A COMPLETE GUIDE to Decentralised Single Room Heat Recovery!

The podcast discusses decentralized single-room heat recovery ventilation systems, contrasting them with centralized systems typically found in new builds. It details the installation of a BSK Zephyr single-room heat recovery fan, highlighting its features and effectiveness in improving air quality and reducing humidity, while also exploring the benefits of pairing multiple units for enhanced ventilation.

Decentralized vs. Centralized

• 00:01:31 The podcast introduces two ventilation concepts: decentralized and centralized systems. Decentralized systems use individual fans in each room, while centralized systems employ a large unit to handle air exchange for the entire house via ductwork. The speaker notes that centralized systems are often preferred for new builds, while decentralized solutions are more feasible for older properties.

BSK Zephyr

• 00:04:19 The BSK Zephyr single-room heat recovery fan is presented as a decentralized system with heat recovery capabilities. It uses a ceramic heat exchanger to capture heat from exhaust air and transfer it to incoming fresh air. The fan can be operated in various modes, including exhaust, supply, and cycle, and it has remote control functionality for adjusting fan speed and humidity levels.

Installation Process

• 00:05:30 The speaker provides a detailed walkthrough of the Zephyr fan installation. This includes creating a 160 mm hole in the wall, carefully removing insulation without compromising the vapor barrier, and securing the pipework with expanding foam. The speaker highlights some initial mistakes, like ordering an unnecessary spiral duct, and shares tips for a neat and efficient installation.

Performance & Functionality

• 00:09:05 The Zephyr fan offers multiple functionalities through the associated app or remote control, including fan speed control, night mode, and humidity control. The speaker also demonstrates its heat recovery capabilities using a thermal imaging camera, showing a temperature increase of approximately 3°C in the supply air compared to the outdoor temperature.

Advantages & Considerations

• 00:14:01 The speaker concludes by emphasizing that the fan works effectively as a standalone unit, especially for improving air quality and reducing humidity. However, pairing multiple units would enhance its capabilities for whole-house ventilation. The speaker also notes the potential for increased efficiency by integrating the system with other ventilation solutions, like his VUX active window.