What it is and how it works

MVHR stands for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. A central unit, usually in a loft or cupboard, draws stale, damp air out of the kitchen, bathrooms and utility room. At the same time it brings fresh air in from outside and supplies it to the bedrooms and living rooms.

Inside the unit, the two air streams pass each other through a heat exchanger without mixing. The warmth of the outgoing air heats the incoming air, so fresh air arrives in the room already warmed, and most of the heat you paid for stays in the house.

Cost

The price depends on the size of the house, where the unit goes and how easily the ducting can be routed. Checkatrade’s published cost guide puts a whole-house system at roughly £3,000 to £7,000 installed. We give a fixed quote after we have seen the property or the plans.

Figures reviewed 18 September 2026.

MVHR and the rest of your home

The more airtight a home is, the more it needs planned ventilation. That is why MVHR sits naturally alongside new builds, deep renovations and low-carbon heating. We design it together with the heating, the solar and the electrics, so the ducts, the unit and the wiring are planned before the first fix.

Pros and cons

Pros

A steady supply of fresh, filtered air, with the windows closed
Keeps most of the heat from the outgoing air instead of losing it
Removes moisture from kitchens and bathrooms, which helps prevent condensation and mould
Quiet when it is designed and balanced properly
Helps an airtight new build or renovation meet the building regulations for ventilation

Cons

It needs ducting to every room, which is far easier in a new build or a major renovation
The fan runs all the time, so there is a small running cost
Filters need changing, usually once or twice a year
It does little in a draughty house, where the heat escapes through gaps anyway
A poorly designed system can be noisy or leave some rooms stuffy

Who it suits

New builds and self builds
Deep renovations where the house is being made airtight
Homes with condensation or mould problems
Households near a busy road or with hay fever, who want filtered air

What is included in a Bespoke installation

A survey of the property and the plans
A ventilation design with duct routes and airflow rates for each room
Supply and installation of the unit, ducting and room valves
Electrical connection of the unit
Commissioning and balancing, with airflow readings recorded
A handover showing you the controls and how to change the filters

Frequently asked questions

Is MVHR worth it in an older house?

Only if the house is being made airtight, for example during a deep renovation with new windows and insulation. In a draughty house, heat escapes through the gaps whatever the ventilation does. We tell you honestly at the survey whether it is worth it.

How much does MVHR cost?

It depends on the size of the house and how easy the duct routes are. Checkatrade's published guide puts a whole-house system at roughly £3,000 to £7,000 installed. We give a fixed quote once we have seen the plans.

Do I still need to open the windows?

You can open them whenever you like. You just do not need to for fresh air, which is useful in winter, at night, or if you live near a busy road.