What is included in MVHR installation cost?

Installation cost includes: MVHR unit (£1,500-£3,500), ductwork and fittings (£800-£2,000), labour for installation and commissioning (£1,500-£3,000), and electrical work (£200-£500). Quoted prices should include commissioning and handover.

Is MVHR more expensive in London?

Yes. Labour rates in London and Southeast England are 20-30% higher than the UK average. A 3-bed MVHR installation costs £5,000-£9,000 in London vs £4,000-£7,000 in the North or Midlands.

How Much Does MVHR Cost to Install in the UK?

Q: How much does MVHR cost to install in the UK?

MVHR installation costs £4,000-£8,000 for a typical 3-bed home in the UK. A 2-bed flat costs £3,000-£5,000, while a 5-bed house costs £8,000-£12,000. Cost depends on unit quality, ductwork complexity, and regional labour rates.

MVHR installation costs broken down by house size, unit quality, and region.

Last reviewed: 20 May 2026 | 3 min read | Verified against 3 sources

MVHR installation costs £4,000-£8,000 for a typical 3-bed home in the UK. Cost breaks down as: unit (£1,500-£3,500), ductwork and fittings (£800-£2,000), labour (£1,500-£3,000), and electrical work (£200-£500). London and Southeast England costs are 20-30% higher than national average. Running costs are £30-£50/year for electricity plus filter replacements (£40-£80/year).

Cost Breakdown

MVHR Unit

The heat recovery unit itself costs £1,500-£3,500 depending on capacity and efficiency. Budget units (80-85% heat recovery) cost £1,500-£2,000. High-efficiency units (90-95% recovery) cost £2,500-£3,500.¹

Higher-efficiency units cost more upfront but save on heating bills. The difference in running cost is approximately £50-£100/year for a typical 3-bed home.

Ductwork and Fittings

Rigid ductwork, grilles, diffusers, and fittings cost £800-£2,000 depending on house size and layout. Larger homes with complex layouts (more bends, longer duct runs) cost more.

Semi-rigid or flexible ductwork is cheaper (£500-£1,200) but reduces airflow efficiency and makes cleaning harder. Not recommended except where space is very tight.

Labour

Installation labour (ductwork, unit mounting, commissioning) costs £1,500-£3,000. This assumes ductwork is accessible (new build or major refurbishment where ceilings/floors are open). Retrofitting MVHR into a finished house costs significantly more because access is difficult.

Commissioning (balancing airflows to meet Part F requirements) is essential and should be included in quoted price. Poor commissioning means the system underperforms or causes draughts.²

Electrical Work

Connecting the MVHR unit to mains power and controls (humidistat, boost switches) costs £200-£500. More if the consumer unit needs upgrading or if wiring routes are difficult.

Costs by House Size

2-bed flat: £3,000-£5,000 (smaller unit, simpler ductwork)
3-bed semi/terrace: £4,000-£8,000 (typical installation)
4-bed detached: £6,000-£10,000 (larger unit, more ductwork)
5-bed house: £8,000-£12,000 (higher capacity unit, complex ductwork)

Regional Variations

Labour rates vary by region. London and Southeast England are 20-30% higher than the UK average. Scotland and the North are 10-15% lower.³

A 3-bed MVHR installation costs approximately:

London/Southeast: £5,000-£9,000
Southwest/East Anglia: £4,500-£7,500
Midlands/North/Wales: £4,000-£7,000
Scotland: £4,000-£6,500

Running Costs

MVHR units consume 30-60W when running continuously. Annual electricity cost is £30-£50. Filters need replacing every 6-12 months at £40-£80/year. Total running cost: £70-£130/year.

3-Bed Home Cost: £4,000-£8,000 installed
Unit Cost: £1,500-£3,500 (depends on efficiency)
Labour Cost: £1,500-£3,000 (inc. commissioning)
Annual Running Cost: £70-£130 (electricity + filters)

Sources

Energy Saving Trust, MVHR System Costs and Payback, 2025. energysavingtrust.org.uk (accessed 20 May 2026)
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide, 2022. cibse.org (accessed 20 May 2026)
HomeOwners Alliance, MVHR Installation Costs by Region, 2025. hoa.org.uk (accessed 20 May 2026)

Last reviewed: 20 May 2026 | Word count: 573 | Reading time: 3 minutes