As we wrap up the year ready for a well-earned Christmas break, it’s clear to us that MVHR has been the trending solution that has defined 2025.

As we head into the thick of Winter, it gives us a clear reminder of just how important good ventilation is inside UK homes. This month, we’re diving deeper into MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) and discussing why it’s becoming the preferred option for modern building standards.

 

What is MVHR?

Firstly, where have you been?! 😆

Let’s break it down…

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat recovery is a whole-house ventilation solution that both supplies and extracts a continuous and balanced flow of air. Typically, there is filtered supply air being introduced into the habitable rooms (e.g. bedrooms, living spaces etc) and extraction from the ‘wet’ rooms (bathrooms, utility, WC etc).

What sets MVHR apart from other solutions is; by using the internal heat exchanger core, it has the ability to recover a large proportion of the heat (90% +) from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming filtered air. This improves energy efficiency, whilst at the same time maintains a comfortable living environment and protects the structural integrity of the building. There is no need for window trickle vents or independent extract fans, the whole house breathing is done via this one very clever centrally located box.

As UK homes are being built more airtight, with increased insulation levels, MVHR is becoming an effective and preferred way to maintain good air quality, manage moisture and humidity, and support compliance with Building Regulations.

Why is MVHR gaining momentum?

MVHR is fast becoming the gold standard for modern homes, helping home owners, builders, specifiers and developers meet the latest Building Regulations for ventilation, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), energy efficiency, and overheating.

Reducing heat loss is more important than ever and in the age of rising energy costs, heat recovery is becoming a key consideration.

Where is MVHR best suited?

Thanks to the wide range of sizes and configurations available, MVHR has become increasingly suited to a wide range of modern-day properties, both new build and retrofits. With compact models designed for flats and small apartments and larger higher capacity units designed for bigger homes, it’s becoming easier to match a system to the needs of a space.

Looking ahead…

As 2026 approaches, whole-house ventilation is expected to appear in more specifications, prioritising long-term energy efficiency, comfort, and air quality.

With continued regulation changes and growing awareness around indoor air quality, MVHR is shaping up to be one of the most influential tools in domestic ventilation. Our mission is to ensure wholesalers, installers, and specifiers have the insight they need to understand where MVHR fits and why demand is rising.

The HAVA range

For those exploring MVHR options, our HAVA range has been developed to make whole-house ventilation accessible across a variety of property types. With six models and a focus on performance, efficiency, and compliance, it offers a straightforward way for installers and wholesalers to meet the growing demand for modern, balanced ventilation. If you’d like to learn more, the Elta Trade team is always here to help.

We’ll be back in January to talk all things condensation, and how you can be preventing the cause, instead of just tackling the symptoms…