![Back]()
Ventilation
Ventilation How is positive ventilation different from balanced ventilation?
A positive pressure system brings fresh, filtered air from your roof space and uses it to drive out stale, damp air through gaps in your doors and windows.
A balanced pressure system in comparison, pulls stale and moisture-laden air out of the home through outlets in your roof soffit, while simultaneously drawing in fresh air from outside or from the roof cavity if the temperature is more desirable. A heat exchanger is also included, capturing heat from outgoing air and using it to warm the fresh incoming air
A balanced pressure system in comparison, pulls stale and moisture-laden air out of the home through outlets in your roof soffit, while simultaneously drawing in fresh air from outside or from the roof cavity if the temperature is more desirable. A heat exchanger is also included, capturing heat from outgoing air and using it to warm the fresh incoming air
How does an HRV Airsense™ ventilation system work?
HRV AirSense™ is a positive pressure ventilation system* that takes drier air from your ceiling space, filters it and distributes it into the parts of your home that need it. Its 5-layer WoolCare™ filter has exclusive filtration technology that helps improve your home’s indoor air quality by filtering out most of the common asthma and allergy triggers.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
Can an HRV Ventilation System filter out the coronavirus, and can it move the virus between rooms in my home?
Your HRV system is a positive pressure ventilation system that takes drier air from your ceiling space, filters it and distributes it into the parts of your home that need it. Your HRV filter has exclusive filtration technology that helps improve your home’s indoor air quality by filtering out most of the common asthma and allergy triggers, but it will not filter out the coronavirus. Your system takes air from the ceiling space and so shouldn’t create airflow between rooms. For any further questions on coronavirus or specific health concerns, we recommend that you contact your Doctor or Ministry of Health help line.
What’s involved in installing an HRV ventilation system?
Your HRV ventilation system is installed by a local team of friendly, professionally-trained electricians. A new power point may be installed if required to connect it and a certificate of compliance is issued for electrical work. They will find a time that’s convenient with you for installation. Then your installer will also talk you through how to get the perfect home invironment(TM) using your new HRV system.
I've just moved into a home with an HRV ventilation system, what do I do?
HRV home ventilation systems are designed to make your home more comfortable. Air from your roof space is filtered and distributed through your home. Our system can help to reduce moisture in your home and, by providing constant air movement, can assist in reducing condensation. In fact, HRV home ventilation is scientifically proven to reduce moisture and mould in your home1.
For more in depth advice on changing settings, take a look at the manual, or talk to our customer service team if you have any questions – 0800 478 123 or online now.
For more in depth advice on changing settings, take a look at the manual, or talk to our customer service team if you have any questions – 0800 478 123 or online now.
How much does an HRV AirSense™ ventilation system cost?
Each home is different – in size, environment, inhabitants etc. Which is why we come to you to take moisture and temperature readings, which we then use to determine the best solution for your home. Our HRV ventilation specialist will talk you through how everything works, provide a price and if you'd like to go ahead, the installation is planned for whenever suits you.
How does HRV Airsense™ ventilation help to create a more comfortable home?
The HRV home ventilation system installed in your roof space creates positive air pressure* in your home to reduce excess moisture. It also helps to improve your home's indoor air quality by filtering most of the common airborne asthma and allergy triggers from the incoming vented air.
HRV AirSense™ ventilation might not be right for all homes. Book a free home assessment to see if it's right for you.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
HRV AirSense™ ventilation might not be right for all homes. Book a free home assessment to see if it's right for you.
*HRV AirSense™ Balanced is a balanced pressure system, making it ideal for modern homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
What payment options are available?
We take all the usual payment options – cheque, direct credit or credit card. We also have easy payment options available through Q Card. At times we have special payment option plans available too - take a look
What’s involved in installing an HRV Airsense™ ventilation system?
Your HRV AirSense™ ventilation system is installed by a local team of friendly, professionally-trained electricians. A new power point may be installed if required to connect it and a certificate of compliance is issued for electrical work. They will find a time that’s convenient with you for installation. Then your installer will also talk you through how to get the perfect result from your new HRV AirSense™ system.
