The systems range of Lo-Carbon products, LoWatt ventilation solutions for systems applications. These include Multivent central extract systems and wholehouse heat recovery systems such as Air Minder, HRE 350 and the new LoWatt HR204.

Heat Recovery ventilation is a specially designed system for recovering heat that would otherwise be lost using normal extract ventilation. The systems have integral supply and extract fans and an efficient heat exchanger. Stale air is extracted from every wet area in the property; at the same time air from outside is brought into the habitable rooms offering a balanced intake/extract system. The two air paths flow through a polymer heat exchanger and as they cross, a significant amount of heat from the extracted air is transferred to the incoming fresh air and delivered back into the dwelling.

Vent-Axia LoWatt Multivent	Vent-Axia Air Minder
Vent-Axia HRE350	Vent-Axia LoWatt HR204

The solution to the growing issues of poor indoor air quality, caused by increasing air tightness and insulation, is controlled mechanical ventilation using either heat recovery or central extract, wholehouse systems. In heat recovery systems; the movement of air effectively balances the extraction of pollutants by simultaneously replacing with fresh air. Secondly, with heat recovery ventilation the heat energy of the extracted air that would otherwise be wasted is transferred to the incoming air. 70-95% of the heat can be saved. The heat exchanger maintains separation of the extract and intake air flows and does not itself use any energy. Thirdly, heat recovery ventilation effectively reduces the excessive moisture normally contained in the air. With heat recovery ventilation, everybody benefits from a warmer, drier, more comfortable environment, with the danger of uncontrolled condensation virtually eliminated.

Recent changes in Part L of the Building Regulations, which covers the construction of dwellings has meant that homes are being built tighter, thus reducing natural air movement. Following these changes Part F of the Building Regulations that covers ventilation has also been changed to compliment Part L. For the first time, systems ventilation is covered under Part F. Both of these changes mean that going forward, system ventilation, be it central extract or wholehouse heat recovery will be the preferred ventilation solution in the new build market place.