HWP

Really interesting the hear (ho, ho) about experiences with noise levels - we are also in a quiet rural area and have throttled back the fan speed to get noise to an acceptable level. Domus/Nuaire installation targets were met (Domus designed, supplied and commissioned the system. Our very good plumber installed the pipework to spec). Although I suspect they are not used to working with domestic premises - despite the name - the flow rates had to meet BR and the noise levels were within spec. No flexible pipework in the system and we went for 2 fans instead of one to keep fan speed down rather than running near the limit - still noise limit for bedroom is 30dB which is loud! Especially loud after the unit failed - I'm looking forward to getting the new fan installed. I managed to pick up some Domus attenuators on Ebay so these will go in as well when the new unit is installed. On the cooling theme - definitely worth considering A/C if last summer is going to be typical - but as people say, you can always open the windows.

Hi Dorothy - Blackout blinds were Velux brand for roof windows - concertina-type blind. Cords run through the blinds and up along the sides. They have a silvery back which we thought would keep the heat out but of course once it is through the window it is trapped inside! In Europe the external blind idea seems pretty common or brise soleil (sp?) which keep the direct sun out. I did look at the blinds inside the windows but all the ones I saw on recent projects had failed very quickly - and then there is no way to fix them! It is something that designers rarely consider here - we have MVHR installed which also helps by moving the air around but even so in the heat of the summer with a south-facing roof it can get pretty warm - wish I'd thought about air-con.

Hi Dorothy - we have large Velux 3G windows in a South-East facing roof and had some issues with over-heating which we thought the Blackout blinds would deal with - they didn't. We fitted the Velux solar blinds which go outside the window and they have worked very well. They are sort of plastic mesh and are very easy to fit and retract when the window is opened (you can retract them completely over the winter if required), they don't flap around in the wind and I reckon they cut the heat by 75% - definitely worth the money. Blackout blinds are also pretty good and a clever design but we have had problems with the cords wearing through after 2 years - worth checking before the warranty expires! Dave

We installed MVHR system from Domus (now Polypipe and Nuaire are all the same I think). Not impressed with the quality of the Domus fan units (we had 2 separate systems to avoid them running at maximum) and 2 years after installation 2 units have already been replaced after throwing their (sealed for life) bearings. Latest replacement unit is identical to Nuaire unit but helpfully larger than the original Domus so lots of replumbing to look forward to! MVHR definitely worthwhile in terms of excellent air quality and no condensation or mould in the house, however if you have double glazing and don't live next to the M25 you will notice the noise. Installers quoting building regs. and noise limits will not be much use when you have to use earplugs at night but we have throttled the fans back to get the noise down and air quality is still good. We also fitted a time switch to prevent boost coming on a night. You also need to study the technology - the designers and installers will know less than you do! The install is hard work and the units take up a lot of space - you will need to be able to get at them to service (and replace!) and definitely DO NOT install over the bedroom ceiling in a timber frame. One last thing - design the house with the MVHR in mind - the pipework takes up a lot of space and won't run through RSJs?

Hi - I'm Dave - I've been using Buildhub for a while but thought it might be good to share some of my lessons after just about finishing my build.