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Q&As
Designing a Home with MVHR
I have two issues regarding fires and ventilation. I'm building a really well insulated house with MVHR. However, I want to install an old fashioned dog grate.
We won't need the heat, just the appearance but there will obviously be an issue with air leakage. I'm also concerned that we might end up with too much heat. The answer seems to be glass doors across the opening with a good seal.
We would then need a vent from the outside into the fireplace but I'm getting conflicting advice as to whether this is allowed. I also can't find anything in building regs to indicate that this arrangement would be allowed at all!
The other issue relates to window vents which my building inspector and warranty provider says we will need even though he agrees this is a bit of a grey area when MVHR is installed.
Does anyone have any advice on these matters?
Steve
One Answer
My advice would be to install an open fire-chest but to use a specialist insulated flue, like an Isokern, which also has a damper control to close off the flue when not in use.
If you do intend to burn solid fuels on the fire (from time to time) then you will need an air supply to the hearth but, here again, you can build in vents which can either be closed or open.
Glass doors in front of the fireplace might look like a giant woodburning stove. My understanding of building regulations is that trickle ventilation is not required on windows when whole house MHRV is installed.
– Tim Doherty, Build It expert