How do I use Max Fan Mode?
Pressing the Max Fan Mode button on your control panel switches your system to maximum ventilation for one hour. To return your system to its previous setting before the hour is up, just tap the button again. By forcing air and maximising air movement this can assist with clearing bad smells and clearing excess moisture on walls and windows.
Does the HRV Airsense™ ventilation system come with a warranty?
At installation, your HRV AirSense™ ventilation system is warranted for 5 years against fault. In normal use the system will require a filter change every 12 months. Genuine HRV parts are required as part of the ongoing warranty, and to ensure you continue to get the best performance from your system.
Where can I get more information on my HRV products?
Our Customer Service team is more than happy to help – give us a call on 0800 HRV 123 or talk to us online. Otherwise, take a look around this site to find out more useful information on your HRV product.
I've had my HRV ventilation system for a while – why do I have a black ring around my outlet vent?
In some homes, the air passing out of the outlets across the ceiling will cause a static charge to build up. This can cause a build up of household dust from inside the room attracted by the static charge. Simply wipe away the dust ring with a dry cloth or soft brush, then turn the diffuser plate of the vent open a little further to help stop this from recurring. If this continues, give us a call on 0800 HRV 123 and we can arrange a visit by one of our Customer Service team.
My 'Replace Filter' light is flashing – what does this mean?
This light means your system needs a filter change. It is important that filters are changed with nanofibre filtration technology, FilterLayr™ every two years to ensure the performance of your HRV ventilation system isn't reduced, and you continue to get all the benefits your HRV ventilation system provides.
To find out more about the Filter Change and Service click here.
To find out more about the Filter Change and Service click here.
What do the ventilation levels on my control pad mean?
For bad condensation problems a higher Ventilation Level can be set. A higher setting will reduce condensation but may also reduce the temperature during cooler times of the year. Once you have accessed Ventilation Mode on your keypad the number will change from 1 to 6 and back to 1 again. Try increasing the ventilation by 1 level at a time - leaving it for about 5 days in between to see if the condensation is minimised.
The Ventilation Level can also be increased during the day to minimise condensation – and reduced at night if desired. The aim is to achieve the right balance between minimisation of condensation and maintaining comfort in the house.
Option 47 is also a good option to set, this will detect a cold house and if below the temperature set on this option the system will move more air (Maximise Air Movement)
If you have the latest HRV Touch Pad, the installer will set these for you and you won't need to change them as your system will do this automatically. For more information on older systems call our Customer Service team on 0800 HRV 123
The Ventilation Level can also be increased during the day to minimise condensation – and reduced at night if desired. The aim is to achieve the right balance between minimisation of condensation and maintaining comfort in the house.
Option 47 is also a good option to set, this will detect a cold house and if below the temperature set on this option the system will move more air (Maximise Air Movement)
If you have the latest HRV Touch Pad, the installer will set these for you and you won't need to change them as your system will do this automatically. For more information on older systems call our Customer Service team on 0800 HRV 123
My HRV ventilation system is working great, but I still get condensation occasionally on some windows – why is this?
The HRV is an automatic system, designed to minimise condensation while maintaining home comfort. However, there are a number of reasons why the system may need to be ‘driven’ by the home owner or additional controls and products added to ensure the system can perform effectively.
1. Condensation (Air, moisture and temperature related)
2. Temperature too hot or cold
3. Drafts
4. ‘Steam ups’
5. Kitchen fumes
Having a healthy dry environment requires a combination of Air movement (HRV) heating and extraction of moisture. Insulation Is also helpful for retaining temperature once introduced.
It not unusual to have adequate air movement and still have some condensation. This is commonly due to the occupants of the home not well managing internal moisture whether it be in the roof, house or sub floor.
