Rating of the best household recuperators for 2024

Large cities saturated with technology, overloaded with cars and suffering from the burning of oxygen by factories need clean air. Dust, finely dispersed emissions have become constant enemies of housewives and human bronchi. The recuperator became the savior and supplier of clean air.

The unit, built according to the system of inflow and exhaust of air streams, with a built-in heat exchange function, provides:

• fresh air supply;
• decrease in humidity;
• getting rid of the fungus;
• filtration.

How to choose the right recuperator

The device, made on the basis of an innovative technical solution, is gaining popularity among the part of the population that cares about the quality of air in their home, office or commercial premises.

What recuperators are

One of the main differences in the design of the units is the direction of the air flow.

• Countercurrent

The directions of the air flows move towards each other.

• Crossover

I have air masses in perpendicular motion.

• Direct-flow

Both streams run in parallel, in the same direction.

Recuperators of rotary and plate type are more popular for domestic conditions.

Criterias of choice

Since recuperation means maximum air flow, the initial, fundamental characteristics of the unit are related to this characteristic.

• Heat exchanger type

The copper type is distinguished by high heat transfer, it is characterized by a long service life, a healthy microclimate in the house, office, and an antibacterial effect.

The ceramic type is anti-corrosion and has high heat transfer characteristics.

Enthalpy of paper, cellulose base serves as the best regulator of moisture and heat.

• Selectivity of functions

We are talking about the selective inclusion of the supply or exhaust, speed control.

• Number of sensors

The available control of many functions of the unit ensures the setting of the optimal operating mode and obtaining the desired microclimate in the room.

Types of sensors:

1. filter condition by pollution level;
2. moisture parameters in the interior of the room and outside;
3. internal and external temperature indicators;
4. the level of carbon dioxide in the air;
5. air saturation with volatile organic compounds VOC, the coefficient depends on the density of tobacco smoke, processed kitchen fried products, fumes of harmful substances;
6. pressure indicator.

• Anti draft barrier

In hot climates and a stuffy atmosphere during the summer seasons, the moment of high-quality ventilation without drafts is especially important. The check valve plays a key role in the design.

• Automatic settings

Possibility of drawing up and installing the operating mode of the installation on a given program.
The function frees up a ton of time by eliminating manual settings.

• Heating efficiency

At low external temperatures, the incoming air stream heats up; in the presence of such a function, heat loss is excluded.

• Noise effect

The recuperators have a very long operating time during the day, therefore, when reproducing strong noise components, it will spoil the mood of any user. The function of setting the night mode is important.

• Remote control

The number of remote controlled home appliances is growing. It is convenient and time-saving. The presence of a remote control or an application in a smartphone is an additional important selection criterion.

• Installation and dimensions

Depending on the interior and interior features of the premises, horizontal or vertical installation, as well as the size of the device, may become a priority. This parameter should be specified when purchasing. The likelihood of attracting high-rise buildings for outdoor installation should be agreed in advance.

In places with a large temperature difference between the rooms and the external environment, it may be a problem to add a design for condensate drainage.

• Performance

The air flow rate in exhaust or supply mode is measured in cubic meters / hour.

The minimum parameter can be 30 m³ / h. An important point is the prevalence of the volume of the supplied air flow over the exhaust mass.

• EU fan

The commutated fan is manufactured using intelligent technology based on an integral electronic system. The task is to monitor the load and maintain its performance at the optimal level. As a result, the output is maximized energy efficiency.

The main advantage of EC systems is low energy consumption, affordable and easy management.

• Price

The rise in prices for recuperators is significant. The cost depends on the presence or absence of almost all of the above characteristics. The country of the manufacturer must also be added to this list.

Top manufacturers

Among the leaders in the production and sale of recuperators, the following brands can be distinguished:

1. Tion;
2. Marley;
3. Prana - suitable for domestic and industrial use;
4. VENTS;
5. Blauberg;
6. Maico;
7. Freshbox.

Selection errors

If the room consists of several rooms, then the presence of cracks under the interior doors should be taken into account, otherwise, fresh air flows will not flow over the entire volume.

When looking for a recuperator with the function of cleaning from viruses and allergens, it is necessary to emphasize these functions when choosing, since not all recuperators are endowed with such capabilities.

Rating of the best household recuperators for 2024

There are several types of recuperators, depending on the design, additional elements, principle of operation.

Rotary recuperators

The heat exchange structure operates on the principle of thermal regeneration. When the drum, made of thin aluminum foil or mesh, rotates, the thermal energy of the air flow is accumulated, which is removed from the building. The mass of the warm volume gradually moves into the sector of supply air flows and gives off thermal energy. Heated fresh air enters the room.

