Should You Turn Off Your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) in Summer?
Many customers ask this question in summer—especially when saving energy costs is important. It seems logical: you don’t need heating, but energy use remains. But is it really true that turning off your HRV saves money? And what do you lose by doing so?
Reasons to Turn It Off
1. Heat recovery isn’t needed in warm weather.
Older units without a bypass heat exchanger may slightly warm the air. However, most modern systems have an automatic summer mode — they stop recovering heat, and air circulates freely.
2. The HRV uses electricity.
Though modern EC-type fans are energy-efficient, the electricity use can still be significant — up to about 70 kWh per month (roughly €18), depending on airflow, fan efficiency, and smart controls. Dirty filters increase consumption even more.
3. Filter replacement costs.
Turning off the unit allows you to delay changing filters (€16–40), but is saving that small amount worth compromising on better air quality?
4. “Fresh air” through open windows feels natural.
Many people feel fresh air only comes from open windows—but that’s an emotional perception, not the full story.
Why You Should Keep Your HRV Running in Summer
1. No bugs inside.
Unlike open windows, the HRV filters keep mosquitoes, flies, and other annoying insects out.
2. Cleaner, healthier air.
Quality filters (M5/ePM10 or better) trap pollen, dust, and fine particles (PM2.5), which is especially important if you live near busy roads or industrial zones. In summer, this helps allergy sufferers a lot.
3. Less noise.
Open windows let in noise as well as air. The HRV lets you enjoy peace and quiet, even near busy streets or noisy neighbors.
4. Ventilation where windows don’t exist.
Bathrooms, storage rooms, corridors, and other windowless spaces get fresh air through the HRV, preventing moisture buildup and related problems.
5. Increased security.
Open windows invite burglars. With an HRV, you can keep windows closed—even at night, when you’re most vulnerable.
6. Cold recovery.
If your ventilation system supports it (with condensate on the opposite side of the heat exchanger), the HRV can operate in reverse with your air conditioner, recovering cold air.
7. Night cooling.
Modern systems (Komfovent, SALDA, Brink, Zehnder, etc.) automatically bring in cooler outdoor air at night, lowering indoor temperatures without extra AC.
Conclusion
Turning off your HRV in summer might seem like a good idea at first. But when you consider all the benefits—from air quality, safety, and comfort to economical night cooling—it’s clear that a modern ventilation system is useful year-round.
Filters for fresher summer air
.png)
SAVE VTR 150 (PF) F7+M5 Filter set (Efficient)
Ex VAT: 19.52 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Systemair |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit | SAVE VTR 150 (PF) |
| Filter dimensions |
|
| Class EN779 | F7+M5 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM1 70% |
| Protection level | High: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number |
|
| Remarks | ℹ️ Dimensions are provided according to the Systemair standard (with gasket). Actual filter dimensions without the gasket may differ slightly. The filter is matched to your unit model. |
.png)
RECOM EPP3SE G4+G4 Filter set (Standard)
Ex VAT: 13.51 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | RECOM |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit | RECOM EPP3SE |
| Filter dimensions | 264x182x18 |
| Class EN779 | G4+G4 |
| Class ISO16890 | Coarse 75% |
| Protection level | Basic: larger solid particles, dust, fluff. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Remarks |
|
Zehnder ComfoAir Q 350/450/600 F7+G4 Filter set (Efficient)
Ex VAT: 16.07 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Zehnder |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit |
|
| Filter dimensions | 500x159x22 |
| Class EN779 | F7+G4 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM1 65% |
| Protection level | High: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number |
|
| Remarks | ⚠️ Remarks: ComfoAir ≠ ComfoAir Q. Different dimensions, not interchangeable. Check your ventilation unit model/version before ordering. |
Paul Climos 200 F7+G4 Filter set (Efficient)
Ex VAT: 15.45 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Paul |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit |
|
| Filter dimensions | 168x174x45 |
| Class EN779 | F7+G4 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM1 70% |
| Protection level | High: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number | 527004280 |
Brink Flair 325/400 1xF7 Filter (Smog&Pollen)
Ex VAT: 14.49 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Brink |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit |
|
| Filter dimensions | 245x510x22 |
| Class EN779 | F7 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM1 70% |
| Protection level | High: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust. |
| Quantity of filters | 1 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number |
|
| Remarks | ℹ️ This is a supply air filter. For extract air filtration, please order a separate G4/M5 filter (available in our shop). |