In this MVHR cost guide we will explain how much it can cost to install different types of MVHR systems. We will also explore some of their associated costs and how much repairs and servicing usually cost.
We shall also examine what is an MVHR system and the different varieties available in the UK. This MVHR cost guide aims to give you impartial and transparent advice so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to installing an MVHR system.
MVHR systems are highly efficient and can massively reduce a home or business’s energy bills. Unfortunately, they can also be expensive and overwhelming to research.
This MVHR cost guide will alleviate any concerns you may have regarding an MVHR installation, giving you peace of mind when deciding on your project.
What is a MVHR system?
Image from https://www.novo-design.co.uk/
MVHR stands for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. MVHR systems are known as domestic heat exchangers or heat recovery ventilation systems. They extract polluted air from a building and constantly supply it with fresh air.
Rather than simply extracting the air and replacing it with cold fresh air from outside, an MVHR system will extract heat from the old air first and transfer it to the new air, meaning it costs less to heat. This will massively reduce energy consumption for the property. Due to the fact that an MVHR system is continually providing fresh new air into an area it also improves the air quality of the area.
An MVHR system operates through a heat exchanger unit, which is usually located in a property’s loft space, attic or plant room. A set of vents extracts the air and then filters it in the exchanger unit. This means that there is no cross-contamination of the different airflows, increasing efficiency.
Each building will have a unique mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system installed. There are many factors which can affect the cost of installing an MVHR system.
Different types of MVHR systems
What variation of the heat exchanger used will determine the type of MVHR system. Counterflow, crossflow and rotary wheel are the three options. This MVHR cost guide will explore the three different systems.
Counterflow Systems
In a counterflow system, airflows pass each other along parallel aluminium plates in a counter-flow direction. On average, the system transfers 75-90 percent of the heat recovered from the extract supply to the supply air.
PROS
✔ Can manage large volumes of air
✔ Highly efficient compared to other systems
✔ Faster returns on investment
CONS
✖ More useful in commercial and industries
✖ Risk of breakdown
Rotary Wheel Heat Recovery System
A rotary wheel heat exchanger works by absorbing the heat from the exhaust air and transferring it to the supply air as it rotates. A rotor, constructed like a wheel, contains an aluminium honeycomb structure within a supporting frame.
PROS
✔ Can handle large volumes of air
✔ Long life of aluminium rotary wheel heat exchangers
CONS
✖ Risk of contamination of the supply air from exhaust air due to lack of separation
✖ More useful in commercial and industrial settings
Cross Flow Heat Recovery System
A cross-flow heat recovery system works by transferring heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air directly. It transfers heat between two air streams that flow perpendicular to each other, using thin metal panels.
PROS
✔ Not as expensive
✔ 75% heat recovery
CONS
✖ Lower heat recovery
How much does an MVHR system cost?
Let’s now explore how much it costs to install an MVHR system in the rest of this MVHR cost guide.
Every MVHR system will differ because designers customise each one for its specific property. This does make it slightly harder to give accurate prices as there are so many variable factors in each design.
While the following information should help give a rough estimate, there are sites available which can give you a more detailed estimate based on the size of the property.
Domestic MVHR system cost
As you might expect, domestic MVHR systems cost considerably less than a commercial system would. In general a residential MVHR system in the UK costs between £3000 and £10000. What type of system is installed, the number of rooms it services and the size of the property will all affect the total installation cost.
Commercial MVHR system cost
Commercial MVHR systems are much more variable, therefore so too are the prices of installation. For a smaller system expect to pay between £10000 and £25000. This would be the price of a MVHR installation in a small office for example.
A large office space or hotel will cost considerably more like over £250000 on installing a MVHR system.
| Type of MVHR system | Estimated MVHR cost |
|---|---|
| A residential heat recovery and ventilation system | £3,000 – £10,000 |
| Offices | £12,500 – £20,000 |
| Large hotel or venues | £500,000+ |
MVHR cost prices
For the following examples in this MVHR cost guide, we shall be examining the costs associated with installing an MVHR system in a residential setting. Counterflow systems and crossflow systems are the most common for domestic properties.
A counterflow heat exchanger costs between £2,000 and £10,000 on average. The brand you choose, the features and functions required and the size of the unit will affect the price considerably. Most crossflow heat exchangers typically cost between £1,500 and £3,500
MVHR system design price
One of the most important elements of any MVHR system is the design process. To work properly a system must be well-designed, so we highly recommend that an MVHR specialist create the design. A design will usually cost between £500-1000.
