Ducted Heat Pump System vs. Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation: Understanding the Differences for Your Airtight Home

There is often confusion about the differences between a ducted heat pump system and a mechanical heat recovery ventilation (MHRV) system. While both systems can contribute to comfortable and energy-efficient homes, they serve different purposes. In an airtight home, an MHRV system is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality, while a ducted heat pump is just one of many options for heating and cooling. Let’s break down what each system does, when each might be necessary, and the pros and cons of each.

What is a Ducted Heat Pump System?

A ducted heat pump system is primarily used for heating and cooling. It operates by distributing conditioned air through a network of ducts, providing climate control throughout the house. This can be an effective solution for maintaining a uniform temperature in multiple rooms.

Key Benefits:

• Heating and Cooling in One System: Offers both heating in winter and cooling in summer, providing year-round comfort.
• Uniform Temperature Control: Ensures consistent temperatures across different areas of a home.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern ducted heat pumps are energy-efficient, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs.

Drawbacks:

• Optional, Not Essential: While effective, ducted heat pumps are just one option for heating and cooling. Other solutions, like split systems, radiators, or underfloor heating, can also provide efficient temperature control, often at a lower cost.
• Installation Complexity: Installing a ducted system can be complicated and expensive, particularly when retrofitting older homes.
• Does Not Address Air Quality: Ducted heat pumps focus on temperature control and do not provide ventilation for fresh air, which can be a significant limitation in airtight homes.

What is a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) System?

A Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) system is a must-have in airtight homes. These systems are designed to provide continuous ventilation by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat from the outgoing air to pre-heat the incoming air. This process ensures a supply of fresh air without losing warmth, maintaining indoor air quality and reducing heating costs.

Key Benefits:

• Essential for Airtight Homes: In airtight homes, where natural airflow is restricted, MHRV systems are crucial for preventing moisture buildup, condensation, and poor indoor air quality.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Continuously removes stale air, pollutants, and excess moisture while supplying fresh air, which is essential for a healthy living environment.
• Energy Efficiency: Recovers heat from exhaust air, reducing the energy needed to heat incoming fresh air, thus lowering heating costs.

Drawbacks:

• No Cooling Capability: MHRV systems are solely for ventilation and do not offer heating or cooling.
• Higher Initial Costs: Installing an MHRV system can be costly, especially when integrated with other systems in a new build or retrofit project. However, its benefits in airtight homes outweigh the initial investment.

Summary Table: Key Differences Between Ducted Heat Pump Systems and MHRV

In Closing

While both ducted heat pump systems and MHRV systems play roles in enhancing home comfort, they serve different needs. An MHRV system is essential for airtight homes to maintain air quality and manage moisture, making it a critical component of any energy-efficient, airtight design. In contrast, a ducted heat pump system is just one of several heating and cooling options and may not always be the most cost-effective choice. Understanding these distinctions is key to making the right decisions for your home's comfort and efficiency.

Check out our Specialist Partners page for suppliers of ventilation systems that have experience in airtight Formance homes.