The recoVAIR offers maximum energy efficiency, as the unit is capable of recovering up to 95% of heat lost from exhaust air. Running costs are kept low, due to the unit using DC speed controlled fans; these can be matched to the ventilation requirements, thereby reducing the need for wasteful and noisy duct dampers.
There are two integral speed-controlled DC fans in each recoVAIR unit – one for the supply air and the second for extraction. The airflows are managed so that each passes through the heat exchanger in a ‘counter-flow way’ to transfer heat from the extracted air to the incoming fresh air supply. This brings the temperature of the incoming fresh air close to room temperature, reducing the amount of additional heat –and energy– to match the temperature of the property to homeowners’ requirements.
Vaillant’s unique control system also allows the installer to set up and commission the unit from the controller. The LCD display, as well as giving an instant read out of temperature and air flows, also provides instant access to all settings and allows the owner to set their own parameters as required.
Avoiding the summertime blues
Each recoVAIR system is supplied with a summer bypass unit, allowing cooler, summer nighttime fresh air to bypass the heat exchanger. This provides an immediate cooling effect, as well as pre-cooling the building fabric prior to the next warm day. The control even provides an energy gain display to show you how much energy is saved when the system is operating in this mode.
Ease of installation
To assist installers, the recoVAIR comes complete with a multi-sized connection flange, allowing up to three different sized ducts to be attached to the unit without the need for additional reducers. (Ductwork must meet HVCA installation standard DW144.)
Every unit comes complete with a simple Vaillant control. This is used to set up the required air volume for the building, set times for normal, low and boost operation, automatically set bypass control and provides energy saving (gain) information, as well as multiple diagnostic and service indicators.
Kevin Barker, sales development director at Vaillant, said: “Climate change is now a reality,” and everyone needs to change their way of thinking about the energy that they use. The Government is now setting tough targets for reductions in CO2 emissions, and we see low carbon technologies playing an increasingly important part in achieving these goals. As a market leader in providing domestic heating solutions, we aim to be at the forefront of the development of energy saving products.
“Our recoVAIR whole house heat recovery units are designed to operate all year round; the low wattage fan motors ensure that running costs are minimised. Units have a standard remote control, which includes automatic timed day and night operation, as well as holiday and party settings available at the push of a button.”
Installation
As with all appliances, installation should be carried out by qualified engineers experienced in this product field. For ductwork, Vaillant recommends that recognised tradesmen undertake the installation of your recoVAIR unit. For optimum efficiency and safety, your builder will employ an electrician or plumber to complete the installation and commissioning of the unit. The unit is generally installed in the attic space, or in a utility room or cupboard.
Servicing
As is standard with all kinds of ventilation equipment, Vaillant recommends that the filters are changed at least once every six months to ensure the optimum efficiency of the unit. A filter service indicator acts a reminder to end users for when filter attention is required. The filters themselves are easily accessed behind the front panel of the unit, and can easily be changed by a homeowner. Units should also be cleaned and checked annually for correct operation by a qualified service professional – either from Vaillant or another recognised company.
The Total System approach
The recoVAIR is a strong addition to Vaillant’s Total System approach, with the company now offering ventilation, solar thermal domestic hot water, HE condensing boilers, domestic hot water storage cylinders and even air conditioning if required. As with all Vaillant products, dedicated technical, design and sales support is available, as is the usual high standard of product specific training.
For more information on the new recoVAIR system, please click here
