The Benefits of MVHR Systems for Homes & Businesses
In today’s world of rising energy costs and increasing concern over indoor air quality, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems have gained huge popularity across both residential and commercial properties. From newly built homes in Kent to renovated office spaces in London, MVHR offers a balanced ventilation solution that’s energy efficient and promotes healthier living and working environments.
What Is an MVHR System?
An MVHR system works by extracting stale air from inside the property — typically from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms — and simultaneously drawing in fresh outdoor air. The heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air via a heat exchanger, without mixing the two streams. The result is a constant flow of fresh, filtered air that’s been pre-warmed using energy already in your home or business.
Top Benefits of MVHR Systems
- Energy Efficiency: MVHR units can recover up to 90–95% of the heat from extracted air, significantly lowering heating bills in colder months. This makes them particularly valuable in the UK climate, where heating demand is high for much of the year.
- Healthier Indoor Air Quality: With a constant stream of filtered fresh air, MVHR systems reduce humidity, mould growth, and indoor pollutants such as VOCs, pollen and dust — ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers.
- Comfort & Consistency: Unlike traditional ventilation, MVHR maintains consistent temperatures across rooms. No more cold draughts or stuffy air.
- Quiet Operation: Properly installed, these systems are nearly silent. They run continuously in the background without disturbance.
- Reduced Condensation: Extracting moist air from wet rooms prevents condensation and damp issues, especially useful in well-insulated, airtight homes or offices.
Comparison: MVHR vs Traditional Ventilation & HVAC
When considering an MVHR system, it helps to understand how it compares to other options such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) or traditional methods like trickle vents and extractor fans.
| Feature | MVHR | Traditional Ventilation | HVAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Recovery | ✔ Up to 95% | ✘ No recovery – heat lost | ✔ But less efficient for ventilation only |
| Air Filtration | ✔ Included as standard | ✘ Minimal or none | ✔ Often includes filters |
| Energy Efficiency | ✔ High | ✘ Low – heat escapes | ➖ Medium – depends on use |
| Cost to Run | ✔ Low electricity use | ✔ Low, but energy waste from heating | ✘ Higher – powered fans, AC |
| Comfort & Consistency | ✔ Balanced airflow, quiet | ✘ Can be draughty or noisy | ✔ Good, but at a higher running cost |
As you can see, MVHR is unmatched in energy efficiency when it comes to ventilation. While HVAC systems can also filter and move air, they are typically more costly to install and run, especially if your goal is primarily ventilation with energy savings.
Real-World Example: A Family Home in Cambridgeshire
Let’s take a look at how MVHR transformed life for the Wilson family, who recently renovated their 4-bedroom home in Cambridgeshire.
The family had just completed a major retrofit with added insulation, double glazing, and underfloor heating. However, after sealing the home more tightly, they began to notice stale air and condensation forming on upstairs windows — especially during colder months.
After consulting with our MVHR installation team, we installed a centralised MVHR unit in their loft, with ducts running discreetly to each room. Within weeks, the change was dramatic:
- Condensation disappeared from the windows, even in the bathrooms.
- The house felt fresher and more comfortable throughout the day, with no hot or cold spots.
- Energy bills dropped by 20% in the first winter, as less heating was needed to keep the home warm.
- Mrs Wilson, who has mild asthma, reported fewer flare-ups — particularly during spring allergy season.
This case highlights how MVHR can be a game changer when paired with insulation and airtightness upgrades. It’s not just for flashy new builds — it’s equally valuable in family homes looking to improve comfort and health.
Is MVHR Right for Your Home or Business?
If your property is well insulated or you’re planning a retrofit, MVHR can be a smart addition — improving air quality while slashing energy waste. For businesses, especially those in customer-facing environments (e.g. cafés, offices, clinics), it offers a quiet and clean indoor experience that meets growing expectations for air hygiene.
In busy cities like London or areas with fluctuating air quality like Kent, MVHR’s built-in filtration is a major plus. If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, our team at Asavent is happy to offer guidance or a free site assessment.
Need Installation or Maintenance?
We specialise in full MVHR installation for homes and businesses across London, Kent and Cambridgeshire. If you already have a system in place, we also offer comprehensive MVHR servicing and maintenance plans to keep everything running smoothly.
Reach out to us anytime for a consultation. We make MVHR simple, affordable, and tailored to your property’s unique needs.
