MTD - Flexible Duct is the only flexible duct system registered on Appendix Q web site.

MTD are the only manufacturer in the world (as of September 2009) who have their systems tested for use with flexible ducts by the BRE (UK) Ltd and registered on Appendix Q.

The results from the tests were excellent. We only tested the 350, 365 and the 600 with the MTD flexible non woven duct as these are the most popular models used. To see the results click on the following:

MTD-ERV 350 Appendix Q - MTD flexible duct results
MTD-ERV 365 Appendix Q - MTD flexible duct results
MTD-ERV 600 Appendix Q - MTD flexible duct results

Flexible ducts are not the same. Unfortunately, within the industry it remains highly uncontrolled with people passing off substandard untested ducting as ducting of a higher standard. Our advice is simple - request documentation for the specified product and then get the supplier to verify and sign in writing that the ducting used in a specific application is as stated. That way when there is litigation involving the product there can be no misunderstanding between what was specified and what was delivered.

All our ducting is certified and fire tested to EN 13502-1 B-s1,d0, BS 476: Part 6, Part 7 and Part 20. In addition all our ducting tested for air tightness to EN 13180 standard: Ventilation in Buildings – Air Ducts – Measurements and mechanical requirements for flexible ducts.

Maintaining your Ventilation System with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Your heat recovery ventilator (MVHR) can help make your house a clean, healthy living environment, while keeping fuel bills down. But your HRV can't do all this without your help.

It only takes seven simple steps to keep your MVHR functioning efficiently...…

First turn off the MVHR and unplug it.

Step 1: Clean or Replace Air Filters
Dirty or clogged filters can lower ventilation efficiency. Try to clean your filters at least every two months. Filters in most new MVHR's can be easily removed, cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Some filters can be washed with mild soap and water before being replaced. If your MVHR is easily accessible, this is a 5 minute job.

Step 2: Check Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Cowls
Remove leaves, waste paper or other obstructions that may be blocking the outside vents of your MVHR. Without this vital airflow, your MVHR won't function properly. During winter, clear any snow or frost buildup blocking outside vents.

Step 3: Inspect the Condensation Drain
Check to see if your MVHR has a condensation drain, a pipe or plastic tube coming out of the bottom. If it does, slowly pour about two litres of warm, clean water in the drain inside the MVHR to make sure it's flowing freely. If there's a backup, clean the drain.

Step 4: Clean the Heat Exchange Core
Check your MVHR owner's manual for instructions on cleaning the heat exchange core. Vacuuming the core and washing it with soap and water will reduce dust which can build up inside the core.

Step 5: Clean Grilles and Inspect the Ductwork
Once a year, check the ductwork leading to and from your MVHR. Remove and inspect the grilles covering the duct ends, then vacuum inside the ducts. If a more thorough cleaning is required, call your MTD service technician.

Step 6: Service the Fans
Remove the dirt that has accumulated on the blades by gently brushing them. Most new MVHR's are designed to run continuously without lubrication, but older models require a few drops of proper motor lubricating oil in a designated oil intake. Check your manual for complete instructions.

Step 7: Arrange for Annual Servicing
Your MVHR should be serviced annually. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, contact a registered MTD technician. Make sure the technician you call has been trained and is registered to work on MTD MVHR systems.

Determining if an HRV or ERV is right for you.

If you're wondering whether you need to clear the air in your home, you might ask yourself these questions:

When was your home built? If your home is new, chances are it has been built 'tighter' to be more energy efficient. This may mean concentrations of air pollutants in your home could be a concern.

Have you upgraded your home to be more energy efficient? If so, it may need an additional source of ventilation.

How often during the year can you comfortably open your windows? Due to cold winters and hot summers, it is not always possible to have your windows open year round. This means that you may not always have a constant controlled source of ventilation.

Do odours tend to linger in your home? If this is the case, it is a sign of poor ventilation. There isn't enough air being circulated throughout the home to dilute unwanted odours.

It’s easy to understand why people confuse CO-carbon monoxide and CO2-carbon dioxide. The names sound the same, they both are colorless and odorless gases, and at high concentration, both can kill you.

Back in the old days we were told that the CO emitted from car exhausts was poisonous. Today they tell us the car’s exhaust is a major source of the greenhouse gas CO2.

It’s important that you understand the difference:

About Carbon Monoxide
CO does not occur naturally in the atmosphere CO is the result of oxygen-starved combustion in improperly ventilated fuel-burning appliances such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ovens, gas or kerosene space heaters, fire places and wood stoves CO is generated by any gasoline engine that DOES NOT use a catalytic converter. It is the most common type of fatal poisoning in many countries.

CO Recommended Levels
EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work) limits long-term workplace exposure levels to 50ppm (parts per million). Symptoms of mild CO poisoning include headaches and dizziness at concentrations less than 100ppm
Concentrations as low as 700ppm can be life-threatening

About Carbon Dioxide
CO2 occurs naturally in the atmosphere, and is required for plant life
CO2 is a natural byproduct of human and animal respiration, fermentation, chemical reactions, and combustion of fossil fuels and wood CO2 is generated by any gasoline engine that DOES use a catalytic converter.
CO2 poisoning is rare; however scuba divers have to watch out for it (Nitrogen Narcosis commonly known as the bends).

CO2 Recommended Levels
385ppm is the current average on the planet
ASHRAE recommends a 1,000ppm limit for office buildings and classrooms
EU-OSHA limits long-term workplace exposure levels to 5,000ppm
Drowsiness can occur at 10,000ppm – common in closed cars or auditoriums.
Symptoms of mild CO2 poisoning include headaches and dizziness at concentrations less than 30,000ppm (3%)
At 80,000ppm (8%) CO2 can be life-threatening