Systemair SAVE VSR 300

The unit for supplying and exhausting air, equipped with a rotary recuperator, occupies a leading position among ventilation systems.

Systemair SAVE VSR 300
Air exchange parameters m³ / hour	367
Fan, power, kW	0.08
Heater, power, kW	1.67
Current, frequency, Hz	50
Working voltage, V	220
Duct parameters, mm	160
type of instalation	horizontal
Installation type	hanging
Supply / extract filters	F7 / G3
Temperature, humidity sensor	+
DU	+
Noise, level, dB	42
Weight, kg	6.5
Warranty period, years	1

• coverage of an area up to 240 m²;
• complete automation of the unit;
• high performance of the rotary recuperator;
• the body is made of sandwich panel;
• the ability to use multiple remote controls;
• the possibility of regulating the parameters of the flow rate of the extracted and supplied air;
• the presence of a timer with switching to night and day mode;
• control function for external cooling device and water heater of air;
• Swedish quality;
• availability of protection against freezing;
• settings of exhaust and supply flows are carried out separately;
• energy-saving ventilation system on the EC engine.

• not identified.

Recuperator with intermediate insulation

Heat transfer from the air drawn from the room to the supply flow is carried out using an intermediate heat carrier. A similar unit has glycol or water circuits in its design.
The main problem with such heat exchange is the exclusion of air from entering counter-directional flows, the use of only energy.

Glycol or water circuits are installed at the "inlet" and at the "outlet" of air masses, they are interconnected. The warm, exhaust air heats up the intermediate heat exchanger and transfers this heat to the incoming cold air.

The movement of the coolant is carried out using a built-in pump.

Thus, if the incoming flow had an indicator of -26 ° C, then in the presence of a circuit, it will heat up to + 5 ° C, and the built-in heater will require a minimum of costs to obtain + 18 ° C at the outlet, that is, by 13 ° C. Without the intermediate circuit, the heater would consume energy to change the temperature by 44 ° C. The difference is more than 3 times.

The design efficiency is 60-65%.

The advantage of a recuperator with an intermediate circuit is the independence of the supply and exhaust units, they can be installed in different parts of the building.

As a rule, such ventilation systems are assembled individually; it is almost impossible to find a ready-made unit with a glycol recuperator.

Plate recuperator

The main element of the device is a block-cassette, which is a package of plates. The plates are positioned in a special way, separating the drawn and inlet flows, isolating them and preventing them from mixing. In such schemes, condensation forms and a drainage system is provided.

There are several types of plate materials:

1. metal with moderate efficiency due to freezing at low temperatures;
2. plastic partitions with increased efficiency, increased cost, are recommended for use with high air humidity;
3. polymerized paper with high efficiency, without condensation and helping to dry air flows, but prohibited for use in rooms with high humidity.

The plate type of models is more common than others, especially in domestic conditions.

Advantages of the plate aggregate:

• long service life;
• compact size;
• easy and quick installation;
• moderate cost;
• increased process efficiency 80%;
• saving energy costs for heating air streams.

Shuft Uni MAX-P 2200 CE EC

The air handling unit is equipped with an electric heater and has a plate system.

Shuft Uni MAX-P 2200 CE EC
Air exchange parameters m³ / hour	2200
Maximum power, kW	12
Power supply, V	400
Working current, maximum, A	24.32
Duct parameters, mm	250
Installation type	hanging
Noise, level, dB	62
Weight, kg	272
Heater, type	electro

• ergonomic design;
• copper heat exchanger with antibacterial properties;
• the presence of an inner layer with a soundproofing coating made of mineralized wool;
• suitable for small and medium-sized administrative, residential and commercial premises;
• simplified installation system;
• for the supply of fresh air in the required volume;
• the presence of protection against freezing.

• high noise level.

Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay VL 100 EU5 E

A supply and exhaust ventilation unit equipped with a recuperator is connected through a round air duct. The plate heat exchanger is built into the housing.

Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay VL 100 EU5 E
Air exchange parameters m³ / hour	65:105
Fan, power, kW	0.02
Working voltage, V	220
Duct parameters, mm	125:75
type of instalation	horizontal
Installation type	hanging
temperature sensor	+
DU	+
Noise, level, dB	30
Weight, kg	6.5
Warranty period, years	3

• designed for a room area from 21 to 35 m²;
• the heat exchanger is made of cellulose;
• equipped with a work indicator;
• the ability to switch speeds;
• has a cross-flow pattern;
• the presence of an air filter in the kit;
• from a Japanese manufacturer;
• an effective system that does not reduce the temperature in the room when cold air comes from outside in the winter;
• in summer, the load on the air conditioner is significantly reduced;
• innovative technologies make it possible not to mix air flows; when passing through the heat exchanger chamber, temperature, component and humidity are exchanged;
• gives freshness to the air in the room and saturates with oxygen;
• quick dismantling of the filter and heat exchanger is available, running water will effectively clean the filter, a vacuum cleaner is quite suitable for the heat exchanger;
• the design of the fan is made as a centrifuge, which provides fast exhaust of the used air;
• the front panel is equipped with a retractable socket, which serves to direct the air flow manually in the horizontal or vertical direction;
• the presence of a damper opening regulator, which prevents the occurrence of a draft.