In some cases, water generated within the house or roof cavity is too much for the HRV to handle, e.g. drying clothes inside on a wet day. The homeowner needs to look for ways to reduce water in the house, roof cavity and sub floor:
1. Stop any leaks in the roof
2. Ensure spouting flows freely and there is no pooling of water in guttering
3. Drain away any pooling water under or around the house (drain it away from the house)
4. Vent Extraction for wet areas – bathroom, kitchen and laundry - (vent to outside and preferable on a timer to ensure all moisture has been extracted)
5. Don’t dry washing inside the house
6. Gas heating must be flued to the outside
7. Externally flue the clothes drier
Maximise Air Movement
The HRV can also be “driven” to minimise the effects of the moisture by using Burnt Toast Mode. Burnt Toast Mode forces the HRV to run at full fan speed.
Example of use:
• Bath time for kids (high moisture time) - use an extractor fan in wet areas to remove most of the moist air to outside. At the same time, put the HRV on Burnt Toast Mode. This may bring the house temperature down slightly in winter, so after bath time stop Burnt Toast Mode and add heating to bring the house back up to temperature. Normal HRV settings will then handle any moisture.
Add Temperature
Adding temperature is an effective way of supporting the ventilation system to manage internal moisture.
By adding temperature, you lower the relative humidity meaning in simple terms the air in your home can hold this moisture rather than letting it condensate onto furnishings and windows.
Once the Air is warmed up the ventilation system will slowly help to positively move this moisture laden air out of the home.
If you have any questions, please give us a call and we can look at your settings in greater detail.
Summary for condensation control–
1. A home needs to have adequate air movement to encourage drying
2. Adequate extraction of moisture at the source
3. Suitable heating to lower humidity and holds the moisture
4. Insulation to support with efficacies of the above
1. Condensation (Air, moisture and temperature related)
2. Temperature too hot or cold
3. Drafts
4. ‘Steam ups’
5. Kitchen fumes
Having a healthy dry environment requires a combination of Air movement (HRV) heating and extraction of moisture. Insulation Is also helpful for retaining temperature once introduced.
It not unusual to have adequate air movement and still have some condensation. This is commonly due to the occupants of the home not well managing internal moisture whether it be in the roof, house or sub floor.
In some cases, water generated within the house or roof cavity is too much for the HRV to handle, e.g. drying clothes inside on a wet day. The homeowner needs to look for ways to reduce water in the house, roof cavity and sub floor:
1. Stop any leaks in the roof
2. Ensure spouting flows freely and there is no pooling of water in guttering
3. Drain away any pooling water under or around the house (drain it away from the house)
4. Vent Extraction for wet areas – bathroom, kitchen and laundry - (vent to outside and preferable on a timer to ensure all moisture has been extracted)
5. Don’t dry washing inside the house
6. Gas heating must be flued to the outside
7. Externally flue the clothes drier
Maximise Air Movement
The HRV can also be “driven” to minimise the effects of the moisture by using Burnt Toast Mode. Burnt Toast Mode forces the HRV to run at full fan speed.
Example of use:
• Bath time for kids (high moisture time) - use an extractor fan in wet areas to remove most of the moist air to outside. At the same time, put the HRV on Burnt Toast Mode. This may bring the house temperature down slightly in winter, so after bath time stop Burnt Toast Mode and add heating to bring the house back up to temperature. Normal HRV settings will then handle any moisture.
Add Temperature
Adding temperature is an effective way of supporting the ventilation system to manage internal moisture.
By adding temperature, you lower the relative humidity meaning in simple terms the air in your home can hold this moisture rather than letting it condensate onto furnishings and windows.
Once the Air is warmed up the ventilation system will slowly help to positively move this moisture laden air out of the home.
If you have any questions, please give us a call and we can look at your settings in greater detail.
Summary for condensation control–
1. A home needs to have adequate air movement to encourage drying
2. Adequate extraction of moisture at the source
3. Suitable heating to lower humidity and holds the moisture
4. Insulation to support with efficacies of the above
What is Energy Saver mode?
Energy Saver turns off Cooling mode in the winter, and turns off Heating mode in the summer. The system automatically senses the change of seasons.
