The type of heat recovery system used is dependent on the waste heat available. Captured heat can be used in space heating systems and domestic hot water supply. Heat recovery systems can also provide cooling for those warm summer nights bringing comfort to the occupants without leaving windows open or having fans running.

Steam can be captured from kitchens, bathrooms, tumble dryers etc passed through the heat recovery unit where any heat is extracted with cooled water gathered being sent down the drainage system. Hot air is then sent back into public rooms reducing the reliance on the buildings heating system.

Today's building regulations call for extractor fans in all 'wet areas' of the home and trickle ventilators at the top of windows for background ventilation. By incorporating a central ventilation system with heat recovery, the ventilation system becomes an asset to the building. In many cases removing moisture from the air will improve the performance of the buildings insulation.

With close consultation with Sustainable Earth prior to building, the most efficient heat recovery system can be built into the plans.