Janvi Patel, ventilation expert for the Hatfield-based company, explains: “Our new VL-50 Lossnay unit can be fitted to an exterior wall and ducted out using one single pipe. It will then capture up to 84 percent of the heat energy that would otherwise be wasted.”

Mitsubishi Electric has led the way on what is known as Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) in the commercial sector with its popular Lossnay system and the manufacturer has now translated all of this technical know-how into an easy-to-fit unit that is an ideal and cost-effective way of introducing MVHR, in the home.

“This new system can be simply added to a room to bring fresh, energy efficient ventilation to any home or building, regardless of age,” adds Ms Patel.

With the news full of stories about air quality and the harmful effects of pollution, it is more important than ever to ensure our buildings are able to provide a respite from the toxic outdoors and deliver a fresh and comfortable environment. According to the Building Research Establishment (BRE), exposure to air pollutants also depends a lot on our exposure to indoor air, as people can spend an estimated 90 percent of their time inside buildings.

Lossnay achieves such high levels of heat recovery by using a fine paper core, which allows the heated outgoing air to transfer this heat energy to bring the incoming air closer to the room temperature, thereby keeping the inside fresh without wasting energy.

Pollutants, smells and even outdoor noise are filtered out by the unit, meaning that the inside is both fresh and comfortable, whilst the heat recovery element also means it is highly energy efficient.

Only one single pipe connection to the outside is needed for the unit, making it ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings. The VL-50 is available as a pull-cord, hard-wired, or wireless remote controlled unit and measures just 52cm x 24.5cm. The unit can be fitted vertically or horizontally to suit the interior decor and provide installation flexibility, and needs no pipework other than the connection through the wall to the outdoors.

Ms Patel explains: “Lossnay recovers both latent heat and sensible heat, meaning the incoming air is comfortable and the home doesn’t suffer from static or dryness. It’s all about increasing comfort whilst minimising the energy needed to do so.”

The units are a highly cost-effective way of improving indoor air quality for occupants. With low sound levels, low power consumption and easy maintenance, the VL-50 provides a quick and easy way to introduce highly energy efficient, heat recovering ventilation to existing properties.

Further details on the VL-50 can be found on Mitsubishi Electric’s document library: http://library.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/pdf/book/VL50_PI_Sheet#page-1-2