What Is Specific Fan Power In Heat Recovery Ventilation?

Anybody interested in improving the quality of air in their home should be aware of the benefits a Heat Recovery Ventilaton system can bring. These clever units supply the property with clean air by expelling stale air from wet rooms and areas and filtering incoming air. This process does not happen by magic or coincidentally, but rather through a mechanical system and ducting unit which relies on power to operate. Specific Fan Power quantifies exactly how much power is required for any given system and therefore being aware of what this means and why it matters is crucial to getting the most out of your chosen Heat Recovery system.

Specific Fan Power: A Definition

A Heat Recovery System utilises fans, compressors and transformers to operate effectively. These components require electrical power to work and the exact amount of power required will depend on the efficiency of the system itself. Specific Fan Power therefore refers to the exact efficiency of different ventilation systems. It can be calculated by dividing the power consumption (Watts) of the fan and other electrical components by the airflow through the system (Watts per litre per second).

Why Is Specific Fan Power Important?

Specific Fan Power is a valuable metric as it highlights how efficiently the Heat Recovery Unit can run. Typically, the lower the Specific Fan Power, the more efficient the system is and therefore the better it is at regulating air quality within the home. Systems with a Specific Fan Power of 1 Watts per litre per second can be deemed ‘efficient’, though the very best technology can achieve an even lower rate. For example, our recommended aircycle 3.1 Hear Recovery Ventilation unit can achieve a market-leading 0.37 Watts per litre per second. 

The efficiency of a Heat Recovery Unit indirectly has an impact on a range of other factors that might also determine the usefulness of your Heat Recovery Ventilation system including: 

• Operational Costs

A lower Specific Fan Power means that the fans in the unit are operating more efficiently. Over time, this can translate to lower electricity bills as the system will require less power to run compared to one where Specific Fan Power is higher. This can be significantly advantageous in large homes or buildings where the system may be used extensively and therefore significant cost savings are genuinely achievable.

• Environmental Impact

By recycling rather than wasting the heat from the air, Heat Recovery Ventilation systems can also help you reduce your carbon emissions. Specific Fan Power makes a further difference to the environmental impact of the system as a more efficient system is naturally one that consumes less of the planet’s precious resources. 

• System Performance

The efficiency of the fans in the Heat Recovery Ventilation system also affects its overall performance. Higher efficiency and a lower Specific Fan Power ensure that the system is working as well as it possibly can without unnecessary strain on any of the components. This can enhance the reliability and lifespan of the system and ultimately means that you will benefit from greater comfort levels in the home for longer.

If you are interested in the prospect of having a Heat Recovery Ventilation system in your home, it’s critical that you pay attention to the Specific Fan Power of your options. Choosing a system with a low rate will ensure you reap the benefits of enjoying fresher air in the home for longer. With this in mind, Pipelife is delighted to be able to recommend a range of market-leading Heat Recovery Units. Our team are the experts when it comes to getting the most from the options available so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or want to learn more.