Heat Recovery Ventilation
Orca Pico50 local heat recovery ventilation brings a constant supply of fresh, filtered air into your home while recovering up to 90% of the heat that would otherwise be lost.
Fresh air, without the heat loss
Every home needs ventilation, but opening a window in January simply throws away heat you've already paid for. A heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system solves that by continuously drawing in fresh outside air and extracting stale air from the same room — recovering the heat from the outgoing air and handing it straight back to the air coming in.
We supply the Orca Pico50, a compact local ventilation unit with heat recovery that suits both newly built and renovated homes, and is particularly effective in well-sealed, airtight properties.
How the cycle works
The unit alternates between two short cycles roughly every 70 seconds. Warm, moist air leaving the room passes through a ceramic heat collector, which absorbs and stores its heat. The airflow then reverses: cold, fresh air from outside is drawn in through that same warmed ceramic core, picking up the stored heat before it reaches the room. As the core cools back down, the cycle switches again — so the unit is always either storing heat or handing it back.
Why homeowners choose HRV
Cost-effective
A ready-to-use unit that continuously supplies fresh air, filters it, and clears stale air from the room without you having to think about it.
Highly efficient
Heat recovery efficiency of up to 90% means very little of the warmth you've already paid for goes to waste.
Easy to live with
Compact and self-contained, with no separate ductwork or air lines needed — it's ready to use as soon as it's fitted.
HRV units also suit a range of project types — from planning ventilation into a new build from scratch, to retrofitting a renovation where a full ducted central system wouldn't be practical.
Common questions about HRV systems
What are the main benefits of a HRV system?
Fresh air supply, discharging stale air from the room, cleaning dust and insects from incoming air, preventing moisture and mould, reducing noise from outside, heat recovery and moisture regulation, and lower heating and cooling costs.
Where is the best location to install the HRV system?
The best locations are utility rooms, hot presses or wardrobes — places with easy access for maintenance.
Can I install the system myself?
We'd recommend having your system installed by one of our professionally trained installers to avoid issues during installation.
Can I switch the system off?
We'd recommend running it continuously to keep the air in your home fresh and to avoid a build-up of odours and condensation.
How often should the system be serviced?
Once a year by a professional. You can also carry out basic upkeep yourself, such as changing the filters as directed in the manual.
Does the HRV system work with all types of heating systems?
Yes — it works independently of your heating system and recovers heat from the warm air already inside your home, regardless of how that heat was generated.