© ProAir Systems: Heat Recovery Ventilation Specialists
Installation FAQ's
At what stage in my build should the HRV system be installed?
The ideal stage to install a ProAir system is at 1st Fix. We like to be the first ‘first’ fixer.
Where is the unit located?
It is generally located in the attic space.
Where are the controls located?
The main control is located normally in the kitchen or utility room with boost switches outside the wet areas
What sort of duct is used?
Rigid plastic duct is used. This is more robust than flexible duct and ensures that less power is required to move the required volume of air. Rigid ducting offer less resistance than flexible duct. This contributes to the overall efficiency of the system.
Can a HRV System be installed with flexible ducting?
No! We strongly recommend that rigid ducting be installed at all times. Flexible ducting creates too much resistance to air flow and will lower the efficiency of any HRV unit. It will also be impossible to clean if the situation arises.
Can the system have automatic humidity sensors?
Humidity sensors respond to changes in the humidity of the air. Many HRV systems have sensors located in the air handling units. These therefore can only respond to changes in the average humidity of the air coming into them from wet rooms. They do not respond to individual changes in wet rooms. (Having individual sensors in rooms would be very expensive). The ProAir unit uses a maintenance free boost switch. It is controlled by the user. Once the boost switch is pressed the unit will work at high speed for a period of 20 minutes to clear moisture from wet areas and then revert to normal.
Are the ducts insulated in the attic?
All ducts in the attic are thermally insulated in order to (i) eliminate the possibility of condensation happening inside or outside of the ducts and (ii) avoid heat losses in the attic All exposed ducts running in attics will be insulated. Normally the insulation being provided as part of the attic insulation will suffice. There is no need to insulate ducts that are within partitions, under first floor etc
Do I need wall and window vents?
No. The house should be as airtight as possible. This will ensure that all the air is taken in and out through the Air Handling Unit only.
What will I see in each room?
In each room you will find a delivery or extract terminal. These fittings have an adjustable centre disc which is used to balance the system. The system is tested and balanced by our technicians and will need no further adjustment.
What size ducts are used?
We generally use 100mm round rigid ducts. Under hollowcore/concrete floors if space does not permit this we use 200X60 channel. 110X54 channel may be used in timber partitions.
Where in the house will the fresh air be supplied from and exhausted?
The supply and exhaust vents should be located at 3 m apart. This is to ensure that the exhausted air is not reutilised. There are 3 options (i) use roof vents and have the roofer install them. They are G5 (150mm) roof vents. (ii) Have the extract and supply come through grilles on the soffitt (iii) Go through holes in the gable again using grilles on the outside. The most common setup is to use roof vents generally on the rear of the house. Contact us before roofing starts and we will arrange delivery of roof vents.
We will have an extractor fan over the cooker in the kitchen. Can this be plumbed into the heat recovery system?
This fan will not be connected to our system. It could lead to an accumulation of grease etc throughout the system.
Can the air loss through the cooker hood be minimised in any way?
A mains operated damper can be installed. It is open when cooking is in progress and at all other times it is closed. ProAir can supply this as part of the system installation.
Can the system be connected to my fire alarm system?
Yes, as a safety feature we can connect your fire alarm system to the HRV unit. We will require a two core cable from the fire alarm panel to our unit. Our unit will cut out in the event of the alarm going off.
The ideal stage to install a ProAir system is at 1st Fix. We like to be the first ‘first’ fixer.
Where is the unit located?
It is generally located in the attic space.
Where are the controls located?
The main control is located normally in the kitchen or utility room with boost switches outside the wet areas
What sort of duct is used?
Rigid plastic duct is used. This is more robust than flexible duct and ensures that less power is required to move the required volume of air. Rigid ducting offer less resistance than flexible duct. This contributes to the overall efficiency of the system.
Can a HRV System be installed with flexible ducting?
No! We strongly recommend that rigid ducting be installed at all times. Flexible ducting creates too much resistance to air flow and will lower the efficiency of any HRV unit. It will also be impossible to clean if the situation arises.
Can the system have automatic humidity sensors?
Humidity sensors respond to changes in the humidity of the air. Many HRV systems have sensors located in the air handling units. These therefore can only respond to changes in the average humidity of the air coming into them from wet rooms. They do not respond to individual changes in wet rooms. (Having individual sensors in rooms would be very expensive). The ProAir unit uses a maintenance free boost switch. It is controlled by the user. Once the boost switch is pressed the unit will work at high speed for a period of 20 minutes to clear moisture from wet areas and then revert to normal.
Are the ducts insulated in the attic?
All ducts in the attic are thermally insulated in order to (i) eliminate the possibility of condensation happening inside or outside of the ducts and (ii) avoid heat losses in the attic All exposed ducts running in attics will be insulated. Normally the insulation being provided as part of the attic insulation will suffice. There is no need to insulate ducts that are within partitions, under first floor etc
Do I need wall and window vents?
No. The house should be as airtight as possible. This will ensure that all the air is taken in and out through the Air Handling Unit only.
What will I see in each room?
In each room you will find a delivery or extract terminal. These fittings have an adjustable centre disc which is used to balance the system. The system is tested and balanced by our technicians and will need no further adjustment.
What size ducts are used?
We generally use 100mm round rigid ducts. Under hollowcore/concrete floors if space does not permit this we use 200X60 channel. 110X54 channel may be used in timber partitions.
Where in the house will the fresh air be supplied from and exhausted?
The supply and exhaust vents should be located at 3 m apart. This is to ensure that the exhausted air is not reutilised. There are 3 options (i) use roof vents and have the roofer install them. They are G5 (150mm) roof vents. (ii) Have the extract and supply come through grilles on the soffitt (iii) Go through holes in the gable again using grilles on the outside. The most common setup is to use roof vents generally on the rear of the house. Contact us before roofing starts and we will arrange delivery of roof vents.
We will have an extractor fan over the cooker in the kitchen. Can this be plumbed into the heat recovery system?
This fan will not be connected to our system. It could lead to an accumulation of grease etc throughout the system.
Can the air loss through the cooker hood be minimised in any way?
A mains operated damper can be installed. It is open when cooking is in progress and at all other times it is closed. ProAir can supply this as part of the system installation.
Can the system be connected to my fire alarm system?
Yes, as a safety feature we can connect your fire alarm system to the HRV unit. We will require a two core cable from the fire alarm panel to our unit. Our unit will cut out in the event of the alarm going off.
