Decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV) enable continuous air exchange while reducing heat loss. They remove stale air from indoor spaces and use the heat it contains to preheat the incoming fresh air. This reduces the energy required for heating while supporting a healthy indoor climate.
These systems are particularly suitable for modern airtight buildings as well as for renovation projects where efficient ventilation is required without complex air duct systems. Thanks to the decentralized design, the units can be integrated flexibly into individual rooms and enable demand-based ventilation.
What is decentralized ventilation with heat recovery (HRV)?
Decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV) are compact ventilation units installed directly in the exterior wall or within the room. They operate without a central air duct system and ensure controlled air exchange on a single-room level.
The integrated heat recovery (HRV) transfers heat from the exhaust air to the supply air without the airflows mixing. This means tempered fresh air is introduced into the room while heat loss in the building is reduced.
Functional principle of heat recovery (HRV)
Decentralized HRV fans often operate according to the principle of heat storage or with integrated heat exchangers. In this process, the heat from the exhaust air is absorbed and transferred either with a delay or continuously to the incoming outside air.
Typical operating principle:
Exhaust air phase: Warm indoor air is directed outside and transfers its heat to the storage element or heat exchanger
Supply air phase: Fresh outside air flows inward and absorbs the stored heat
This principle enables heat recovery (HRV) of up to 90% and significantly reduces energy loss during ventilation.
Advantages of decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV)
Decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV) offer a combination of energy efficiency, comfort and flexibility.
- high energy efficiency through heat recovery (HRV)
- reduced heating costs due to lower heat loss
- continuous air exchange without manual ventilation
- improved indoor climate through controlled airflow routing
- moisture protection and reduced risk of mould
- flexible installation without complex air ducts
This makes HRV fans suitable for both new buildings and existing buildings.
Application areas for fans with heat recovery (HRV)
Decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV) are used in different building types.
Residential buildings: ideal for modern airtight construction methods in order to remove humidity and minimize energy losses.
Renovation and retrofitting: thanks to their decentralized design, these systems can be integrated without major intervention in the building structure.
Commercial buildings: suitable for offices, hotels, educational facilities or public buildings with requirements for air quality and energy efficiency.
Standards and requirements
Decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV) support the implementation of ventilation concepts according to DIN 1946-6 and can contribute to compliance with energy requirements in accordance with the Building Energy Act (GEG).
Depending on the project, requirements from DIN EN 16798 may also be relevant, especially in commercial applications or where there are higher requirements for indoor air quality.
Ventomaxx fans with heat recovery (HRV)
Ventomaxx offers decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV) for a wide range of requirements in new build and renovation. The systems are characterized by:
- heat recovery (HRV) of up to 90%
- high sound insulation for noise-sensitive environments
- flexible integration into facade and building structure
- compact design for easy installation
With the WRG RONDO / PLUS and WRG MAKANI R / Q series, solutions are available for different room and building concepts. The portfolio is complemented by the decentralized single-room ventilation SEPHYR 250D, which also enables high-performance ventilation in compact installation situations.
Planning and integration into buildings
Decentralized HRV fans can be integrated flexibly into different construction projects. Installation is usually carried out directly in the exterior wall or in suitable installation situations within the building envelope. By eliminating the need for a central air duct system, planning effort is reduced and installation is simplified. At the same time, facade design is preserved because the units can be integrated discreetly.
Decentralized ventilation with heat recovery (HRV) as an efficient solution
Decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV) enable energy-efficient and comfortable ventilation of buildings. The combination of controlled air exchange and heat recovery (HRV) reduces energy consumption while supporting a healthy indoor climate. They offer a flexible solution for new build and renovation and can be integrated into existing buildings without major effort. This makes them a key component of modern ventilation concepts that meet both energy-related and hygienic requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How does decentralized ventilation with heat recovery (HRV) work?
A decentralized ventilation system with heat recovery (HRV) removes stale air from the room and uses the heat it contains to preheat the incoming fresh air. This is done via a heat exchanger or a storage element, thereby reducing heat loss during ventilation.
How efficient is heat recovery (HRV) in ventilation systems?
Depending on the system, decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV) achieve a heat recovery efficiency of up to 90%. This means a large proportion of the heat can be retained in the building and the energy required for heating can be reduced.
When is decentralized ventilation with heat recovery (HRV) worthwhile?
Decentralized ventilation with heat recovery (HRV) is particularly worthwhile in well-insulated new builds, renovation projects and buildings with high airtightness. It is useful wherever controlled air exchange and a reduction in heat loss are required at the same time.
What is the difference between central and decentralized ventilation with heat recovery (HRV)?
Central ventilation systems operate with an air duct network for the entire building, while decentralized units are installed directly in individual rooms. Decentralized systems are more flexible for retrofitting and do not require complex air distribution.
Can decentralized HRV fans prevent mould?
Decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV) help to remove humidity continuously and regulate humidity levels in the room. This can significantly reduce the risk of mould growth.
Are decentralized fans with heat recovery (HRV) suitable for renovation?
Yes, decentralized systems are particularly suitable for renovation because they can be installed without complex air ducts. They can be integrated directly into the exterior wall and enable easy retrofitting.
