MVHR Replacement and Commissioning in Ystradgynlais
Heatworks carried out the replacement, recommissioning and testing of a 26-year-old MVHR system at a large detached four-bedroom property in Ystradgynlais, Powys.
The existing system had two ageing Baxi MVHR units with failed fan motors. The customer had already contacted a number of other companies, but after the initial inspections, nobody had been willing to take the job further.
The project involved replacing the failed units with new Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic MVHR units, adapting the installation to suit the existing hidden ductwork, replacing visible ducting and terminal vents, and carefully commissioning the system so it could perform properly again.
The problem
The property had an older MVHR system serving a large detached home. Both original units had reached the end of their working life, with failed fan motors leaving the ventilation system unable to operate correctly.
The job was made more difficult by:
- Two separate attic locations
- Very limited loft access
- Small loft hatches for getting the new units into position
- Cramped working space around the roof timbers
- Existing ductwork that was not installed to current standards
- The need to protect an immaculate home while moving equipment through the property
This was not a simple swap. The system needed proper assessment, careful planning and a practical approach to make the new units work with the parts of the existing installation that could sensibly be reused.
Our assessment
Before starting the work, we inspected the existing MVHR units, the attic spaces, the duct routes, the access points and the condition of the visible ductwork.
The hidden ducting within the property was reused where suitable, helping avoid unnecessary disruption to the finished areas of the home. Everything else was replaced, including the MVHR units, accessible ductwork and terminal vents.
The chosen replacement units were Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic MVHR systems, selected to restore reliable mechanical ventilation with heat recovery while working within the restrictions of the existing property.
The work carried out
The old Baxi MVHR units were removed from the attic spaces and replaced with new Vent-Axia Sentinel Kinetic units.
Because access was tight, the installation had to be carried out carefully to avoid damage to the loft hatches, ceilings, decoration and surrounding areas. The new units were positioned in the loft spaces, connected to the existing duct routes, and fitted with replacement ductwork and terminal vents where required.
Once installed, the system was set up and commissioned properly rather than simply being switched on and left.
Commissioning and balancing
After installation, the MVHR system was balanced using an anemometer at each vent.
The aim was to achieve the correct designed airflow rates at both trickle and boost settings while keeping fan speeds as low as possible. This helps the system provide effective ventilation without running harder than necessary.
The commissioning process included:
- Checking airflow at each terminal
- Balancing supply and extract rates
- Testing trickle settings
- Testing boost settings
- Adjusting fan speeds to achieve the required flow rates
- Confirming the system was operating correctly after replacement
The result
The finished installation restored working MVHR ventilation to the property without unnecessary disruption to the home.
The customer avoided a much larger and more invasive rebuild of the entire hidden system, while still receiving new modern MVHR units, replacement visible ductwork, new terminal vents, proper balancing and commissioning.
The end result was a cleaner, more reliable and properly tested MVHR system that met the customer’s needs and exceeded their expectations.
Customer review
“Heatworks carried out the replacement, recommissioning and testing of our 26 yr. old MVHR system. Shaun and his partner attended and made an initial inspection of the units and ventilation as it stood. To be honest a number of other companies had also made an initial assessment but we heard nothing from them after.
The location was in two attics which had limited space and access.
Shaun was positive from the first inspection. The existing units were replaced with new state of the art systems which were professionally installed and connected as to our requirements. The work carried out was first class. The company were extremely tidy and the finished system was above our expectations. I would have no hesitation in using the company for any future works needed. We were kept fully updated as to what was proceeding throughout the fitting. They were extremely polite and courteous at all times. I fully recommend this company.”
Need MVHR replacement or commissioning?
Heatworks installs, replaces, services and commissions MVHR systems across Bridgend, Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Cardiff, Powys and South Wales.
If your MVHR system has failed, is noisy, has poor airflow, or another contractor does not want to touch it, contact Heatworks and we can inspect the system and give clear advice on the best way forward.
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