Questions regarding ventilation units with integrated heat pump

A heat pump comprises three main components: a compressor responsible for compressing the gas and circulating it throughout the system, an evaporator that extracts energy (heat) from the extract air, and a condenser that releases energy (heat) into the supply air when operating in heating mode.

During cooling mode, the refrigeration cycle is reversed. In this mode, the supply air is cooled, while the extract air is heated.

Active heat recovery is quantified differently compared to passive heat recovery; it's expressed as a COP (Coefficient of Performance). COP represents the energy output in kilowatts (kW) relative to the energy input in kW used for operation. For instance, a COP of 4 signifies that for every 1 kW of energy consumed by the heat pump, you obtain 4 kW of energy in the form of heating. Consequently, with a heat pump, heat recovery often surpasses 100%.

The heat pump features a reversible cooling circuit, enabling it to warm the supply air during winter and cool the supply air in the summer.

Several of Nilan's ventilation units are outfitted with both a counterflow heat exchanger and a heat pump. The primary heat recovery process takes place within the counterflow heat exchanger. However, when there is a need to warm the dwelling through the supply air, the heat pump will activate and contribute additional heat to the supply air. Conversely, if cooling is required, the heat pump will reverse its cooling cycle to cool the supply air.

Ventilation units equipped with an integrated heat pump generally generate noise levels comparable to those of a standard refrigerator or freezer.

Nilan manufactures ventilation units in various sizes, featuring duct connections either located on the top or on the side of the unit. A top-connection unit is typically installed within a tall cabinet, while a unit with side-mounted duct connections can be positioned, for example, in an unused attic.

You do not require council permission to install a ventilation unit with heat recovery. The ventilation unit features a sealed cooling circuit, eliminating the necessity for installation by a cooling technician. Nevertheless, it is crucial that the unit adheres to the Building Regulations' stipulations regarding power consumption and heat recovery.

For those without experience in sizing and installing ventilation units, we strongly advise seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable expert to perform the installation.

The power consumption varies based on the specific model of ventilation unit you select and your usage patterns. Similarly, the power consumption of the heat pump is influenced by the extent of heating and/or cooling needed.

To obtain an estimate of the anticipated energy consumption for your residence, we recommend reaching out to a dealer who can provide a tailored assessment.

A Nilan ventilation unit featuring a heat pump typically has a service life of more than 20 years.

There are no legal restrictions preventing you from performing the installation of the ventilation unit yourself. Installation and software instructions can be downloaded from our website's 'Downloads' section.

Nonetheless, we strongly recommend enlisting the services of a certified dealer for both installation and air balancing. This ensures that the ventilation unit is installed with the expertise required to optimize its performance, achieving maximum efficiency, minimal power consumption, and reduced noise levels.

Regular maintenance of your ventilation unit is essential to ensure its long-term and efficient operation. Think of it like caring for a car, which, if not properly maintained, can eventually encounter problems.

The foremost priority is to replace the filters when they become dirty, typically around four times a year. Additionally, the unit should undergo an annual check-up. Detailed maintenance instructions can be found in the User Manual specific to your ventilation unit, available for download in the 'Downloads' section.

For servicing of the heat pump, it's imperative to engage a qualified cooling technician.

You have the option to purchase filters conveniently online from Nilan Ireland. To ensure you receive the correct filters, please specify the model and age approximation of your ventilation unit. 

Link to the order form

The primary purpose of the filter is to safeguard the ventilation unit. You can acquire the same type of filter that was originally included with the unit upon delivery, known as the ISO Coarse > 65% filter (formerly referred to as G4 filters).

For households with allergy concerns, we recommend investing in a Pollen Filter ISO ePM1 50-65% (formerly known as an F7 filter). This filter effectively captures the majority of pollen particles from outdoor air. Furthermore, the pollen filter features a larger filter area compared to the standard filter, reducing the frequency of replacements.

We frequently receive inquiries about whether the ventilation unit can provide cooling during the summer, but this capability is limited. In a standard dwelling, the air exchange rate typically occurs at a rate of half an exchange per hour. Achieving efficient cooling, however, requires an air exchange rate of 7-10 times per hour, a level that a typical dwelling ventilation unit cannot achieve.

Nevertheless, under specific conditions, such as having minimal exposure of sun to your windows and lacking large south-facing windows, a ventilation unit can offer some cooling benefits in the summer.

The heat pump integrated into the ventilation unit primarily functions to heat the dwelling during winter. However, it is designed to be reversible, allowing it to cool the supply air by up to 10°C during the summer. Due to the low air exchange rate, the cooling effect remains somewhat limited.

During the cooling process of outdoor air, dampness is extracted from the supply air. As a result, indoor humidity levels decrease. For example, instead of an indoor environment at 28°C with 80% humidity, you may experience indoor conditions of 25°C with 60% humidity. Lower indoor humidity levels enhance comfort when dealing with high temperatures, and this is referred to as 'comfort cooling'.

Contact the installer from whom you purchased the unit. Or alternatively fill in the Request Repair/Call-out form on our website.

Link to repair call-out form