What is MVHR?
MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery
MVHR is a whole-house ventilation system designed to improve indoor air quality while recovering heat that would otherwise be lost.
The system extracts warm, stale air from rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility areas. Before this air leaves your home, heat is recovered and transferred to fresh incoming air, which is then supplied into bedrooms and living spaces.
Unlike traditional extractor fans or relying on open windows, MVHR provides continuous, controlled ventilation throughout your property.
It is particularly suited to modern, energy-efficient homes, but can also be a practical solution for some renovation and retrofit projects where improving ventilation is a priority.
First-Hand Experience Installing MVHR in an Older Property
We installed an MVHR system at Rose Cottage, our own Victorian solid-wall property, after experiencing condensation and mould issues caused by poor ventilation.
The system extracts humid air from both bathrooms and supplies fresh, warmed air to the bedrooms. Since installation, the indoor environment has improved significantly, with a noticeable reduction in condensation and mould.
This experience gives us a practical understanding of the challenges involved when introducing MVHR into older homes, renovated properties and buildings where insulation improvements have changed ventilation requirements.
Why Choose Artimus Renewables for Your MVHR Installation?
Choosing the right MVHR installer is about more than fitting the equipment. Good system design, installation quality and commissioning all influence how effectively your system performs.
Tailored System Design
Every property is different. We design MVHR systems around your home, ventilation needs and requirements.
Experience With Complex Projects
We provide practical solutions for modern homes, renovations and challenging retrofit installations.
Full Installation Service
We manage the full installation process, from system design through to installation and commissioning.
Quality Equipment
We install reliable equipment from trusted manufacturers with strong UK support and warranty options.
Fully Tested Systems
Every installation is tested, balanced and commissioned to ensure your system performs correctly.
Family-Run Service
You deal directly with our experienced team for honest advice and a personalised service.
What are the benefits of MVHR?
1. Fresh Filtered Air
MVHR continuously supplies fresh air throughout your home while removing stale air from moisture-producing areas.
2. Reduced Condensation
By removing humid air from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms, MVHR can help manage condensation caused by everyday activities.
3. Heat Recovery
The system transfers heat from outgoing air into incoming fresh air, helping reduce heat loss through ventilation.
4. Improved Comfort
A balanced ventilation system helps create a fresher and more consistent indoor environment.
5. Energy Efficient Homes
MVHR works particularly well alongside modern insulation improvements and energy-efficient building methods.
MVHR manufacturers we install
Click the manufacturer's icon to go to their website
UBBINK is a company that designs, manufactures, and supplies Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, including their Ubiflux units, ductwork, and terminals. They offer a "Total MVHR" solution in the UK, providing everything from design to installation for a healthy, energy-efficient indoor climate. UBBINK's MVHR systems provide continuous fresh, filtered air while recovering heat with over 90% efficiency, reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality.
Nuaire is a leading British manufacturer and designer of innovative ventilation systems, including Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units, that provide clean air and improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. With over 50 years of expertise, Nuaire is known for pioneering Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and offering award-winning products that meet the highest quality standards, with a commitment to innovation and customer support.
Our approvals relevant to MVHR:
Our MVHR Installation Process
1. Consultation
We discuss your property, ventilation requirements and what you want the system to achieve.
2. Design
We plan the MVHR system, including unit selection, airflow requirements and duct routes.
3. Installation
We install the MVHR unit, ductwork, controls and associated components professionally and carefully.
4. Testing and Commissioning
We balance the system and check airflow levels to ensure it is operating correctly.
5. Handover
We explain how to use your system, maintain filters and get the best performance from your installation.
MVHR FAQs
How much does an MVHR installation cost?
The cost of an MVHR installation depends on the size and layout of your property, the complexity of the ductwork, the system selected and whether it is being installed as part of a new build, renovation or retrofit project.
Every property is different, so we provide a tailored recommendation and quotation after assessing your requirements. This ensures the system is correctly designed for your home rather than based on a standard package.
Can MVHR be installed in an existing house?
Yes, MVHR can be installed in some existing properties, but suitability depends on the building layout and whether practical routes are available for ductwork.
Retrofitting MVHR requires careful planning around areas such as loft spaces, ceiling voids and access routes. Our own MVHR installation at Rose Cottage, a Victorian solid-wall property, demonstrates that carefully designed systems can work successfully in older homes.
For properties undergoing wider energy improvements, MVHR can also work alongside solutions such as heat pump installation to improve overall efficiency and comfort.
Does MVHR help with condensation and mould?
Yes, MVHR can help reduce condensation caused by everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes by continuously removing humid air and supplying fresh air.
However, MVHR will not solve structural damp problems such as leaks, rising damp or water ingress. These issues need to be addressed separately.
Is MVHR noisy?
A correctly designed, installed and commissioned MVHR system should operate quietly in the background.
Most homeowners notice the improvement in air quality rather than the system itself. The system may become slightly more noticeable when operating at a higher setting, such as after showering.
Is MVHR suitable for every property?
No. MVHR is not the right solution for every home.
Suitability depends on factors such as the property's layout, insulation levels, airtightness and whether suitable ductwork routes are available. We assess each project individually and will only recommend MVHR where we believe it is the right solution.
How often does an MVHR system need servicing?
MVHR filters should be checked and replaced regularly to maintain airflow performance and indoor air quality.
The exact maintenance requirements depend on the manufacturer, property conditions and local environment. We explain how to maintain your system during handover and can advise on ongoing servicing requirements.
During handover, we explain how to maintain your system and how to get the best performance from your installation. We can also provide advice on ongoing maintenance requirements to help protect airflow performance and indoor air quality.
