British ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia, has launched its first Passivhaus-certified Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, named the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq.
With the new Future Homes Standard looking set to reduce carbon emissions for new build homes by a further 75-80% than current Building Regulations, the Sentinel Econiq is designed to provide low carbon heat recovery ventilation for air-tight thermally efficient new build dwellings, making it ideal for Passivhaus projects. The Sentinel Econiq offers strong efficiency, near silent operation and complete controllability, all of which helps to provide the optimum indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort.
MVHR forms a critical part of a Passivhaus project since it successfully drives down energy demand. An MVHR system’s performance is considered an integral element of the primary Passivhaus heating demand calculation. Boasting impressive heat recovery and a specific electric power as low as 0.22 Wh/m3, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is now Passivhaus certified.
Designed and developed in the UK to offer high levels of comfort and functionality throughout the year, the Sentinel Econiq’s maximised airflows and minimised noise and energy are achieved through cutting-edge EC motors and highly sculpted interiors.
Providing impressive IAQ, the new Sentinel-X wireless control platform delivers complete control of the home environment, provided through a full range of wired/wireless sensors and an intelligent smartphone app. To further improve comfort, the Sentinel Econiq also features a built-in preheater as standard with optional duct heaters.
Steve Pearce, NBR Product Manager, comments, “We are delighted to announce the launch of our first Passivhaus-certified MVHR system. We have already witnessed Building Regulations reducing carbon emissions from new build homes by 30%, but the Future Homes Standard looks set to radically reduce them. To achieve this, homes will become increasingly airtight and heat recovery ventilation will be a key technology to help deliver the final piece of the carbon avoidance by preventing heat loss.
“The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq has been designed to meet these challenges, offering the ideal heat recovery ventilation solution to improve indoor air quality and comfort in new build homes.”
The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is available in three different sizes covering a range of properties, with left and right-handed versions available. With Passivhaus design, very low air leakage rates are required to meet the standard and must be demonstrated for each certified building. The air change rate must be less than or equal to 0.6 air changes per hour at 50pa, under test conditions.
The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq’s Constant Volume feature ensures it operates effectively, efficiently and reliably, providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, maintaining pre-set airflow irrespective of system pressure within its performance capabilities.
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