Contemporary architecture has its own style, which has made the concept of building houses with large windows favourable, mainly for reasons of aesthetics, function and comfort. A well-placed large window allows a room to be flooded with light, gives the illusion of a larger space and allows the interior to be connected to the outside. The other side of this attractive architectural trend is that it comes with disadvantages such as possible energy loss or temperature instability in the room. To address these issues, modern Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (domestic MVHR) systems play a vital role. These systems not only provide a constant supply of fresh air, but also help to maintain stable temperatures, making them particularly valuable in buildings with large areas of glazing.
Temperature Challenges in Homes with Large Windows
While large windows are visually stunning and functional, they can lead to several temperature-related challenges:
- Overheating in summer. Sunlight entering through large areas of glass can quickly heat interiors, causing discomfort and increasing cooling costs.
- Heat loss in winter. Even the most advanced glazing cannot provide the same thermal insulation as walls, leading to higher heat loss in homes with large windows.
- Condensation and damp. Poor ventilation can cause condensation to form on windows, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew.
Stabilising temperature and humidity levels in such homes requires an effective solution — and MVHR systems provide just that.
How MVHR Maintains Stable Temperatures in Homes with Large Windows
According to Ecostream, such systems help:
- Efficient Heat Retention through Recovery
During the colder months, MVHR systems significantly reduce heat loss by transferring thermal energy from the extracted air to the incoming fresh air. This ensures a comfortable indoor temperature even in homes with large windows, where heat loss is typically higher. - Protection Against Overheating in Summer
In warmer months, MVHR systems can operate in a “night cooling” mode, introducing cooler night air into the home. This reduces reliance on air conditioning, lowering energy consumption and providing a more sustainable cooling solution. - Humidity Control
MVHR systems effectively remove excess humidity from the air, preventing condensation from forming on large windows. This is particularly crucial in winter, where the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors often promotes moisture build-up. - Continuous Fresh Air Supply
MVHR ensures a constant flow of fresh air, promoting a healthier indoor environment. This is especially beneficial in airtight buildings with large windows, where natural ventilation is limited.
MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery and is simply another modern ventilation solution for energy-efficient homes with large windows. It regulates temperature changes and prevents excessive fluctuations in energy consumption to create a healthy indoor atmosphere, all of which helps to meet the needs of buildings with large windows.
Long-term investment in it provides comfort, wellbeing, economy and environmental sustainability in the home. MVHR makes the home a wonderful combination of style, comfort and energy efficiency.
