Managing Your Beam MVHR System in the Summer Months
22nd May 2024
We are here to answer all of your questions about how Beam MVHR works in the summer months - plus we have some helpful tips on how to cool your home down in warmer weather.
New build homes today are built as airtight as possible with the aim of reducing energy bills in the winter.
However, on warm summer days (when we are lucky enough to have them!) our homes can become uncomfortably warm. This can be emphasised when there is a lot of glazing in the home as this increases solar gain, causing overheating within the home.
Why isn’t my MVHR system cooling my house down?
To help manage comfort levels in the home during warmer weather, certain Beam MVHR units do have functions such as Summer Bypass, Summer Boost and/or Night Cooling.
With that said, it is important to stress that MVHR is a ventilation system designed to give changes of air - it is not a cooling system. Therefore, it will not provide adequate cooling during these warmer days.
What is Summer Bypass?
Summer Bypass is an automatic feature on Beam MVHR systems and does not need to be manually turned on.
When Summer Bypass mode is triggered, the system will automatically divert outgoing air around the heat recovery cell, so that the incoming air will no longer be warmed by the outgoing air.
Your home will still be being ventilated without the heat recovery element and the system will automatically resume normal running when temperatures reduce.
What is Summer Boost?
The Summer Boost facility increases fan speeds within the MVHR unit to above normal running speeds, meaning there is more air coming in and out of the home, giving the feeling of additional fresh air in the home.
Please check your manual for information on how to enable this or call our customer service team on 02879732424.
What is Summer / Night Cooling?
Summer Cooling (HERU Range) and Night Cooling (NG HERU Range) function needs to be activated manually and works by reducing the internal heat when outside temperature drops to below inside temperature.
For example, if it is 22°C inside and 18°C outside, Summer / Night Cooling will help reduce the temperature within your home. Please check your manual for further information for your specific model.
What else can I do to cool my home down on warmer days?
As well as running your ventilation system appropriately using the functions just mentioned, it is advisable to:
- Use your MVHR system as normal (at a higher speed if needed), until the inside temperature rises higher than the outside temperature. Then, open your windows and doors to create a natural air flow.
- Close curtains/blinds to reduce solar gain. (Especially for south facing windows)
Can I turn off my MVHR unit in the summer months?
You can turn off my MVHR unit in warmer weather, but this is not advisable as you will then lose any benefit of the mechanical system within your home. Following the steps discussed above will be much more beneficial in aiding the comfort within the home during the summer months.
Will opening my windows effect the efficiency of my MVHR system?
In the summertime, when we experience hotter weather, you can open your windows. Your ventilation system will continue to work as you are not depending on the heat recovery element.
The only downside would be to serious asthma or allergy sufferers as the air coming in through the open windows would not be filtered, but it is still fresh air!
Can I add a cooling element to my MVHR system?
This can be done, but only if it was designed in at the build stage. It cannot be retrofitted efficiently.
Can I install an air conditioning system alongside my MVHR system?
MVHR and air conditioning are two stand alone products, which can work well together.
MVHR is used to filter and change the air for clean, fresh filtered air in the home and the aim of air conditioning is to cool this air.
- With air conditioning and no MVHR you will have cool indoor air – but it will not be ventilated so while the air will be recirculated, it won't be fresh and will feel uncomfortable.
- With MVHR and no air conditioning – you will have clean fresh filtered air, but in the summer months you may find your home gets too warm.
In some homes, such as those with an increased amount of glazing, it has become popular to fit domestic air conditioning units into the master bedroom and kitchen/dining areas of the home. If you feel that the design of your house will raise the risk of overheating, then this is something to consider as well as your ventilation options.
Get in touch
For further advice on your Beam MVHR System or ventilation options for your home, complete our online contact form and or call us on 02879732424.