Many UK homeowners looking to improve their home’s ventilation, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality wonder: Can MVHR be retrofitted into an existing home? The short answer is yes—but proper planning is essential.
Many UK homeowners looking to improve their home’s ventilation, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality wonder: Can MVHR be retrofitted into an existing home? The short answer is yes—but proper planning is essential.
While MVHR is commonly installed in new builds, existing homes can also benefit from heat recovery ventilation with the right approach. This guide explains the challenges, solutions, and benefits of retrofitting MVHR systems into older properties.
With the UK’s shift towards airtight homes and stricter energy efficiency regulations, proper ventilation has become a critical concern. Older homes often suffer from:
Installing an MVHR system in an existing home can solve these problems while reducing overall energy consumption.
A homeowner in Basingstoke wanted to improve ventilation in their Victorian property without sacrificing warmth. After retrofitting a decentralised MVHR system, they experienced:
This shows that even older homes can benefit from heat recovery ventilation when installed correctly.
While retrofit installation costs range from £3,500 to £8,000, homeowners save £250–£500 per year on heating bills, making MVHR a cost-effective long-term investment.
Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These collaborations addressed energy efficiency, sustainable refrigerants, and advanced cooling technologies. Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.
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