• strong noise effect when operating at full power.

Rooftop recuperator

The supply and exhaust ventilation system is installed on the roof. Mostly this type of recuperator is used by large industrial facilities, supermarkets, large stores. The design is focused on a fairly large volume of the interior.

Among the series, units are distinguished according to the principle of operation:

1. rotary;
2. combined;
3. lamellar.

Royal Clima Soffio RCS 1500 2.0

The supply and exhaust recuperator is designed for a load of 1500 m³ / hour. The brand is the leader in sales in the Russian market.

Royal Clima Soffio RCS 1500 2.0
Air exchange parameters m³ / hour	1500
Fan, power, kW	0.36
Static pressure, Pa	from 170 to 250
Working voltage, V	220
Duct parameters, mm	250
Installation type	hanging
temperature sensor	+
DU	+
Noise, level, dB	38
Weight, kg	79
Warranty period, years	1

• the presence of a protective function against freezing;
• work in low temperature conditions is allowed;
• remote control touchscreen;
• included in the rating of high-quality household appliances;
• additional connection of a carbon dioxide sensor is allowed.

• AC fan.

Heat pipe

The recuperator consists of vertically mounted copper tubes, with sealing at both ends. Refrigerants are used to fill the pipes. Aluminum guide plates are used as plates.

The recovery works on the principle of condensation and evaporation of refrigerant.
The lower zone is the exhaust part, where heat is released from the air flow, and the agent liquid evaporates there. The upper part is the sector of heat transfer to the supply flows due to the condensation process.

The area of ​​application of heat pipes - rooms with high humidity, for example, water parks, as well as places with unacceptable use of rotary units in construction, where there are prohibitions on mixing flows.

Vortice VORT HRW 20 MONO (11634 VRT)

The monoblock heat recovery unit from the Italian brand is automatic, decentralized.

Vortice VORT HRW 20 MONO (11634 VRT)
Air exchange parameters m³ / hour	31
Maximum power, kW	23
Power supply, V / Hz	220/50
Working current, maximum, A	0,015:0,053
The energy efficiency of the recuperator is thermal. %	90
Control type	manual
Noise, level, dB	44
Weight, kg	2.55

• change of the extract-supply mode is carried out automatically;
• the possibility of 5 modes of operation with speeds of 10:38 m³ / hour;
• stable balance of noise level, power consumption, consumed volume;
• the first speed has a minimum noise of 16 dB;
• affordable, easy installation;
• without the need for a condensate drainage system;
• economical energy consumption;
• filter status indicators;
• auto mode;
• mosquito net included.

• not identified.

Chamber recuperator

The structure consists of a chamber and a damper that divides the main volume into 2 parts.
The principle of operation is based on a moving damper. The outgoing air heats up the separated part of the chamber, where the incoming flow is then directed by the damper.

The energy of warm air heats the chamber walls to a certain temperature, then it switches to the incoming stream, which is heated due to the energy given off by the frame walls of the chamber.

Vakio Base

Energy-saving and compact heat recovery unit provides air purification. The type of ventilation has a supply and exhaust principle.

Vakio Base (11634 VRT)
Air exchange parameters m³ / hour	40:120
Location	suspended
Power supply, V	220
Duct type / diameter, mm	circle / 125
Fine cleaning, filter	F6
Control type	DU
Noise, level, dB	39.5
Weight, kg	6.8

• compactness;
• equipped with a high filtration class;
• winter mode is available;
• lack of noise during operation;
• economical consumption of electricity;
• to get rid of drafts;
• for fresh air without ventilation and dust from the street.

• not detected.

Conclusion

There is a great variety of models and designs of recuperators. The cost of the units differs tenfold. It is important to determine with external factors, how much open windows, ventilation causes inconvenience. In many houses under construction, it has become standard to equip ventilation systems complete with recuperators and air conditioners. The availability of consultation and purchase of a recuperator in the online store will make the solution to the problem pleasant and quick in time. The ability to breathe deeply, without fear, is one of the main characteristics of the quality of life.