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myMVHR Installation Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing a heat recovery system is £6,900.
- Installing a heat recovery system usually takes 2 to 5 days.
- Heat recovery system prices and the main factors that affect the cost.
- Labour costs, installation timescales, and ongoing servicing costs.
- How to find a heating engineer near you using MyJobQuote.
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£6,900
Table of Contents
How Much Does MVHR Installation Cost?
The average cost of installing a heat recovery system in the UK is between £3,500 and £12,000. However, the exact MVHR system cost can vary depending on the type of system required, the complexity of the installation, and your location. Labour costs are typically higher than the national average in areas such as London and the South East.
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A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system removes stale air from your home and uses its heat to warm the fresh air coming in. The incoming and outgoing air travel through separate ducts, so the two airflows do not mix.
Looking for a heating professional to install an MVHR system? Find local heating engineers with MyJobQuote.
MVHR System Price List
So, what's the cost of a heat recovery system?
Residential heat recovery and ventilation systems typically cost between £3,500 and £12,000, depending on the amount of work required, such as pipework repair and the size of the property.
To give you an idea of the range of costs, here are some typical residential heat recovery and ventilation system installation prices for different-sized properties:
| Size of Property | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 bed flat | £3,500–£5,000 |
| 3 to 4 bed semi-detached property | £5,000–£8,000 |
| 4 to 5+ bed detached property | £8,000–£12,000 |
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When determining a price for heat recovery installation, several site-specific issues must be considered. These typically include:
- The property's age.
- Level of insulation.
- Ease of access for ducting.
- Complexity of installation.
Whole house heat recovery systems are customised to each application, and are based on:
- The size of the house.
- The number of extract and supply points required.
- The heat recovery unit's requirements.
The type of MVHR unit will be determined by the system variation used in the heat exchanger. Counterflow, crossflow, and rotary wheel are the three options.
Labour Cost of MVHR System Installation
Installation-only labour for an MVHR system typically costs between £1,000 and £4,000, and installation usually takes 2 to 5 days. System design typically costs between £450 and £700, while commissioning costs between £400 and £800. These services may be included or quoted separately, so ask for an itemised breakdown.
| Professional Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| MVHR installation labour | £1,000–£4,000 |
| System design | £450–£700 |
| System commissioning | £400–£800 |
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The final MVHR installation cost and timescale depend on the size of the property, the complexity of the installation, and the contractor's experience.
Installations in newly constructed properties are usually more straightforward, with better design and access helping to keep labour time and costs lower. Planning the system early also avoids rerouting large ductwork, which is harder than rerouting electrics or pipework.
Retrofits in older properties are still possible, but the job may take longer and cost more because the installer must work around existing infrastructure.
The costs for installing a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system usually combine:
- The physical installation of the MVHR unit
- Fitting ducting and electrical components
- System design
- Commissioning costs
MVHR System Cost (Supply Only)
There are three types of heat exchangers which are essential components of a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system. The heat exchanger variations are counterflow, crossflow, and rotary wheel, and the MVHR system cost will vary depending on which one you choose.
The most common types of residential mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems are counterflow and crossflow.
Although some rotary wheel exchanger units are suitable for residential installation, they are more commonly found in commercial systems.
Counterflow Heat Exchanger Cost
A counterflow heat exchanger costs between £1,000 and £4,200 on average.
The price will be determined largely by the size of the unit, the brand, and the features and functions that it performs. Some will include intelligent regulations with summer bypass and frost protection elements.
On the other hand, others are more basic and simply perform the heat exchange between the extractor supply airflows.
Supply and exhaust air enter the heat exchanger from opposite sides in a counterflow unit, and as they pass through the heat exchange plates, they never physically meet. On average, 85% to 95% of the heat recovered from the extract supply is transferred to the supply air.
Pros
- ✔ Can handle large volumes of air.
- ✔ Highly efficient compared to other systems (up to 95%).
Cons
- ✖ May cost more than other systems.
- ✖ Potentially more bulky than other options.
Crossflow Heat Exchanger Cost
Crossflow exchangers typically cost between £1,000 and £2,500.
They function similarly to counterflow heat exchangers, in that they both consist of heat plates that funnel both stale and fresh air.
However, counterflow features filtered air flows that travel in opposite directions, whereas crossflow heat exchangers use air flows that cross each other.
A crossflow heat exchanger enables the supply and extract air flows to intersect perpendicularly. They are isolated by aluminium plates that conduct heat from one to the other.
Pros
- ✔ Not as expensive.
- ✔ Around 65% to 75% heat recovery.
Cons
- ✖ Less efficient than other systems.
- ✖ Lower heat recovery.
Rotary Wheel Unit Cost
Rotary wheel units are not frequently used in domestic MVHR system installations. Their design lends itself better to larger buildings like those found in public buildings, hotels, and factories.
However, some units can be installed in domestic settings, and cost between £1,700 and £3,500.
The MVHR system cost for a full installation will include a design process required for the system to function properly. Therefore, the correct and efficient installation of the MVHR will be dependent on the system's proper design.
Ducting for a 250m² home will cost around £2,250, depending on the duct used. Flexi ducting, semi-rigid plastic, and even galvanised metal are all available in various sizes and qualities.
A rotary wheel heat exchanger works by absorbing the heat from the exhaust air, and transferring it to the supply air as it rotates. They're most common in larger, commercial buildings.
Pros
- ✔ Can handle very large volumes of air
- ✔ Long lifespan
Cons
- ✖ Risk of contamination of the supply air with exhaust air.
- ✖ More useful in commercial and industrial settings.
