Why More Homeowners Are Installing MVHR in High-End Renovations and Extensions

Homeowners in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey are increasingly demanding better air quality, lower energy bills and discreet comfort systems in their upgraded homes. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is becoming the ventilation system of choice for high-spec renovations, extensions and retrofits.

Whether you're working with a listed cottage in Petersfield or a modern extension in Reading, MVHR helps you deliver a cleaner, quieter and more comfortable living space. This blog explains why MVHR is now central to premium home upgrades and what you should consider when specifying it.

What is MVHR and why homeowners want it

MVHR is a whole-house ventilation system that:

• Supplies fresh, filtered air to living spaces
• Extracts stale air from kitchens, bathrooms and utilities
• Recovers heat from the outgoing air and transfers it to incoming air
• Balances air pressure and moisture levels in each room

Unlike trickle vents or fans, MVHR works continuously and silently. It keeps air fresh year-round without opening windows. For homeowners in Winchester, Guildford and Newbury, this means:

• No traffic noise from open windows
• No pollen or pollution in bedrooms
• Stable temperatures during winter
• Cleaner surfaces with less dust buildup

Why MVHR is popular in high-end projects

Homeowners undertaking significant work now expect more from their ventilation system. Many are asking for:

• Quiet, invisible airflow
• Consistent indoor comfort
• Mould and condensation prevention
• Energy savings through reduced heat loss
• A system that works with their airtight home envelope

On a detached property in Alton renovated in January 2024, the owners chose MVHR to replace their noisy extractor fans. The new system improved air quality and reduced window condensation throughout the winter.

Real project examples

Winchester townhouse retrofit (Completed February 2024)

This four-storey period home was fully renovated with internal insulation and new glazing. MVHR provided central ventilation without affecting the façade or requiring window vents. The owners reported a significant improvement in sleep and reduced allergy symptoms.

Woking single-storey extension (Autumn 2023)

An open-plan kitchen and dining space was added to the rear of a 1960s home. MVHR was used to manage cooking smells and indoor humidity without relying on noisy extractor fans. Discreet linear grilles were matched to the ceiling design.

Reading barn conversion (Spring 2024)

The developer needed a high-performance solution for an airtight, timber-framed home. ClimateWorks installed MVHR with boost settings linked to humidity sensors. The home passed SAP checks with ease and was praised by the homeowner for its silent operation.

Homeowner endorsements

“We didn’t want to open windows all the time, especially at night. MVHR was the perfect solution.”
Owner, Winchester (2024)

“The grilles are invisible and the air always feels fresh. We barely notice it’s on.”
Couple, Woking (2023)

What to consider when planning MVHR in homes

For successful results:

• Engage your MVHR provider before insulation or airtightness works begin
• Plan for duct routes that avoid beams and ceiling void clashes
• Use acoustic ducting and silencers to eliminate room-to-room noise
• Select discreet grille types and match finishes to ceiling or wall colours
• Include commissioning to ensure each room receives the correct airflow

On a Petersfield home upgraded in December 2023, careful duct routing during first fix helped the installers avoid post-plasterboard access issues.

Compliance and performance standards

MVHR systems must meet:

• Building Regulations Part F for airflow rates
• SAP 10 for energy modelling
• PAS 2035 for retrofit ventilation strategy

These standards ensure the system is compliant, efficient and safe.

Why ClimateWorks is trusted by premium residential clients

We support homeowners, builders and architects across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire by:

• Providing early design support and layout drawings
• Supplying low-profile systems suitable for retrofits
• Offering quiet, high-performance units with filtered air delivery
• Handling installation, commissioning and handover
• Supporting maintenance and servicing after completion

With us, your MVHR system adds value, comfort and quality to any high-end home upgrade.

About the author

Dr. Julian Carter
Thermal Systems Expert and Technical Advisor at ClimateWorks

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). 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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