Heat recovery unit or supply and exhaust system: which is better?

Recuperator or supply and exhaust system: which is better?

Introduction: the relevance of choosing a recuperator and supply and exhaust system

Modern houses, apartments and offices increasingly need effective ventilation — not only for comfort, but also to preserve health, especially in conditions of hermetic structures and climate change. The choice between a recuperator and a supply and exhaust ventilation system affects the efficiency of air exchange, heat savings, noise level and installation cost. In this article, we will compare them to help you choose the optimal solution.

What is a recuperator?

Principle of operation and types of supply and exhaust ventilation
Recuperator — is a supply and exhaust unit with a heat exchanger that takes warm air from the room, transfers its heat to the cold outside air and returns the warmed fresh mass inside. There are active (rotary) and passive (plate) models. The switching or reversible design allows you to work alternately and ensure high heat recovery efficiency of up to 90%.

Advantages and limitations of the supply and exhaust unit

Keeps the heat or cold of the year in the rooms
Filters the incoming air
Maintains the proper humidity and microclimate
Operates quietly — up to 30dB
Frost resistance: up to –35°C
Limited performance depending on the model (150–500m³/h for household heat exchangers)
Higher cost compared to simple supply and exhaust systems

What is a supply and exhaust ventilation system?

Types and principle of operation
This is a mechanical system that provides independent air supply and exhaust. The basic version — separate supply or exhaust. The version with a heat exchanger contains a heat exchanger. Its performance — from 300m³/h to 1000m³/h and more.

Design and features
The system consists of two fans, filters, air ducts, air duct insulation, optionally — heat exchanger, heater or cooler .

Advantages

Higher performance
Flexibility of configuration: supply, exhaust, recovery
Allows to connect air conditioning, sensors (CO₂), bypass mode
Suitable for large or multi-apartment buildings

Disadvantages

More complex system, requires service
Higher noise level
Higher installation price

Comparative table - supply and exhaust system

Indicator	Recuperator	Supply and exhaust system
Productivity	150-500m³/h	300-1000+m³/h
Energy efficiency	High (up to 90%)	Lower if without recuperator; with recuperator — higher
Installation	Local, simple	System, requires ducts
Noise level	Low, up to 30 dB	Medium-high, depends on model
Maintenance	Replace filters every 6 months	Filters, heat exchanger, fans
Installation difficulty	Simple	Complex, with duct gluing
Price	Average–high	High

Which system to choose for a home, office, apartment

For a one-room or small house — a household recuperator is suitable: low costs, comfort, heat is retained.
For large apartments or offices — a supply/exhaust system with a recuperator will provide a higher flow of quiet fresh air.
For commercial premises or kitchens — you need a supply and exhaust unit with filtration, fans and an air conditioning system.

Expert conclusions and advice: pros and cons

Choose a recuperator if you need a compact system with high and quiet heat exchange. Optimal for private houses, apartments, children's rooms.
Choose a supply and exhaust unit if productive ventilation and the ability to integrate with air conditioning or ventilation on a building scale are important.
Each option has its own advantages: recuperators — effective recovery and comfort; supply and exhaust systems — greater airflow and air conditioning capability.

Recommendations:

Determine ventilation needs (m³/h per person or area).
Compare capital investment, operating costs, level of mind.
Consider hybrid solutions — heat recovery unit + air conditioner.
Entrust the installation to professionals to avoid leaks and noise.

Summary: for the scale of an apartment or a separate room — heat recovery unit, for a house, office or commercial space — a full-fledged supply and exhaust system. Weigh all aspects and choose the system that best suits your needs.

09 june (11:30)