Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
Fresh air without the heat loss
An MVHR system provides constant filtered fresh air while recovering up to 95% of the heat normally lost through ventilation. Whole-house systems typically cost £4,000–£8,000 installed depending on property size and ducting. Ideal for airtight, well-insulated East Anglia homes with condensation or air-quality problems.
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
Heat Pump Costs (After BUS Grant)
MVHR works best in airtight homes with heat pumps. These heat pump costs show the savings from a complete system.
| Property | Heat Pump Size | HP Net Cost | Annual Running |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 bed | 5-6 kW | £0 - £2,500 | £610 - £720 |
| 3-bed semi | 8-10 kW | £500 - £5,500 | £610 - £720 |
| 4-bed detached | 10-12 kW | £3,500 - £10,500 | £610 - £720 |
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.
Related Articles
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.
Ready to Switch to Clean Energy?
Get your free, no-obligation survey and personalised quote. Our MCS-certified team is ready to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.