If you hire an MVHR installation specialist they usually include the design cost in the total installation cost, but it’s always a good idea to double-check this with your installation team. If you are using an installation team we recommend ensuring they are NICEIC-approved.
DIY MVHR system installation costs
We suggest having a professional team design your MVHR system, but if you’re skilled at DIY, installing the system yourself is often the best way to save on costs.
A domestic MVHR system will require on average 250 meters of ducting. The ducting will cost between £1500 and £3000 depending on whether you chose flexi ducting, semi-rigid plastic, or galvanised metal.
Retrofit MVHR system installation costs
You can retrofit an MVHR system, but it comes with increased costs. Retrofits will often require specialist advice and experience to make them possible.
The process involves considerable work and will take much longer than installing a system in a new build adding to the cost. Due to the nature of the installation process you will often need to leave the property, so accommodation costs should also be factored in.
Other costs to consider
Commissioning costs
An accredited technician will need to commission all MVHR systems. They will check that the airflow is correct in each room. If you’ve used a professional MVHR installation team, the commissioning will be included in the price. If you installed the system yourself, the cost of commissioning the MVHR system ranges from £400 to £800.
Labour costs
Labour costs will vary depending on the size of the system. For most domestic MVHR systems installation is usually between 2 – 3 days in a new build. Retrofitting a system will take considerably longer depending on the complexity of the job.
Labour costs will include the installation time of the physical system, including the ducting and electrical work, as well as labour costs for the system design and commissioning.
On-going MVHR costs
The cost to run an MVHR system is relatively low compared to the initial spend. The cost of running an MVHR system for an average four-bedroom house, with typical usage of around 300kWh per year, at current average electricity prices, is £156 per year.
How you choose to use your unit in the summer months will also affect the running costs of an MVHR unit. If you switch the machine off during the warmer months the ventilation will remain unaffected while your running costs will be lowered.
Maintenance costs
Fortunately the general maintenance for an MVHR system can be carried out at home. You will need to check the filters regularly and replace them when necessary. A new filter will cost between £25 and £125 for a pair, depending on the brand you choose.
A more detailed cleaning regime is recommended every two years, such as rinsing the heat exchanger and cleaning the fans. For those who are hands-on, these tasks are straightforward to handle.
Alternatively you may choose to get a professional service for your system. These can range from an annual maintenance check, usually around £150, to a full service of around £300.We recommend servicing your system fully at least once every five years. It’s always important to check the manufacturer’s servicing requirements for your system.
What are the benefits of MVHR systems
These are just some of the number benefits of having an MVHR system:
- Heat Recovery: The system recovers heat from the stale air being extracted and transfers it to the incoming fresh air, reducing the need for additional heating. This can reduce household energy bills by up to 25% a year.
- Minimizes Heat Loss: MVHR systems reduce heat loss from a building, especially in winter months, making them particularly beneficial in well-insulated homes or buildings.
- Continuous Fresh Air Supply: MVHR systems provide a constant supply of filtered air, reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants. This leads to improved air quality in the building.
- Reduces Humidity: By removing excess moisture from the air MVHR systems help reduce the risk of mould and mildew growth.
- Allergen Control: By continuously filtering and refreshing the air MVHR systems can reduce the amount of allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet hairs.
- Prevents Outside Noise: Because the system doesn’t require open windows for ventilation, it helps to keep external noise from entering the building.
What are the problems of MVHR systems
There are some drawbacks to heat recovery systems. Here are some of the following issues with MVHR systems:
- Expensive Setup: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing an MVHR system can be high when factoring in materials and labour costs.
- Complex Installation: Proper installation requires planning and can be complex, especially if retrofitting in existing buildings that were not designed for these systems.
- Regular Maintenance: MVHR systems need regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function effectively
- Ductwork Space: Installing the necessary ductwork can be challenging, especially in existing buildings with limited space.
Building regulations and planning permission for MVHR systems
All MVHR systems must be compliant with building regulations and planning permissions. You can find all current regulations at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2214/contents.
We recommend consulting these before undertaking any installation of an MVHR system.
Contact us
We hope you have found this MVHR cost guide useful in answering any questions you may have.
If you are still unsure about anything we have covered then please feel free to contact us today and our team of MVHR specialists will be more than happy to be of assistance.
