Recuperation is a very economical and beneficial solution, allowing for efficient home heating and reducing related expenses. However, it is very important to properly and optimally set the system. What is worth knowing about setting the recuperator and its operation in winter? And how to prepare the system for the heating season?
Check out the recuperators at the Onninen wholesaler
How to set up a recuperator in winter?
Although the recuperator is one of the recommended methods of effective heating, it is important to be aware that errors in its setting may negatively affect the efficiency of the device and costs. It is worth remembering that the optimal operation of the recuperator depends to a large extent on the proper functioning of the ventilation system. The system should be unobstructed, and the supply and exhaust should be balanced. This is one of the key factors, because too much air flow into the rooms will cause cooling. In turn, too little supply will lead to a situation in which a specific negative pressure is created, which will also result in heat loss.
To avoid problems, the recuperator should be set to a lower capacity in winter. If the air flow is too high, it can very easily lead to cooling of the rooms and deterioration of thermal comfort. It is usually recommended that the device be set to about 30-50% of maximum power.
Another issue is the supply air temperature. Heat recovery in winter should be maximum. Owners of modern models of heat recovery units do not have to worry about changing settings, because these devices automatically adjust the operating mode to low temperatures. Nevertheless, it is worth checking the correct operation of the function.
In recuperators equipped with the so-called bypass function, i.e. bypassing the heat exchanger, i.e. bypassing heat recovery, it should be checked whether the function has really been turned off.
In order to optimally use the capabilities of the recuperator and reduce heating costs, it is worth deciding to program operating schedules. Some devices are equipped with a night mode, which allows for reducing heat loss. Additionally, thanks to schedules, you can optimize the operation of the heating system with heat recovery, reducing the operating power and temperature when household members are away from home.
In what conditions can a recuperator operate during frost?
When using heat recovery units , it should be noted that they should be equipped with an anti-freeze function. This can protect the heat exchanger from serious failure. Freezing disrupts the heat recovery process, which is why heat recovery units have built-in heaters. In models without heaters, it is worth considering installing a pre-heater. They are installed in the supply ducts to heat the air before it reaches the heat exchanger. Additionally, care should also be taken to properly insulate the ventilation ducts. This helps prevent excessive cooling of the air supplied to the heat recovery unit.
Frosts are not an obstacle to the operation of the recuperator, but it must be properly cared for. In addition to protecting the heat exchanger from freezing moisture, which could lead to serious failure, regular maintenance is very important.
Currently used devices can easily operate even at low temperatures. According to information provided by manufacturers, optimal operation is observed even at -20 degrees Celsius, and the exact values are given in the technical parameters of the equipment. At this level of frost, it is necessary to ensure proper heating to prevent freezing. Some models of recuperators at temperatures of -30 degrees and below may require additional protection, or will not operate with maximum efficiency.
How to properly prepare the recuperation system for the heating season?
In systems with heat recovery, it is important to properly prepare the heating for winter. Before the heating season begins, it is important to check all filters. Their role is to stop impurities that could damage the device. It must be remembered that the cleanliness of the filters in the heat recovery unit determines whether the rooms will have the right thermal comfort. Dirt reduces the efficiency of operation and leads to higher energy consumption. Additionally, with dirty filters, the air in the building is characterized by poorer quality. During increased work, i.e. during the heating season, filters should be replaced even every 3-6 months.
Winter recuperation also requires regular checks of the anti-freeze system's proper operation. In models with a heater, you need to pay attention to its technical condition, whether it heats the device properly.
Another issue that determines the effective operation of the installation is cleaning the heat exchanger, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. It is important to be careful here.
When preparing your heating system for winter, it is important to also check the mechanical ventilation system, which plays a significant role in heating, helping to distribute heat around the house. It is important to pay attention to any leaks and to ensure that the mechanical ventilation system is unobstructed.