Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
Fresh air without the heat loss
MVHR installation costs roughly £3,000–£4,500 for a 1–2 bed new build, £4,000–£6,000 for a 3-bed semi and £5,500–£8,000 for a 4-bed detached. Retrofit adds about 30–40% because ducting must be routed through an existing structure. Running costs are low at £35–£90 a year, and the system recovers up to 95% of the heat normally lost through ventilation.
About Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems provide constant fresh air throughout your home while recovering up to 95% of the heat that would otherwise be lost through ventilation. Essential for well-insulated, airtight homes.
Key Benefits
MVHR Installation Costs 2026
Typical installed MVHR prices in East Anglia, including ducting, commissioning and airflow balancing. Retrofit costs more than new build because ducting has to be routed through an existing structure.
| Property | Unit Airflow | New Build | Retrofit | Running /yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 bed flat / bungalow | 150-250 m³/h | £3,000 - £4,500 | £4,000 - £6,000 | £35 - £55 |
| 3-bed semi | 250-350 m³/h | £4,000 - £6,000 | £5,500 - £8,000 | £45 - £70 |
| 4-bed detached | 350-450 m³/h | £5,500 - £8,000 | £7,000 - £11,000 | £60 - £90 |
| 5-bed / large detached | 450-600 m³/h | £7,500 - £11,000 | £9,500 - £15,000 | £75 - £120 |
Helpful Guides
Our Installation Process
Ventilation Design
We calculate air change rates for every room and design a ducting layout that ensures optimal airflow distribution.
Unit Selection
We select an appropriately sized MVHR unit based on your home's volume, occupancy, and airtightness level.
Installation
We install the MVHR unit (typically in a loft or utility room), run ducting to all rooms, and fit supply/extract valves.
Commissioning
We balance airflow rates in every room, set up boost controls for kitchens and bathrooms, and commission the heat recovery function.
Typical Timeline
Works Well With
Financing
MVHR is most cost-effective as part of a whole-house retrofit. Often included in ECO4 or retrofit coordination schemes.
Warranty
- 5-year unit warranty (Vent-Axia, Zehnder)
- 10-year workmanship guarantee
- HEPA filtration options
- Summer bypass mode included
Popular Combinations
Combine services for greater savings. All figures based on typical East Anglia households.
MVHR + Insulation + Heat Pump
The fabric-first approach. MVHR recovers 95% of waste heat in an airtight, insulated home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need MVHR if I have a heat pump?
If your home is well-insulated and airtight (as it should be for optimal heat pump performance), MVHR is strongly recommended. Without it, you either lose heat through open windows or suffer from poor air quality and condensation.
How noisy are MVHR systems?
Modern MVHR units operate at 25-35 dB on normal speed — quieter than a library. With properly sized ducting and acoustic attenuation, you will not notice the system running in habitable rooms.
What maintenance does MVHR need?
Filters should be replaced every 6-12 months (a simple 5-minute job). The heat exchanger should be cleaned annually. We offer maintenance packages to keep your system running optimally.
Can MVHR be retrofitted to an existing home?
Yes, though it is more straightforward in new builds. Retrofitting MVHR requires routing ducting through the property, typically via loft space, built-in wardrobes, or boxing. We design discreet, efficient installations that minimise visual impact. Properties with recent insulation upgrades particularly benefit from MVHR to maintain air quality.
How much does MVHR installation cost?
A whole-house MVHR system costs roughly £3,000–£4,500 for a 1–2 bed property in a new build, £4,000–£6,000 for a 3-bed semi, and £5,500–£8,000 for a 4-bed detached. Retrofit adds around 30–40% because ducting must be routed through an existing structure — typically £5,500–£8,000 for a 3-bed and £7,000–£11,000 for a 4-bed. Prices include the unit, ducting, commissioning and airflow balancing.
What does a heat recovery ventilation system cost to run?
MVHR running costs are low: roughly £35–£55 a year for a small flat, £45–£70 for a 3-bed semi and £60–£90 for a 4-bed detached. The fans draw only 20–60W in normal operation, and recovering up to 95% of outgoing heat typically saves more on heating than the fans cost to run in an airtight home.
Is MVHR worth the cost?
In an airtight, well-insulated home, yes — it is the only way to get consistent fresh air without throwing heat out of a window. In a draughty older property with high air leakage, MVHR is poor value until you have insulated and sealed first; we will tell you honestly at survey if your home is not ready, and recommend positive input ventilation (PIV) as a cheaper alternative where it fits better.
MVHR vs PIV — which do I need?
PIV costs £400–£900 fitted and solves condensation and damp in a typical existing home. MVHR costs several times more but recovers heat and filters incoming air, which only pays off once the property is airtight. As a rule: choose PIV for a damp problem in an older home, MVHR for air quality in a retrofitted or new airtight home.
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