Positive pressure systems

I have the SAYR system, and my neighbour the HRV. In both there is no master switch to turn off the power, say, if you are away for a few weeks. You have to turn off at the circuit board (along with maybe the fridge), or go up into the attic. Yes, you can turn off the fan at the controller, but it turns back on within 24 hours. I suspect all systems are the same.
On a different issue, the neigbour’s HRV seems to do a better job at filtering the air than my SAYR. Sigh 😔.

Hi,
You mention " We’ve found only one solar-power model suitable for a typical-sized New Zealand house, and it’s quite expensive", but you don't mention what it was or what the addtional price difference was. Are you able to supply further details on this? Thanks Chris

Hi Angela,

Glad to hear you are enjoying the benefits of your home ventilation system. I have seen replacement filters advertised online at a price much cheaper than the $390 that HRV charge, they sit at around the $60/filter mark. I think that $390 is pretty expensive but you are paying for the convenience of having someone else do it and take away the old filters for disposal. $390 adds about $0.53 to the daily cost of having the system in place. Every dollar you save with the DIY approach further reduces this number. You can do the filters yourself but you will need to have the means to get into the ceiling, the confidence to isolate the power and be suitably handy enough to make the filter change.

Cheers,
James – Consumer NZ writer

We have had a HRV ventilation system for 3 1/2 years and I highly recommend it. We have an 80s linen board aluminium joinery home and had damp and condensation in the winter. This is no longer a problem and we appreciate the cooling on hot summer nights and the warm air coming into the house from the roof space during autumn and spring (advantages all year). It is automatic and don't have to touch the control unit but we can adjust the temperature and turn on the fan manually if needed.
Appreciate the tip for cheaper filters as the last replacement filters (x2) through HRV cost $390.00, recommended replacement is every 2 years. Is that expensive? Angela T.

Thanks so much for putting together this summary -- you have addressed all the questions that have bugged me about which, whether to install in our 50s bungalow.