What is MVHR?

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 MVHR is an abbreviation for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery.  It works on the same principal as Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) but includes a heat exchanger that uses the warmth of the air being extracted from the house to heat the air that is being drawn in to replace it. 

Heat recovery ventilation, also known as mechanical ventilation heat recovery, is an energy recovery ventilation system which works between two sources at different temperatures. Heat recovery is a method which is increasingly used to reduce the heating and cooling demands of buildings.

A MVHR unit can make your home more energy efficient when installed correctly, extracting moisture caused by condensation which can be especially prevalent in wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens

 A heat recovery ventilation system works by extracting moist and stale air from wet rooms in your home, it recovers the usually lost heat from the extracted air. It also supplies filtered air that is heated from the recovered warmth of the extracted heat.

A Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) is a system that works to extract excess moisture in the air yet also recovers the heat, meaning that it provides your home with ventilated air but doesn't take out any necessary warmth.

1. Your Home is Airtight or Energy-Efficient

If your home is:

• A new build or undergoing major renovation,
   
• Has good insulation and double/triple glazing,
   
• Or you’re aiming for low energy use (e.g. Passivhaus),
   

 Then MVHR is ideal. Traditional ventilation (like trickle vents or extractor fans) leads to heat loss. MVHR retains heat while still delivering fresh air, boosting energy performance.

2. You Want Consistently Fresh, Clean Air Indoors

• MVHR systems continuously supply filtered fresh air to bedrooms and living areas.
   
• They extract stale, humid, or odorous air from kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
   
• This improves air quality, reduces dust, allergens, and pollutants, and prevents condensation and mould.
   

Perfect for households with asthma, allergies, or simply a desire for better indoor air.

3. You’re Concerned About Energy Bills

• MVHR units recover up to 95% of the heat from outgoing air and use it to warm incoming air.
   
• This means less strain on your heating system—you stay warm for less money.
   

Over time, this leads to lower heating costs, especially in cold months.

4. You Prefer a Quieter, More Comfortable Home

• No more draughts from open windows or vents.
   
• No outside noise, pollen, or pollution entering the home.
   
• Temperature is even and stable throughout your rooms.
   

Ideal if you live near busy roads or want a quiet, peaceful indoor environment.

 5. You Want a Low-Maintenance, Long-Term Solution

• Only simple filter changes every 6 months.
   
• No need for window-opening or portable dehumidifiers.
   
• Most systems last 10–15+ years with little servicing.
   

When MVHR Might NOT Be Suitable

• Homes with poor insulation or many air leaks won't benefit as much—heat recovery is less effective.
   
• If you can’t install ductwork (e.g., in a small retrofit with no ceiling or loft space), a decentralized MVHR or simpler ventilation system might be more practical.