Whole house MVHR systems cost £2,500-£5,000 installed, single room units £250-£900 total. Unit prices alone range from £150 for basic single room models to £2,500+ for high-capacity whole house units. These MVHR costs in 2026 depend on capacity, brand, installation complexity, and whether it's a new build or retrofit project.
How Much Does an MVHR Unit Cost?
MVHR unit prices range from £150-£600 for single room heat recovery units to £600-£2,500+ for whole house systems. High-specification models from premium brands with 90%+ efficiency sit at the upper end of these ranges. Prices depend on airflow capacity, heat recovery efficiency, mounting format, and manufacturer reputation.
Single Room Heat Recovery Unit Costs
Single room units are the entry point for heat recovery ventilation. Units with airflow rates from around 32 m³/h to 100 m³/h typically range from £150 to £600 depending on specification, brand, and mounting format. Through-wall units tend to be the most cost-effective to purchase and install, making them a popular choice for retrofit projects and individual room upgrades.
eFans stocks a wide selection of single room heat recovery units from Vent-Axia, Zehnder, Elta and S&P, in through-wall, wall, ceiling, and floor-mounted configurations to suit the constraints of different project types.
Whole House MVHR System Costs
Whole house MVHR units covering a typical three to four bedroom dwelling generally range from £600 to £2,500 or more at the unit level, depending on airflow capacity, efficiency rating, and manufacturer. High-specification units from premium brands with efficiencies at or above 90% sit toward the top of that range.
Larger capacity units for commercial applications or bigger residential projects carry higher price points still.
eFans supplies a full range of whole house MVHR systems with airflow rates up to 900 m³/h, covering projects from modest dwellings through to large commercial premises.
How Brand Affects MVHR Unit Price
Brand plays a meaningful role in unit pricing. Vent-Axia and Zehnder units sit at the higher end of the market and carry strong reputations for build quality, after-sales support, and documented performance data. Elta and S&P offer competitive alternatives with solid specifications at a range of price points.
For projects where documented performance is required for Building Regulations compliance or SAP assessments, investing in a recognised brand typically pays off over the life of the installation.
What Does MVHR Installation Cost?
Installation cost is often where the overall MVHR budget is determined, particularly on whole house systems. The unit itself can represent as little as a third of the total project cost once ductwork, labour, commissioning, and ancillary components are accounted for.
Whole House MVHR Installation Cost Breakdown
For a whole house MVHR installation in a new build three to four bedroom property, total installed costs including ductwork, labour, and commissioning typically range from £2,500 to £5,000 or above. Larger properties, complex duct layouts, or projects requiring acoustic attenuation push costs higher.
Retrofitting a whole house system into an existing building is almost always more expensive than installing into a new build due to the additional disruption of routing ductwork through finished spaces.
Single Room Unit Installation Costs
Single room units are significantly cheaper to install than whole house systems. A through-wall unit requires a core drill, a power connection, and in some cases a short duct run. Labour costs for a single unit installation typically range from £100 to £300 depending on location and access.
This makes single room heat recovery a genuinely cost-effective option for contractors working on room-by-room improvements or where a full ducted system is not viable.
Ductwork and Ancillary Component Costs
Ductwork is a major cost driver on whole house MVHR projects. Rigid circular ductwork, semi-rigid flexi duct, insulated duct for roof spaces, manifolds, attenuators, and valves all add up. As a rough guide, ductwork and ancillary materials for a standard three-bedroom new build can add £800 to £1,500 or more to the project cost depending on the complexity of the layout and the specification of materials used.
Heat recovery controllers are another component to budget for. Demand-controlled ventilation, humidity sensing, and boost functionality all require compatible controls, and these are worth specifying at the outset rather than adding retrospectively.
What Factors Drive Up MVHR System Costs?
Several factors push MVHR project costs above the baseline estimates, and being aware of them early helps contractors price jobs accurately.
