Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about MVHR systems — from how they work to installation and maintenance.
MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) is a whole-house ventilation system that continuously supplies fresh, filtered air while extracting stale, moist air. The clever part is the heat exchanger at the core of the unit — it recovers up to 95% of the heat from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming fresh air. This means you enjoy fresh, clean air throughout your home without losing valuable heat, making it one of the most energy-efficient ventilation solutions available.
Absolutely. By recovering up to 95% of the heat that would normally be lost through traditional ventilation (such as opening windows or trickle vents), MVHR dramatically reduces your heating demand. Homeowners typically see significant reductions in their heating bills, and the system pays for itself over time. In a well-insulated new build, MVHR is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain comfort while keeping energy costs low.
MVHR is ideal for self-build projects. In fact, self-builds offer the perfect opportunity to install MVHR because you can plan the ducting routes from the outset, ensuring the most efficient and discreet installation. Whether you're building a small cottage or a large family home, there's an MVHR system to suit every project size and budget.
Modern MVHR units are remarkably quiet. Premium units operate at near-silent levels — often below 30dB, which is quieter than a whisper. With correct installation, including acoustic ducting and proper attenuators, you won't even notice the system is running. Many homeowners report that their MVHR system is the quietest appliance in their home.
Yes — this is one of the standout benefits of MVHR. The system filters all incoming air through high-grade filters (up to F7 or HEPA grade), removing pollen, dust, pollution, and other allergens before they enter your home. For allergy and asthma sufferers, MVHR can be life-changing, providing consistently clean, filtered air 24/7 without the need to open windows.
Yes! MVHR is one of the most popular DIY installations for self-builders. With our comprehensive ducting kits, clear installation guides, and expert technical support, many of our customers successfully install their own systems. We also offer a free design service — simply upload your plans and we'll provide a full ducting layout and materials list tailored to your project.
MVHR is one of the most effective solutions for preventing condensation and mould. By continuously extracting moist air from wet rooms (bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms) and replacing it with fresh, dry air, the system maintains optimal humidity levels throughout your home. This eliminates the conditions that cause condensation and mould growth, protecting both your health and your property.
MVHR systems require very little maintenance. Beyond regular filter changes (every 6–12 months), it's recommended to have the heat exchanger cleaned annually — a simple task that takes around 30 minutes. The system has no other consumable parts, and quality units are designed to run reliably for 15–25 years. Compared to the ongoing costs of other heating and ventilation methods, MVHR is exceptionally low-maintenance.
Filters typically need replacing every 6 to 12 months, depending on your location and air quality. Replacement is straightforward — most units have easy-access filter compartments that take just a few minutes to swap. We stock replacement filters for all major brands at competitive prices, and regular filter changes ensure your system continues to perform at its best.
Yes, MVHR works brilliantly year-round. In winter, it recovers heat to keep your home warm. In summer, many units feature a bypass mode that allows cooler night air to flow directly into the home without passing through the heat exchanger, helping to cool your property naturally. You benefit from fresh, filtered air in every season, making MVHR a true all-year-round ventilation solution. MVHR's with cooling Is also an option!