RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
MVHR systems remove stale air from your home while bringing in fresh, filtered air from outside. The outgoing air passes through a heat exchanger that warms the incoming air. In a well sealed London home, this results in clean air at a comfortable temperature, improving health, energy use, and comfort all year round.
London’s homes range from older terraces to modern flats. Many have poor ventilation, suffer from damp and mould, and lack effective airflow. As buildings become more airtight to save energy, they often lose the natural air movement needed to stay fresh and dry.
Extractor fans and trickle vents often aren’t enough. With high outdoor pollution, limited cross ventilation, and increasing retrofit demand, MVHR provides a more active and reliable way to keep air clean while retaining warmth.
MVHR, or Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, is a full home system that constantly removes stale air and replaces it with fresh air. It works best in homes that are properly insulated and sealed. A heat exchanger inside the system transfers warmth from the outgoing air to the incoming air, keeping both separate.
Unlike typical extractor fans, MVHR systems run quietly all day and night. These systems are popular in energy efficient buildings and are now appearing more frequently in London flats and houses.
Pro Tip: If your home isn’t well insulated, address that before installing MVHR for maximum efficiency.
In a typical UK home, an MVHR setup includes a central unit that controls air movement, extract ducts in kitchens and bathrooms, and supply vents in bedrooms and living rooms. A heat exchanger transfers warmth between the outgoing and incoming airflows, and filters remove dust, allergens, and pollution. Many systems are rated for specific fan power (SFP), ensuring they operate with energy efficiency in mind.
This system keeps air circulating without the need to open windows. Filters usually require replacement every few months, and an annual service ensures optimal performance. In London properties, where space can be limited, careful design is often necessary to route ducts discreetly.
Living in London comes with challenges such as high pollution levels, outside noise, and compact living arrangements. MVHR offers solutions to many of these issues. It captures harmful particles like PM2.5 and pollen, reduces noise by minimising the need to open windows, and helps prevent damp and mould in spaces with poor air circulation. By maintaining even temperatures across rooms, MVHR systems also improve indoor air quality without relying on natural ventilation.
Whether you live in a small flat or near a busy road, MVHR makes it easier to enjoy a cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable indoor environment.
The main benefits of MVHR include lower heating bills thanks to retained warmth, better indoor air quality through filtration, consistent room temperatures, and improved moisture control in humid environments. These advantages can significantly enhance comfort and health for London homeowners.
However, there are limitations to consider. The initial installation cost typically ranges from £3,000 to £7,000. Retrofitting can be challenging in homes that lack insulation or have complex layouts. Also, MVHR systems are most effective in airtight properties. If your home is draughty or poorly insulated, addressing those issues first is recommended.
Installing MVHR in a London property requires planning. You need to consider where the ducts will go, such as in lofts, floor voids, or risers. Planning permission might be needed in listed buildings or shared housing. The system must also be correctly sized for your layout and number of occupants. Routine maintenance, including filter replacements and annual servicing, should be simple and regular.
For smaller homes, compact or single-room systems might be a better fit. A reliable installer will help you choose the most suitable configuration.
Pro Tip: Filter changes are simple but vital set a calendar reminder every 3 to 6 months.
Beyond comfort and energy efficiency, MVHR systems can make a real difference to your health. They filter out airborne triggers such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, making them ideal for those with asthma or allergies. By regulating indoor humidity levels, they also reduce the risk of mould growth and other moisture-related problems.
For households with young children, older adults, or individuals with respiratory conditions, MVHR offers cleaner, more consistent indoor air without the drawbacks of relying on open windows.
Costs for MVHR installation vary depending on property size and complexity. For a one or two bedroom flat, prices typically range from £3,000 to £4,500. For a three or four bedroom home, expect to pay between £4,500 and £6,000. Larger or more complex properties may require systems costing £6,000 to £7,500 or more. Annual servicing generally costs between £100 and £250. Filter replacements are usually between £40 and £80 per set and may be needed two to four times per year.
Although the upfront cost is significant, long-term savings on heating bills and the health benefits can make MVHR a worthwhile investment.
Older homes in London can still benefit from MVHR, even if they were not originally designed with ventilation systems in mind. With proper planning, ducts can be boxed in along walls or ceilings, and lofts or underfloor voids can be used to house components. Single-room systems are especially useful for specific problem areas like bathrooms or bedrooms.
Before installing MVHR in these properties, improving insulation is crucial. Many ventilation retrofit projects begin with a detailed survey of available space and air circulation routes to ensure the system can be installed with minimal disruption. Even homes with solid walls or those in conservation areas can often accommodate MVHR with thoughtful design.
Choosing the right installer is essential to ensure your MVHR system performs as it should. Look for providers with recognised accreditations such as NICEIC, BPEC, or TrustMark. Experience with London homes is important, especially for retrofit situations where space is tight and planning rules may apply. A quality provider will carry out balanced commissioning to set airflow correctly and offer maintenance services such as filter replacements.
Companies like RightAir are familiar with the variety of housing stock across London and understand the practicalities of local regulations and building types. Their experience can help you get the most from your investment.
As London moves towards net zero housing targets, MVHR will play an increasing role in creating energy efficient, healthy homes. These systems integrate well with heat pumps, offer compatibility with smart controls, and can be powered by solar panels to reduce running costs.
With the climate becoming more extreme and urban homes becoming more airtight, mechanical ventilation systems like MVHR will be vital for maintaining comfort, air quality, and resilience in the years ahead.
Does MVHR work in older houses? Yes, as long as the home is relatively airtight and well insulated. Without these, the system’s efficiency can be reduced.
What’s the cost of MVHR in London? Installation generally costs between £3,000 and £7,000 depending on property size and layout.
Can MVHR be retrofitted into a flat? Often yes, though space and permission from the landlord or freeholder may be required.
How noisy is MVHR? When properly installed, MVHR systems are very quiet and often barely noticeable during normal operation.
What maintenance does it need? Filters should be changed every few months, and the system should be serviced annually to maintain peak performance.
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