PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 32 Ventilation & Heat Recovery


Six benefi ts of MVHR systems in homes


With tighter Part F requirements and increasingly airtight homes, MVHR is becoming a practical route to compliance and performance. Here, Paul Williams from Domus Ventilation examines the key technical, energy and commercial benefi ts for modern residential developments.


environment. As our awareness of indoor air quality grows, and with it our understanding of the health risks posed by poor ventilation, it has never been more important to ensure that homes are not only adequately ventilated but well ventilated. Latest changes to Building


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Regulations Part F (Ventilation) have increased minimum airfl ow requirements by 46-48% across all property sizes. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how to meet compliance while also enhancing occupant comfort and energy performance. Among the available options, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) stands out as a complete solution that goes beyond compliance to deliver tangible, long-term benefi ts.


Modern homes The homes we build today are more airtight than ever before. This is essential for energy effi ciency and to meet sustainability targets, but it comes with a trade-off : without carefully designed ventilation, these homes can trap pollutants, humidity, and stale air inside. Opening windows can help, but this undermines energy effi ciency and is often impractical in winter or in areas


Paul Williams Product manager at Domus Ventilation


ll homes, old and new, need eff ective ventilation to maintain a healthy and comfortable living


with high external noise, pollution or safety concerns. This is where MVHR comes


into its own. By continuously supplying fresh, fi ltered air while recovering warmth from outgoing air, MVHR delivers both comfort and effi ciency without compromise. It is ideally suited to new builds, where ducting and system design can be integrated into the planning stage. Here we look at the six key benefi ts MVHR systems can bring to bear.


By continuously supplying fresh, filtered air while recovering warmth from outgoing air, MVHR delivers both comfort and efficiency without compromise


1. Superior indoor air quality The most immediate and visible benefi t of MVHR is healthier air. The system continuously extracts stale, moisture-laden air from kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms while simultaneously supplying fresh, fi ltered air into living spaces and bedrooms. Unlike extract-only solutions, MVHR provides balanced, whole-house ventilation that ensures every room benefi ts. By fi ltering incoming air,


MVHR helps reduce allergens, fi ne particles, and other airborne pollutants, making it particularly valuable in urban environments or for occupants with respiratory issues. The result is a healthier indoor environment – an increasingly important consideration for those interested in the impact of indoor air quality on wellbeing.


 HRXE-HERA is an MVHR


system that can recover up to 95% of normally wasted heat


to further minimise background noise.


4. Design Flexibility One misconception is that MVHR ducting requires excessive space. In reality, with proper planning at the design stage, duct runs can be accommodated without issue. Both traditional branch-based systems and radial semi-rigid ducting systems are available. Radial systems are particularly useful where space is tight, as they allow each room vent to be served by single or twin duct runs directly connected to the distribution system. Domus Ventilation also off ers


2. Energy effi ciency and heat recovery Energy effi ciency is a key driver in modern housing design, and MVHR is an important contributor. The technology captures waste heat from extracted air and transfers it to the incoming fresh air via a heat exchanger. In doing so, it signifi cantly reduces the demand on a home’s heating system. Modern systems such as


Domus Ventilation’s HRXE range are A+ energy rated, with exceptionally low Specifi c Fan Power (SFP) and high heat exchange effi ciency. They also provide intelligent control options, enabling performance to be optimised for each property type. In practice, this means MVHR can contribute to lowering overall carbon emissions from residential developments, aligning with the industry’s Net Zero ambitions.


3. Quiet comfort Noise is a common concern for residents, yet a properly designed and installed MVHR system is virtually silent in operation. Modern systems, including


those using the Domus HRXE range, can readily meet and improve upon the Approved Document F 30dB LAeq,T requirement for noise-sensitive rooms (e.g. bedrooms and living rooms). Additional options, such as


anti-vibration trays and inline sound attenuators, are available


Domus Thermal duct insulation, which ensures thermal performance is maintained when ducting passes through unheated areas such as lofts. This makes it straightforward to achieve regulatory compliance while optimising energy effi ciency. By engaging with developers


early in the design process, contractors can ensure smooth installation, reduce costs, and avoid the need for compromises later in the build.


5. Low maintenance, long lifespan Another key benefi t of MVHR that should be explained to customers is its low maintenance requirements as MVHR units typically only need their fi lters replaced once a year. In the case of Domus HRXE systems, this process is quick and user- friendly thanks to front-access fi lter panels designed with homeowners in mind.


6. Adding value to homes Buyers and tenants are increasingly seeking homes that are energy-effi cient, sustainable, and healthy to live in. A well- designed MVHR system ticks all of these boxes. If you work for developers then position MVHR systems as more than just a means of achieving compliance – it’s a feature that enhances a property’s marketability. This may not be something they have considered.


Conclusion As the building industry adapts to stricter regulations, tighter energy targets, and rising consumer expectations, MVHR off ers a powerful solution. It improves indoor air quality, reduces energy demand, operates quietly, and requires minimal maintenance – all while adding value for both developers and homeowners. For HVAC contractors,


 Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) continuously extracts stale air from wet rooms while supplying fresh, tempered air to living spaces, improving indoor air quality and energy effi ciency


embracing MVHR is an opportunity to deliver better living environments while meeting the challenges of tomorrow’s housing standards head on. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/53


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