Choosing the Right Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV & MVHR Systems) for Commercial Buildings

At Sigma Engineering, we understand that effective ventilation is not just about the movement of air: it’s about health, sustainability and operational efficiency. 

Based in Irvine, Ayrshire, and serving clients across Glasgow and Central Scotland, we specialise in designing bespoke, high-performance ventilation and extract systems for commercial buildings.

Let’s look at the key considerations for choosing the right heat recovery ventilation system for your building, whether it’s an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) or MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) solution.

Why Heat Recovery Ventilation Matters in Commercial Buildings

In a commercial setting, ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality, controlling humidity and complying with building regulations. But standard systems often result in significant heat loss, leading to higher energy costs and environmental impact.

Heat Recovery Ventilation solves this by capturing warmth from outgoing stale air and using it to preheat the fresh air being drawn in. This reduces the energy needed to condition air indoors, lowers carbon emissions, and enhances people’s comfort year-round.

At Sigma Engineering, we take this a step further with award-winning heat recovery technologies, tailored to meet the complex demands of modern commercial buildings.

HRV vs MVHR: What’s the Difference?

While HRV and MVHR are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:

• HRV systems primarily recover heat from outgoing air to warm incoming air.

• MVHR systems offer full mechanical ventilation with both extract and supply fans, managing airflows across multiple zones.

• MVHR is typically more advanced, offering better control and more efficient air distribution – particularly beneficial in larger or multi-use commercial spaces.

Both systems reduce reliance on traditional heating systems and improve environmental performance, but choosing the right configuration depends on the layout, use, and energy goals of your building.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heat Recovery System

1. Size of the Building and Use

A ventilation system for a busy commercial kitchen or manufacturing facility must meet entirely different requirements from that of a school, office or retail space. Our engineers assess airflow needs, occupancy patterns and zoning complexity to recommend the most efficient solution.

2. Energy Performance Targets

If you're working towards BREEAM certification or targeting low operational carbon, you need more than an off-the-shelf solution. We specialise in bespoke ventilation systems that support energy-saving goals and exceed building regulations in Scotland.

Our advanced Electronically Commutated (EC) fan technology offers precise control and exceptional efficiency, reducing whole-life costs while delivering long-term performance.

3. Installation Constraints and Integration

Every commercial building is unique. That’s why Sigma Engineering offers full in-house design and manufacture, ensuring seamless integration with your building’s architecture and mechanical systems.

Our team works closely with architects, consultants and contractors from the planning stage onwards, providing the documentation and technical data required for building warrants and regulatory compliance.

4. Air Quality Requirements

Air quality has moved to the top of the agenda for commercial buildings, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Our systems are designed not just to move air, but to improve it, reducing CO₂ levels, removing airborne pollutants and maintaining a healthy indoor environment for occupants.

Why Choose Sigma Engineering?

We are one of Scotland’s leading experts in energy-efficient ventilation. What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer communication at every step.

• Advanced Fan Wall Configurations: Our modular fan wall systems deliver unmatched reliability and redundancy, ensuring consistent airflow even in critical applications.

• Proven HRV Technology: Designed and tested in-house, our heat recovery systems offer industry-leading thermal efficiency and proven results in actual commercial environments.

• Fully Integrated Design: We take full ownership of the system, from design and manufacture through to installation support and maintenance planning.

• Local Knowledge, National Standards: Based in Ayrshire, our team knows the Scottish climate, regulations and construction industry inside out. We bring the best of both worlds: local service with national-level expertise.

Reducing Costs and Carbon

Our systems have been implemented across a wide range of commercial projects, from schools and office buildings to hotels and industrial facilities. In each case, our clients report:

• Lower heating and cooling bills

• Improved EPC and BREEAM ratings

• Enhanced indoor air quality

• Fewer maintenance issues due to first-class engineering and quality control

We don't just supply ventilation: we engineer solutions that perform for the long haul.

Working With Sigma Engineering

Whether you’re designing a new building, refurbishing an older space or upgrading to meet new environmental targets, Sigma Engineering can deliver a ventilation system that works, now and into the future.

Our engineers pride themselves on their hands-on, collaborative approach. We’re here to listen, guide and deliver, working directly with your architects, M&E consultants or contractors to keep everything on track.

Get in Touch

If you’re planning a commercial project in Glasgow, Central Scotland or beyond, and need an efficient, environmentally responsible ventilation system, simply contact our team at Sigma Engineering.

We’ll help you choose the right HRV or MVHR solution to match your building’s demands, reducing energy use, enhancing comfort and improving long-term value.