After the MVHR system is installed, it has to be commissioned, which means that a technician checks to make sure that it is working properly and that the airflow to each room is as it should be, known as system balancing.
| Supply | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Counterflow heat exchanger | £1,000–£4,200 |
| Crossflow heat exchanger | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Rotary wheel unit | £1,700–£3,500 |
| Ducting for a 250m² property | £2,250 |
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Additional Heat Recovery System Costs
Your total MVHR cost may include servicing, replacement filters, system rebalancing, delivery, and optional controls. Delivery and optional controls may be one-off installation extras, while servicing and replacement filters are ongoing costs. Check which one-off extras are already included in your installation quote.
| Additional Cost | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Annual MVHR service | £100–£300 |
| Replacement filters | £15–£120 |
| System rebalancing | £150–£300 |
| Delivery | £50–£100 |
| Smart controls or HEPA filter upgrades | £150–£500 |
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MVHR Servicing Costs
An annual MVHR service typically costs between £100 and £300. A service may include inspecting and cleaning the unit, checking filters and airflow, and making system adjustments.
Filters normally need checking every 6 months, and filter replacement is usually required every 6 to 12 months, depending on the unit and indoor air quality. What a set costs depends on which unit you have: a standard filter pair sits at the bottom of the range in the table above, while the genuine multi-stage sets some models take sit at the top.
Reduced airflow, more condensation, unusual noise, dirty filters, or rising running costs can indicate that the system needs attention. Poor maintenance can also reduce indoor air quality and lead to higher repair costs.
Other Potential Costs
Some installations may require ductwork preparation, electrical upgrades, or structural modifications. These costs depend on the property, so ask the installer to identify them separately in the quote.
Factors That Impact Heat Recovery System Installation Costs
Unit Design
The heat recovery ventilation system you choose will influence the cost. Counterflow units are common in homes and cost between £1,000 and £4,200. Basic models have four inlet/outlet points and provide fans, a heat exchanger, filters, and controls, while higher-priced units may add summer bypass, frost protection, Wi-Fi operation, or pre-heaters.
Accessibility
Difficult access increases the installation time and labour cost. New builds allow the unit and ducting routes to be planned before the interior is finished. A retrofit may require the installer to work around joists, pipework, wiring, and limited void space.
Extra bends and joints can also restrict airflow, increase noise, and raise running costs, so the cheapest ducting route is not always the best long-term option.
Property Dimensions
Property dimensions affect MVHR installation costs because larger homes need a higher-capacity unit, more ducting, and more air valves. The number of rooms determines how many supply and extract points are required, and each plastic or metal valve typically costs between £5 and £10.
Property Location
Property location affects MVHR installation costs because labour and materials generally cost more in London and the South East than in other parts of the UK.
House Airtightness
An airtight home allows an MVHR system to recover heat more effectively.
Standard homes can still use MVHR, but improving insulation and reducing uncontrolled air leakage may add to the project cost.
Efficiency and Cleanliness
Duct length, diameter, surface, and bends affect airflow, noise, energy efficiency, and air quality. Better-quality ducting may cost more initially, but correcting an inefficient or difficult-to-clean layout later can be disruptive.
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Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Install a Heat Recovery System in the UK
Choose a reliable, local heating engineer and consider the following points during the hiring process:
- Have you checked their qualifications? While a specialist MVHR system installer can be difficult to find, when it comes to installing a heat recovery system also look for qualifications in plumbing, heating, and ventilation, and Competent Person Scheme membership.
- Have you received multiple quotes? Gather at least 3 quotes from different contractors using MyJobQuote. This isn't only to compare prices but also to help find the right person for the job.
- Have you asked for an itemised breakdown? By receiving a detailed quote in writing, and further confirmation when hiring someone, you can avoid discussions on what is and isn't included, eliminating any hidden costs involved without prior knowledge.
- Do they have examples of similar jobs? See if they've completed similar jobs to your requirements previously and ask to see photos or a portfolio of their most recent work.
- Do they have positive reviews? Make sure to read past reviews for the contractor to get an idea of their work ethic and quality. Search online and their MyJobQuote profile for testimonials and customer feedback.
FAQs
Can I Install a Heat Recovery System Myself?
No, a professional installation is best unless you have suitable MVHR experience and qualifications. The wrong unit size, incompatible components, or poorly routed ducting can cause damp, poor air quality, noise, and inefficient airflow. The system must also be tested, commissioned, and certified correctly.
Do I Need Building Regulations Approval for an MVHR System?
Yes, the installation must comply with the ventilation requirements that apply to the work, including Part F in England. A registered competent person can self-certify qualifying work, or a building control body can certify it. Ask whether certification or building control fees are included in the quote, as charges vary. Planning permission is not normally required for internal work, but check with the local planning authority if external vents affect a listed building or a property in a designated area.
Does a Heat Recovery System Save You Money?
A heat recovery system can retrieve between 70% and 90% of the generally wasted heat, and cut your heating needs by 20% to 30%. Your initial investment may be repaid in 7 to 10 years.
Do Heat Recovery Systems Stay on All the Time?
Your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) and energy recovery ventilator (ERV) should run continuously to ensure that your home is well-ventilated and sustains good air quality. Many HRV fans can operate at low, medium, or high speeds depending on the ventilation requirements.
How Long Does an MVHR System Last?
The average lifespan for a domestic MVHR system is from 15 to 20 years or more, or even longer providing it is serviced annually and the initial MVHR installation was carried out correctly. Your MVHR unit should then run efficiently, providing good indoor air quality while saving money on your energy bills.
How Much Does an MVHR System Cost to Have Removed?
Although an MVHR system has a positive impact on energy efficiency and indoor air quality, there are still times you may wish to have it removed. Maybe to upgrade or even replace the system altogether, in which case removal costs can vary, so while it's best to get a quote in advance you can also estimate a daily labour cost of around £150 to £250 per day for a general labourer, plus skip hire fees.
