„Elektrum Lietuva“ product manager Eglė Afanasjeva points out that improperly selected recuperator modes, clogged filters, or excessive airflow during the hottest time of day can not only fail to provide the desired comfort but also unnecessarily increase electricity consumption.
“In summer, residents often expect the recuperator to help cool the house just like an air conditioner. However, the main function of this device is different – to ensure air circulation indoors. The recuperator does not create cold, so its effect on room temperature depends on outdoor air conditions, the selected operating mode, and system maintenance. It is a continuous ventilation device, not an active cooling device,” says E. Afanasjeva.
The important “bypass” function in summer
One of the most important functions of the recuperator in the warm season is the “bypass” mode. It is useful when the outside air is cooler than indoors, for example, at night or early in the morning. When this mode is activated, the recuperator supplies fresher outdoor air indoors without additionally heating it, making it easier to maintain a more comfortable microclimate at home.
“One of the most common mistakes is to leave the device running at the same intensity all day. If it is very hot outside during the day, intensive ventilation can cause more warm air to enter the premises. Therefore, it is worth choosing not the maximum but a mode adapted to the situation: lower airflow during the hottest hours and more intensive ventilation in the evening or at night when it cools down outside,” explains E. Afanasjeva.
Costs increase with improperly maintained filters
Summer can be a real test for recuperator filters – the air contains more pollen, fluff, dust, and the intensive blooming of meadows and plants further increases the load on the filters. Therefore, to ensure the efficient operation of the recuperation system, reduce its wear and risk of failure, it is important to properly maintain the filters and replace them regularly.
“Clogged filters reduce air permeability, worsen indoor air quality, and can increase electricity consumption. When the recuperator filters are clogged, the device has to work harder to ensure the required ventilation, thus consuming more energy. Increased consumption is also caused by more intensive fan operation, directly related to filter cleanliness. By regularly changing the filters, the system operates more smoothly, maintains proper air circulation, and does not overload the fans with extra work, so electricity is used more efficiently,” says E. Afanasjeva.
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Even small consumption becomes important when the device operates continuously
The recuperator is usually not the largest electricity consumer in the home, but it is one of the so-called background devices – operating many hours a day or even continuously. Therefore, even its small consumption can eventually contribute to a higher electricity bill.
Manufacturers’ technical data show that recuperators designed for residential premises can use about 30–50 W in normal mode and about 80–100 W at maximum. If the device operates around the clock, this would correspond to about 22–36 kWh or 58–72 kWh per month. Therefore, leaving the maximum mode on unnecessarily can double the recuperator’s electricity consumption and thus increase electricity costs – from a few to several tens of euros per month.
“The electricity consumption of the recuperator largely depends on the selected operating intensity, airflow, system settings, and maintenance. If the device is left running at maximum mode unnecessarily, it can consume much more electricity, even though it does not provide additional comfort at that time. This is especially relevant in summer when an improperly selected mode can not only fail to cool the premises but also let in more warm outdoor air,” emphasizes the product manager of „Elektrum Lietuva“.
Although the recuperation system does not perform a direct cooling function in summer, properly adjusted it improves air quality, reduces humidity and stuffiness, and helps maintain a more comfortable microclimate at home.
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