MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation Homeowner Info

MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation

MVHR stands for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and is one of the most effective forms of ventilation for todays' modern home.

With the average family of 4 creating up to 24 pints of moisture per day inside their home, and the increasing focus on insulating our homes to reduce heating bills, a mechanical ventilation system is crucial to a healthy and comfortable living space.

A MVHR system extracts and supplies air to the home continuously, recovering and re-using heat that would have otherwise have been lost. It can help save £300.00* per year on heating bills and improve indoor air quality.

We have developed a simple generic MVHR Homeowner Guide which explains how a MVHR system works, how much a MVHR system costs to run, how to maintain a MVHR system and more.

*based on 2 bedroom new build apartment

MVHR Homeowner Guide

Interested in a MVHR System?

Are you looking to install a MVHR system in your development, self-build or renovation project?

For single and small projects, our sister company The Air Shop can help.
Their expert team can help provide Design Compliance, Best Practise Installation Support and offer a wide range of market leading products including MVHR, MEV, PIV and more.

If you're interested in how much a MVHR system costs, use the 60 Second MVHR Quote

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What are the benefits of MVHR?

An MVHR system offers several benefits over traditional ventilation systems:

Heat Recovery: By recovering heat from outgoing air, it reduces heating costs – on a typical new build apartment this is about £300.00 pa
Improved Air Quality: It continuously supplies filtered fresh air, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.
Moisture Control: Helps prevent dampness and mould by removing excess moisture from the air.
Energy Efficiency: Reduces the demand on your heating system, making it more energy-efficient compared to extractor fans or trickle vents.

Download The MVHR Guide

How do I maintain a MVHR system?

Annual servicing is recommended for the MVHR system
Dust, debris, and grease collects on and around key components as it moves air and does its job 24/7 - it is important to keep the system clean for effective performance and to lengthen the life of key parts

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What filters do I need for a MVHR System?

MVHR Filters protect the motors from dust and debris build up and your indoor air quality from replacement air entering from outside

Read more about MVHR Filters and how they help

The Basic Barrier
The Dust Destroyer
The Summer Sneezer
The Propper Stopper

Use HRVFIL10 for 10% off MVHR Filters at The Air Shop

Shop MVHR Filters

How much does MVHR cost to run?

MVHR units use ultra-efficient motors
An MVHR systems runs 24 hours per day between a very low trickle rate and boosting as and when required
For the entire year, an MVHR system will cost between £35-45 to run - less than 10p per day!

MVHR Ventilation Download

What is an MVHR system, and how does it work?

An MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system is a whole-house ventilation solution that provides fresh air while recovering heat from the outgoing stale air.

It extracts air from areas like kitchens and bathrooms, filters it, and transfers the heat to incoming fresh air from outside, which is then distributed throughout the house. This process helps maintain indoor air quality while reducing heat loss, improving energy efficiency.

How do you control an MVHR system?

MVHR systems can be controlled manually or automatically, depending on the model. Most systems have automatic controls that adjust airflow based on humidity or air quality sensors, ensuring optimal performance without user intervention.

However, you can manually control the system through a wall-mounted panel, app, or remote control to increase or decrease the ventilation rate. Some systems also offer “boost” functions for high-demand situations, such as during cooking or showering.

What types of MVHR filters are available?

There are several types of MVHR filters, each with different levels of filtration:

What should I do if my MVHR system needs a repair?

If your MVHR system requires repair, it’s best to contact a qualified technician or the original installer, especially if they are BPEC-accredited. Attempting to fix it yourself may void the warranty or cause further damage.

Many MVHR systems come with service agreements or are covered under warranty, so always check your documentation before seeking repairs. Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns, but in case of malfunction, a professional assessment will identify and resolve the issue efficiently.

How long is the typical warranty period for an MVHR system?

Warranty periods for MVHR systems vary by manufacturer, but they typically range from 2 to 5 years.

Some brands offer extended warranties if the system is serviced regularly by an approved technician. It’s important to register your system with the manufacturer after installation and adhere to any servicing requirements to maintain warranty coverage. Always review the warranty terms when purchasing an MVHR unit.

What is the ideal type of ducting for an MVHR system?

The ideal ducting for an MVHR system is rigid or semi-rigid ducting, as it provides better airflow and is less prone to damage compared to flexible ducting. Insulated ducting is also important, especially in colder areas, to prevent heat loss and condensation issues.

The ductwork should be carefully designed to minimize bends and sharp turns, which can restrict airflow. Ensure the ducts are sealed and insulated properly to maintain system efficiency and reduce noise.

How should I look after my MVHR system?

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your MVHR system running efficiently. Regular tasks include:
Filter Replacement:

• Clean or replace filters every 3-6 months – it really depends on your external air pollution and indoor air quality needs
• Ductwork Inspection Have the ductwork inspected and cleaned annually to prevent dust buildup and maintain airflow efficiency.
• Heat Exchanger Cleaning: Periodically check the heat exchanger for dust and debris, which could reduce its efficiency, and clean it as needed.
• Professional Servicing Schedule an annual service with a qualified technician to check the system’s overall performance, adjust settings, and make any necessary repairs.

What are the benefits of an MVHR system over standard ventilation systems?

An MVHR system offers several benefits over traditional ventilation systems:

• Heat Recovery: By recovering heat from outgoing air, it reduces heating costs – on a typical new build apartment this is about £300.00 pa
• Improved Air Quality: It continuously supplies filtered fresh air, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.
• Moisture Control: Helps prevent dampness and mould by removing excess moisture from the air.
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces the demand on your heating system, making it more energy-efficient compared to extractor fans or trickle vents.

Find Your MVHR Ventilation Product User Guide

Zehnder MVHR Homeowner Guide
Zehnder Comfoair Range has many different unit variables, including Passivhaus certified MVHR units.

Vent Axia MVHR Homeowner Guide
The entire Vent Axia Sentinel Kinetic range including the Vent Axia BH, FH, Cookerhood and more.

Ubbink MVHR Homeowner Guide
The Ubbink Ubixlus Vigor MVHR range with Passivhaus certified units.

Nuaire MVHR Homeowner Guide
Find the Nuaire MRXBOX MVHR ventilation range, or the AB WM unit range.

Mitsubishi MVHR Homeowner Guide
The Mitsubishi Lossnay MVHR ventilation range, with integrated NOx filtration.

Envirovent MVHR Homeowner Guide
The Envirovent EnergiSava MVHR ventilation range.

Greenwood MVHR Homeowner Guide
The Greenwood Comfoair MVHR ventilation range.

Other MVHR Homeowner Guide
Find more branded MVHR Product guides including Titon, Airflow, Flakt and Vectaire.

When was your ventilation system last serviced?

Has it been over a year...?

If the answer is yes, it's time for a service! MEV ventilation systems should be serviced annually to ensure there is no excessive build-up of dust, moisture, grease, and more.

Once build-up starts inside the unit, it will impact the performance and ventilation efficiency putting you at risk of damp, mould, and condensation.

*£20 off when you book and pay online using our quote system.

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MVHR Repairs

Your MVHR system may need repairs over its' lifetime. Like other household white goods with mechanical parts, motors bearings can wear and PCB's can error. The MVHR unit moves air 24 hours a day, 365 days per year - that's a lot of air. Manufacturer warranties last between 2-5 years, often dependent on regular servicing and maintenance.

If you have a fault with a MVHR unit, we're here to help. We work will all makes and models and often stock key components such as motors and PCB's

If you need to report a fault or discuss it in more detail, send us an enquiry or call us on 033 0223 4180

Ventilation Repairs

Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR)