How to Clean the Vent-Axia MVHR Cell

Introduction

This guide will show you how to clean the heat exchange cell, which Vent-Axia advises should be done once a year. Remember, apart from when you clean the heat exchange cell, it should never be turned off.

Tools Required:

• Phillips #00 Screwdriver

Step 1: Prepare the System

Turn the heat recovery system off at the wall. ⚠

Textual Description of Visual: The image shows a white Vent-Axia MVHR unit mounted on a wall. The unit has blue 'Vent-Axia' branding and a small digital display. A warning symbol is present next to the instruction.

Step 2: Remove the Panel

Remove the 6 screws from the heat recovery panel. You may need a friend to help you lift the panel off and hold the screws.

Textual Description of Visuals: Two images are provided. The first shows a person's hands using a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove screws from the MVHR unit's front panel, with ductwork visible behind it. The second image shows the interior of the MVHR unit with the front panel removed, revealing the heat exchange cell and filter slots.

Step 3: Remove Filters

Remove the internal filter on the left-hand side using the pull tab. Repeat this process for the external filter on the right-hand side of the cell.

If required, clean the filters using a vacuum cleaner (hoover). ✖ Do not wash the filters in water under any circumstances.

Textual Description of Visuals: Two images show the process of removing the filters. In the first, a hand pulls a grey filter from the left side of the unit. In the second, a hand removes a filter from the right side.

Step 4: Remove the Cell

Gently take the cell by the pull tab. You may have to rock it gently to get it out. Proceed gently and slowly, as this is the most important step. The cell will begin to slide out.

Textual Description of Visuals: Two images illustrate removing the heat exchange cell. The first shows hands gently pulling the hexagonal cell using a black tab. The second shows the cell being gently rocked to ease its removal.

Step 5: Clean the Cell (Vacuum)

Clean the cell on each side with a vacuum cleaner (hoover) to remove any dust.

Textual Description of Visual: An image shows a person using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the hexagonal heat exchange cell.

Step 6: Clean the Cell (Wash)

Fill a bath with warm water and add a small amount of mild liquid soap. Place the cell into the water. Gently hold the cell and rock it from side to side, ensuring the cell does not scrape the bottom. Lift the cell up and let the water drain out.

✔ Repeat this process for each side of the hexagon. Remove the cell from the bath and leave it to dry.

Vent-Axia technical support advises that the cell can be slightly damp, but ensure all water is out of the cell.

Textual Description of Visual: An image shows the hexagonal heat exchange cell submerged in a bath of warm water with soap bubbles.

Step 7: Clean the Unit Interior

Clean inside the heat recovery system with the vacuum cleaner. Remove any dead flies and check the fans for any build-up of dust.

⚠ If you have the summer bypass fitted (the white grill), do not yank it as it is attached via a cable. Gently lift it to clean the fan behind.

Textual Description of Visuals: Two images show the interior of the MVHR unit and the heat exchange cell. The letter 'B' is visible on both the unit and the cell, possibly indicating a specific orientation or side.

Step 8: Reinsert the Cell

Begin to insert the cell back into the unit. Slide it using the plastic tab. Ensure the two black arrows on the cell and the unit align.

Textual Description of Visuals: Three images demonstrate reinserting the hexagonal cell. They show the cell being aligned with plastic tabs and ensuring the black arrows meet correctly.

Step 9: Reattach the Panel

Put the cover back on. Insert the screws and secure the cover to the MVHR unit. Leave the internal and external filters out for now; they will be slid through the filter flaps later.

Textual Description of Visual: An image shows a hand using a Phillips #00 screwdriver to reattach the front panel of the MVHR unit.

Step 10: Insert Filters

Insert the filters into each flap, cleaning them with a vacuum cleaner if needed. Close the flap.

Textual Description of Visual: An image shows a hand inserting a filter back into its designated flap on the MVHR unit.

Step 11: Restart the System

Turn the heat recovery system back on. It will go through its initial power-on sequence, so do not expect the fans to start immediately.

ⓘ If you see a 'check filters' message on the screen, you can clear it after the filters have been cleaned by following these steps:

• Wait until 'Normal airflow xx%' is displayed on the screen.
• Press and hold the up and down arrows simultaneously for 5 seconds.

This action will reset the cycle for the filter clean. Whenever you see the 'check filter' message, clean the filter (remember this is separate from the main cell). Keeping your MVHR cleaned according to Vent-Axia recommendations provides the best chance for many years of trouble-free service.

Textual Description of Visual: An image shows a finger pressing a button on the front panel of the MVHR unit.

Conclusion

Your heat cell is now clean. Vent-Axia recommends cleaning the cell once a year. Remember to clean your filters as needed. For any extra information, all appropriate manuals are attached to this guide.