© ProAir Systems: Heat Recovery Ventilation Specialists
Operation FAQ's
Should the ProAir system be on all the time?
It is recommended that the system run continuously. This will help keep the air fresh and avoid the build up of smells, moisture etc.
How efficient is the unit?
The heat exchanger is 96% efficient. When the ducts etc are connected to it the system is up to 90% efficient.
How much electricity will it use?
It is the equivalent of having a 60W bulb on, in an average size house. This works out at EUR 85 approx per annum. This is just a guide, consumption will depend on your house size and usage pattern.
What is the payback period?
This varies depending on how airtight the house is and how the system is used. Payback can be achieved over 7 to 10 years
What are the settings on the switches?
Low speed : At this setting the unit will effect an air change every 3 hours.
Medium speed: An air change will take place about every 2 hours.
Boost: This setting is used to effect an air change approximately once an hour. This is particularly useful when a large amount of water vapour and heat are generated in bathrooms etc. Once any of the Boost switches are turned on the unit will work at high speed for a period of 20 minutes and then revert to normal. The last Boost switch to be activated will determine when the unit will return to normal working. The duration of the ‘Boost’ can be changed by a ProAir technician.
Is it a completely dry system or is there a water connection?
It is a dry system in that no connection is required to a water supply.
Is there a condensation drip pipe or the like and any overflows?
Any water that condenses is drained off through a condensate drain. This is a 16mm plastic hose from the unit to the outside.
Is the system noisy?
No. The air handling unit is acoustically lined. Further it is generally hung from the rafters as opposed to being left sitting on the joists. A distribution box is used to reduce the duct size coming from the unit. This box is also acoustically lined. Silencers are inserted to reduce whatever noise there is. At the end of the installation process the system is balanced. The result is that customers will not be aware that the system is working in the background.
The system does not have a summer bypass. What can I do to keep the house cool in summer?
A HRV system is not a cooling system and can never be, despite what some suppliers might claim. A thermostat can be fitted to turn off the supply fan in summer, thereby giving an energy saving and leaving you with an extract system to deal with moisture. At this time of the year, thermal efficiency will not be an issue and windows can be opened.
It is recommended that the system run continuously. This will help keep the air fresh and avoid the build up of smells, moisture etc.
How efficient is the unit?
The heat exchanger is 96% efficient. When the ducts etc are connected to it the system is up to 90% efficient.
How much electricity will it use?
It is the equivalent of having a 60W bulb on, in an average size house. This works out at EUR 85 approx per annum. This is just a guide, consumption will depend on your house size and usage pattern.
What is the payback period?
This varies depending on how airtight the house is and how the system is used. Payback can be achieved over 7 to 10 years
What are the settings on the switches?
Low speed : At this setting the unit will effect an air change every 3 hours.
Medium speed: An air change will take place about every 2 hours.
Boost: This setting is used to effect an air change approximately once an hour. This is particularly useful when a large amount of water vapour and heat are generated in bathrooms etc. Once any of the Boost switches are turned on the unit will work at high speed for a period of 20 minutes and then revert to normal. The last Boost switch to be activated will determine when the unit will return to normal working. The duration of the ‘Boost’ can be changed by a ProAir technician.
Is it a completely dry system or is there a water connection?
It is a dry system in that no connection is required to a water supply.
Is there a condensation drip pipe or the like and any overflows?
Any water that condenses is drained off through a condensate drain. This is a 16mm plastic hose from the unit to the outside.
Is the system noisy?
No. The air handling unit is acoustically lined. Further it is generally hung from the rafters as opposed to being left sitting on the joists. A distribution box is used to reduce the duct size coming from the unit. This box is also acoustically lined. Silencers are inserted to reduce whatever noise there is. At the end of the installation process the system is balanced. The result is that customers will not be aware that the system is working in the background.
The system does not have a summer bypass. What can I do to keep the house cool in summer?
A HRV system is not a cooling system and can never be, despite what some suppliers might claim. A thermostat can be fitted to turn off the supply fan in summer, thereby giving an energy saving and leaving you with an extract system to deal with moisture. At this time of the year, thermal efficiency will not be an issue and windows can be opened.