Raise or Lower the Set/Ideal Temperature
Raise the set/ideal temperature to create a warmer house temperature (if heat is available in the roof cavity). Lower the set/ideal temperature to create a cooler house temperature (if cooler air is available in the roof cavity). Note that the greater the difference between the set/ideal temp and the roof temp, the slower the HRV fan will run.
Ventilation Mode
In winter the HRV will continue to bring a very small amount of cold air into the house even when the roof temperature is lower than the set temperature. This is called Ventilation Mode.
Fan runs at 5% air volume change per hour (the minimum required to prevent condensation)
This causes a maximum of 1-degree change in temperature
Homeowner can add heat (noting that dry air is up to 4 times more efficient to heat than damp air)
Fan runs at 5% air volume change per hour (the minimum required to prevent condensation)
This causes a maximum of 1-degree change in temperature
Homeowner can add heat (noting that dry air is up to 4 times more efficient to heat than damp air)
Options to assist with air flow and temperature control
Option 10 – Energy Saver
When on, the HRV system will detect summer and winter conditions and will disable cooling in winter and heating in summer. After installation it can take up to 24 hour for the controller to decide if it is summer or winter. This can now be found in user quick options.
Note: The vent symbol will flash if energy saver mode is blocking heating or cooling, due to the season detected.
1. DRAFTS
Drafts are felt for two main reasons:
1. Air flow
2. Temperature difference between room temp and roof cavity air.
To reduce drafts:
• Lower the ventilation level
• Raise the set temp (in winter)
• Lower the set Temp (in summer)
• Add directional collars (direct the air away from people)
2. STEAM UPS
A Steam Up is very rare. It occurs when so much moisture is being drawn in from the roof cavity by the HRV that it condenses on the walls of the house. Several factors can cause excessive moisture in the roof cavity, e.g.:
• Blocked guttering
• Damp insulation
• Tiled roofs with no building paper
• Moisture under house rising through wall cavities to the roof cavity
The homeowner needs to eliminate the above to avoid Steam Ups. In addition, the owner going away and leaving the house empty has been known to cause Steam Ups, as while they are away no heating is being used.
The following option setting may help:
Option 47 - Detect Cold House
This is now a settable temperature, for detecting ‘cold’ houses. The default is now 0 (off). The range is 0 (off), or 12 to 20 degrees. Setting option 47 back to 18 degrees gets rid of a lot of Steam Ups. The reason for this is because it is unknown at the time of installation whether the house is a ‘cold’ house.
When on, the HRV system will detect summer and winter conditions and will disable cooling in winter and heating in summer. After installation it can take up to 24 hour for the controller to decide if it is summer or winter. This can now be found in user quick options.
Note: The vent symbol will flash if energy saver mode is blocking heating or cooling, due to the season detected.
1. DRAFTS
Drafts are felt for two main reasons:
1. Air flow
2. Temperature difference between room temp and roof cavity air.
To reduce drafts:
• Lower the ventilation level
• Raise the set temp (in winter)
• Lower the set Temp (in summer)
• Add directional collars (direct the air away from people)
2. STEAM UPS
A Steam Up is very rare. It occurs when so much moisture is being drawn in from the roof cavity by the HRV that it condenses on the walls of the house. Several factors can cause excessive moisture in the roof cavity, e.g.:
• Blocked guttering
• Damp insulation
• Tiled roofs with no building paper
• Moisture under house rising through wall cavities to the roof cavity
The homeowner needs to eliminate the above to avoid Steam Ups. In addition, the owner going away and leaving the house empty has been known to cause Steam Ups, as while they are away no heating is being used.
The following option setting may help:
Option 47 - Detect Cold House
This is now a settable temperature, for detecting ‘cold’ houses. The default is now 0 (off). The range is 0 (off), or 12 to 20 degrees. Setting option 47 back to 18 degrees gets rid of a lot of Steam Ups. The reason for this is because it is unknown at the time of installation whether the house is a ‘cold’ house.