Just wash the heat exchanger in the bath, I’m sure I read somewhere that it has to be fully dry before it’s fitted though?
I had to pack my vent axia unit out a touch at the bottom as I had water coming out of the front but only slightly, this helped the issue. I was shocked at how much water the unit produced in the winter as I was catching it in a bucket until I got the drain sorted.
Mine was in a cold attic & insulated as good as I could get it.
Welcome to the forum.
Sounds like you have researched it well, it’s easy enough to self install. You will need to insulate the unit, ducts & manifolds in the attic.
I can’t help with the calculations but others certainly will.
Ecology.
No issue if you own the land.
6-8 weeks for application, quite difficult to get the first appointment.
You need to have a plan of costs, proof of income, outgoings etc.
Very helpful & easy to deal with.