

Which unit did you install?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Nilan comfort ct150

[@wilyc0y0te]

How noisy is this system?

[@negodoy]

You are a champ!

[@DICEGEORGE]

why have a filter on the extract?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

@@DICEGEORGE it protects the heat exchanger and fans from dust drawn in from the flat. It quickly gets dirty. I've actually put extra ones on the terminals to prevent too much dirt getting into the ducts too.

[@DICEGEORGE]

@@wilfredsouth2482 aha - the input to the extract fan. duh!

[@panupongobkaew3503]

very good I need to install at home

[@tienhau6953]

Great video. Very helpful. You mentioned that you will need someone to measure and commission the unit after installation. Can you recommend someone? Thanks in advance!

[@sophiecollins]

Thank you for sharing Do you have any info on running costs? And is your house warmer?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

About £40/year, but saving more than that on heating so will be net gain. Not much on my flat as I don't have great airtightness, but about 15x for newer build.

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Not warmer by default, but warmer for the same air quality as I don't have to open windows in winter.

[@sophiecollins]

@@wilfredsouth2482 my house is old like your flat

[@shehzadhaq9814]

Are you able to share contact details of the company or person you used to check the flow rates|?

[@wilfredsouth2482]

Hello Shehzad, you could try 'Enhabit' in London, or Green Building Store, or ask the fan supplier to recommend. You should check if they are 'BPEC' certified. Definitely get your system up and running, even if at a low flow rate to reduce noise.

[@hrford]

"They look great" ... I see what you did there. 😆

[@thembrown]

fuckin hell would have been easier to plug a dehumidifier in christ

[@matthewwakeling4978]

It's not just water vapour that lingers in a house. Carbon dioxide builds up really quickly too. I'm planning to install a system, but my motivation is the fact that the CO2 level in my work-from-home office rises to 3800ppm after working in there for just three hours, and that's enough to stop one thinking clearly and give one a headache. And the condensation on the windows too.

[@chrismcandrew1041]

Can't hear a bloody thing!

[@23lkjdfjsdlfj]

Cool. Another illegally installed ventilation system that will fail permit inspection and have to be removed before the house can be sold. This is idiotic.

[@wilfredsouth2482]

The system was commissioned by a BPEC engineer, signed off for UK building regulations and the flat has since been sold.