Home ventilation: just what the doctor ordered?

In Victorian times they believed there was little that couldn’t be cured by a good dose of fresh air – and the colder the better!

These days, medical science has moved on a bit, but there are still plenty of reasons why fresh, clean air could be good for you and your family. That goes double if you’re one of the many New Zealanders living with asthma or another respiratory condition.

Throwing the windows open or going for a walk on the beach is one way to get a dose of fresh air, but that isn’t always an option – especially in the colder months.

Enter HRV. Our partner HRV has been delivering drier, fresh, filtered air to New Zealand homes since 2003, which is why we’re so pleased to be working together with them.

HRV home ventilation works by drawing air from your home’s roof space – where’s it’s naturally drier and often warmer – filtering it, then delivering it via ducts to your living areas. As the fresh air enters, it drives stale, damp air out. As anyone who’s woken to wet windows knows, everyday living creates a lot of moisture! Cooking, showering, laundry and even breathing all play their part, creating ideal conditions for mould and mildew, and exacerbating some respiratory conditions.

With HRV home ventilation on the job 24/7, moisture levels are reduced and allergy-causing pollen and mould spores are filtered too. And here’s a bonus: that drier air is easier to heat. That means quicker heating and less energy used, no matter what sort of heating you have.

The health risks of an inadequately heated home are well known, so HRV offers a range of heating options to keep everyone cosy. Efficient, modern heat pumps are fast becoming the number one choice for New Zealand families but HRV GM of Marketing, Product and Insights Chris Masterson says there are other options. “For simple, fast heating of small areas or rooms, our Nobo electric panel heaters are really popular,” says Chris. “We can even help open fire or woodburner fans get more from their heating.”

An HRV heat transfer kit (sold as a standalone installation or together with HRV home ventilation) takes surplus warm air from a well-heated room like a lounge, then delivers it via ducting to bedrooms or other areas that need it.

HRV home ventilation has benefits beyond health and comfort. Enjoying great ventilation while being able to leave doors and windows closed is great for security, especially at night. And if street noise is keeping you awake, keeping windows closed can help on that front.