-
Building type and airtightness -- retrofit projects in older, leaky buildings often require draught-proofing work before MVHR can perform efficiently, adding cost before the ventilation work even begins
-
Duct run length and complexity -- longer runs, more bends, and difficult routing through structural elements all increase both materials and labour costs
-
Unit specification -- higher efficiency units, integrated bypass, and advanced controls all add to unit cost but can improve long-term running costs and compliance outcomes
-
Commissioning requirements -- projects requiring formal commissioning reports and airflow testing for Building Regulations sign-off add time and cost to the programme
-
Access and location -- plant rooms, loft installations, and tight ceiling voids all increase installation time and therefore labour cost
For a deeper look at how to evaluate these factors before committing to a specification, our MVHR buying guide covers the key decisions in detail.
How Much Does MVHR Cost to Run?
Running costs for MVHR systems are generally low. A typical whole house unit running continuously draws between 20W and 70W of electricity depending on its size and fan speed setting. At current UK electricity rates, annual running costs for a standard residential whole house unit sit broadly in the range of £30 to £90 per year.
This compares favourably with the cost of heating air that would otherwise be lost through conventional extract ventilation, particularly in well-sealed buildings where heat recovery efficiency is highest.
Filter replacement is the main ongoing maintenance cost. Filters typically need replacing every six to twelve months at a cost of £20 to £60 per set depending on the unit and filter class.
Factoring in an annual maintenance visit, total ongoing costs remain modest relative to the energy savings a well-specified and well-maintained system can deliver.
Is MVHR Worth the Cost for Commercial Projects?
For commercial buildings, the cost case for MVHR strengthens considerably when energy costs, occupancy levels, and compliance requirements are factored in. Higher occupancy means greater ventilation demand, which in turn means greater heat loss through conventional extract systems.
MVHR recovers a substantial proportion of that heat continuously, and the savings compound over a building's operational life.
Commercial projects also face tighter scrutiny under Part L of the Building Regulations, where MVHR's contribution to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy ratings can be a meaningful factor in achieving compliance.
Our guide to commercial MVHR systems covers the specific considerations for non-domestic buildings in more detail.
Where to Source MVHR Units in the UK
eFans stocks a comprehensive range of heat recovery and MVHR units from Vent-Axia, Zehnder, Elta and S&P, with heat recovery efficiencies up to 93% and airflow rates from 32 m³/h to 900 m³/h.
The range covers single room units, whole house systems, and all mounting formats including ceiling, wall, through-wall, and floor-mounted options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MVHR save money on heating bills?
Yes, MVHR systems reduce heating demand by recovering heat from outgoing stale air and transferring it to incoming fresh air. In a well-sealed building, a unit with 90% or above heat recovery efficiency can make a measurable reduction to space heating costs.
The savings are most significant in highly airtight buildings such as new builds and Passivhaus projects, where uncontrolled air infiltration is minimal and the MVHR system governs the majority of heat loss through ventilation.
How long does an MVHR system last?
A well-maintained whole house MVHR system has a typical lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Regular filter changes, annual heat exchanger inspections, and periodic cleaning of supply and extract valves are the key maintenance tasks that extend unit life.
Systems from established manufacturers such as Vent-Axia and Zehnder tend to have strong parts availability, which supports long-term maintenance and reduces the risk of premature replacement.
Is MVHR more expensive to install in a retrofit than a new build?
Yes, retrofitting MVHR into an existing building is almost always more expensive than installing into a new build. Routing ductwork through finished walls, floors, and ceilings requires significantly more labour and causes disruption to the building fabric.
Many retrofit projects opt for single room heat recovery units instead, as these require only a core drill through an external wall and avoid the cost and complexity of a full ducted installation entirely.
Do I need planning permission to install an MVHR system?
In most cases, MVHR installation does not require planning permission in England and Wales, as it falls within permitted development. However, listed buildings, conservation areas, and certain commercial premises may be subject to restrictions.
Contractors should always verify the position with the relevant local planning authority before committing to an installation in a building where restrictions may apply.