How Energy Recovery Ventilation Works with Fabric Ducting Systems

Technical

Energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations in modern building design. Businesses and organisations are under increasing pressure to reduce their energy consumption, not only to cut costs but also to meet sustainability targets. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through energy recovery ventilation systems, which capture and reuse heat or cooling from exhausted air. When combined with fabric ducting, these systems provide a highly efficient, balanced, and comfortable indoor environment.

 

What is energy recovery ventilation

In any ventilated building, fresh air needs to be brought in while stale air is removed. Traditional ventilation systems often expel conditioned air directly to the outside, wasting the energy that was used to heat or cool it. Energy recovery ventilation systems solve this problem by transferring heat between the outgoing and incoming air streams.

An ERV unit typically contains a heat exchanger, which allows energy to pass from one air stream to another without mixing the air itself. In winter, heat from the warm exhaust air is used to pre-warm the cooler incoming air. In summer, the process reverses, lowering the temperature of the incoming air. This approach significantly reduces the energy needed by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, leading to lower operating costs and improved indoor air quality.

 

How does fabric ducting support energy recovery systems?

Fabric ducting is increasingly being used in conjunction with energy recovery systems due to its lightweight, flexible, and efficient design. Unlike traditional metal ducting, which can require complex fittings and heavy installation, fabric ducts are made from high-quality textile materials that allow air to be distributed evenly and quietly throughout a space.

In an energy recovery system, the even distribution of conditioned air is key. Fabric ductwork excels in this area by diffusing air gently and consistently across large areas, helping to maintain stable temperatures and prevent draughts. This supports the performance of the ERV system, ensuring that the recovered energy is used as effectively as possible.

Because fabric ducts can be customised to suit specific layouts and airflow patterns, they can be integrated seamlessly with heat exchangers, fans, and filters in both new builds and retrofit applications. The result is a system that delivers high efficiency with minimal disruption to building aesthetics or structure.

 

How does fabric ducting reduce energy loss?

One of the biggest advantages of using fabric ductwork with an energy recovery ventilation system is the reduction in energy losses.

Airflow from fabric ducts is carefully designed through laser-cut perforations or directional nozzles that distribute air exactly where it is needed. This precision ensures that the recovered heat energy is evenly spread across the room, preventing hot or cold spots. The result is improved occupant comfort with less demand on the HVAC system.

Noise reduction is another benefit of fabric ducting. Metal ducting can generate vibration and airflow noise, particularly at higher air velocities. Fabric ducts operate quietly, which makes them well suited to environments such as offices, classrooms, and healthcare settings where comfort and concentration are priorities.

 

The hygiene and maintenance benefits of fabric ducts

Energy recovery systems rely on clean, unobstructed airflow to function effectively. One of the key advantages of fabric ducting is that it can be easily removed and washed, helping maintain hygiene and airflow efficiency. This makes it especially useful in industries such as food production, healthcare, and education, where air quality is closely monitored.

Keeping ducting clean also improves the long-term performance of the energy recovery unit. Dust and debris can reduce heat transfer efficiency, forcing systems to work harder and consume more energy. With fabric ducts, regular washing restores their condition and airflow characteristics, keeping the entire ventilation system operating as intended.

 

How does fabric ducting support sustainable building design?

Energy recovery ventilation systems paired with fabric ductwork contribute significantly to sustainable building goals. By reducing energy consumption and improving indoor air quality, they help meet environmental standards such as BREEAM and LEED. The lightweight design of fabric ducts also reduces transportation emissions and installation energy compared to metal alternatives.

Furthermore, many fabric materials used in modern ducting are recyclable, contributing to circular economy practices and reducing waste at the end of the product’s life.

 

As the demand for energy-efficient and low-maintenance ventilation solutions grows, the combination of energy recovery and fabric ducting is set to become even more popular. Together, they deliver precise air distribution, superior comfort, and meaningful energy savings for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and educational buildings.

By integrating these two technologies, building owners can create environments that are both comfortable and cost-effective, while taking an important step toward a more sustainable future.