Investing in a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) system is a smart way to improve your home’s indoor air quality, reduce energy bills, and comply with building regulations. But with so many options on the market, from compact MVHR units for flats to large whole-house systems, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
At The Air Shop, we help homeowners and professionals choose the right unit for their property.
Here are five key things to consider before buying a heat recovery ventilation system.
1. The Size and Layout of Your Property
Not all MVHR units are created equal and choosing one that’s too small or too large for your home can cause major problems. Undersized units won’t ventilate effectively, while oversized systems may cycle inefficiently and cost more to run.
Before you buy, consider:
- Total floor area in square metres
- Number of wet rooms (kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms)
- Whether the home is a new build or retrofit
- Ceiling height and available installation space
Top tip: For tight spaces, check out our range of compact MVHR units
2. Ventilation Performance & Efficiency
Each MVHR unit has a rated airflow capacity (typically in m³/h) and a heat recovery efficiency rating (usually between 85–95%).
Look out for:
- SFP (Specific Fan Power): Lower is better, it means your unit uses less power to move air.
- Heat recovery rate: A higher percentage = more warmth retained from outgoing air.
- Certified performance: Look for units approved by the Passive House Institute or tested to SAP Appendix Q standards.
3. Noise Levels
Nobody wants a loud ventilation unit humming away in the background, especially if it’s installed near bedrooms or living areas.
To avoid disruption:
- Check dB(A) ratings at different airflow settings
- Look for units with acoustic insulation and quiet fans
- Consider adding silencers or acoustic ducting if noise is a concern
4. Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Some units are easier to install and service than others, especially important if you're retrofitting in a finished home or don’t have much ceiling void.
Before purchasing, ask:
- Is the unit left-hand or right-hand configuration?
- Can it be controlled via app or LCD touchscreen panel?
We stock a wide range of installer-friendly MVHR systems with smart design features - If you have any questions subit your request on our contact form
5. Brand Reputation and Support
A ventilation system is a long-term investment, so it's wise to buy from a reputable brand with good aftercare, warranty coverage, and spare parts availability.
At The Air Shop, we only stock units and filters from trusted manufacturers like:
- Vent-Axia
- Nuaire
- Airflow
- Domus
Need help choosing a system? Our team can walk you through specifications, design layouts and compatibility contact us here.
Ready to Buy?
Explore our full range of Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems or use our Product Finder Tool to get matched with a unit based on your home’s needs.
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