Fresh filtered air
Supplies clean air to living spaces while extracting stale air from wet rooms.
Sustainable comfort. Greener futures.
MVHR Systems
Fresh filtered air, reduced ventilation heat loss and healthier indoor comfort for well-insulated homes and renewable heating projects.
Supply rooms, extract rooms, duct routes, unit sizing and commissioning planned together.
MCS Certified
Quality. Safety. Trust.
RECC Member
Consumer protection you can trust
Manufacturer Training
Expertise you can rely on
Open System Design
Flexible, efficient, future ready
Support & Maintenance
Here when you need us
Why MVHR matters in efficient homes.
Good ventilation design is about fresh air, heat recovery, quiet airflow and correct commissioning.
AquaTherma plans MVHR as part of the wider low-carbon home: unit location, duct routes, supply rooms, extract rooms, controls and maintenance access considered together.
Reduced heat loss
Recovers warmth from extracted air before it leaves the property.
Ideal for airtight homes
Works best in well-insulated, low-energy homes and new build projects.
Balanced ventilation
Designed, installed and commissioned around correct airflow rates.
How MVHR works
Two air streams, one heat recovery core.
MVHR keeps fresh and stale air separate. The outgoing air gives up useful warmth through the heat exchanger before it leaves the building.
Fresh air path
Fresh air in
Outside air is drawn into the MVHR unit and filtered.
Filter
Filters help reduce dust, pollen and outdoor particles.
Heat exchanger
Warmth transfers without mixing stale and fresh air streams.
Warm fresh air to rooms
Clean air is supplied to bedrooms and living spaces.
Extract air path
Stale air from wet rooms
Extract air is removed from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
Heat recovered
Useful warmth is passed into the incoming fresh air stream.
Exhaust air out
Used air leaves the property after heat has been recovered.
Fresh air, lower ventilation heat loss and quieter comfort.
Where MVHR works best
MVHR is powerful when the property and design conditions are right. The layout matters as much as the unit.
The right answer depends on airtightness, insulation, room layout, ceiling voids, duct routes, commissioning and maintenance access.
Best for
Projects where airtightness and insulation make controlled ventilation valuable.
- New builds
- Airtight homes
- Major renovations
Needs careful design
The unit, ductwork and ceiling voids need to be planned before installation.
- Duct routes
- Plant space
- Airflow rates
AquaTherma checks
A practical review of the layout, unit sizing, controls and maintenance access.
- Supply and extract rooms
- Unit sizing
- Commissioning access
Designed, installed, commissioned
Four parts of a balanced MVHR design.
A good MVHR system is not just a unit in a loft. The supply rooms, extract rooms, heat recovery core and commissioning all have to work together.
1
Supply air
Fresh filtered air into bedrooms and living spaces.
2
Extract air
Stale air removed from kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
3
Heat recovery
Warmth transferred without mixing the air streams.
4
Commissioning
Airflow balanced room by room for performance.
MVHR questions
Answers to the practical questions around airflow, filters, noise, duct routes and suitability.
Planning an airtight home or major renovation?
Send us the layout, project stage or questions and we will advise the best MVHR design route.
Discuss MVHR detailsWhat is MVHR?+
MVHR stands for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. It extracts stale air from wet rooms, brings in fresh filtered air and transfers useful heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air stream.
Is MVHR suitable for existing homes?+
Sometimes, but it is usually strongest in new builds, airtight homes and major renovations where duct routes, voids and plant space can be planned properly.
Does MVHR work with heat pumps?+
Yes. MVHR can support an efficient low-carbon home by reducing ventilation heat loss, while the heat pump, UFH, hot water and controls are designed separately around demand.
Does MVHR cool the house?+
MVHR is not air conditioning. Some systems include summer bypass functions, but the main purpose is balanced ventilation, filtration and heat recovery.
How often do filters need changing?+
Filter intervals depend on the unit, usage and local conditions. Many systems need checking every few months and replacement as part of regular maintenance.
Is MVHR noisy?+
A well-designed, correctly commissioned system should run quietly. Noise issues usually come from poor duct design, incorrect fan settings, poor mounting or inadequate commissioning.
Which rooms need supply and extract vents?+
Fresh air is normally supplied to living rooms and bedrooms, while extract is normally taken from kitchens, bathrooms, en-suites and utility spaces.
Do you design the duct layout?+
Yes. AquaTherma can review the layout, supply and extract rooms, duct routes, unit position, airflow rates, controls and maintenance access.
Related ventilation and low-temperature services
Useful next pages for turning MVHR into part of a complete, efficient home strategy.
System Design and Specification
Clear, practical system design for heat pumps, UFH, MVHR, controls and open-system performance.
Explore service
Air Source Heat Pumps
Compact, efficient renewable heating for homes and projects where low temperature design is handled properly.
Explore service
Underfloor Heating (UFH)
Comfortable, efficient UFH design and supply for private clients, housebuilders and heating engineers.
Explore serviceReady to plan balanced ventilation?
Share your layout, plans, airtightness target or project stage and AquaTherma will advise the right MVHR route.