Changing the Way We Ventilate Modern Homes
As homes in the UK, particularly in growing towns like Basingstoke, become more energy-efficient and airtight, traditional ventilation methods are being challenged. For decades, extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens were seen as enough to remove stale air and prevent condensation. But new standards in building performance and homeowner expectations have sparked a shift.
Increasingly, new builds and renovated properties are opting for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) instead of relying solely on individual extractor fans. The reason? MVHR provides continuous, balanced ventilation while recovering heat—something traditional extract systems can’t match.
If you’re planning a new build or major renovation project, this blog explains the key differences between MVHR and extractor fans, and why MVHR is the smarter choice for long-term indoor air quality, comfort, and energy performance.
How Extractor Fans Work (And Where They Fall Short)
Extractor fans are installed in “wet” rooms—bathrooms, kitchens, and utility areas—to remove moisture and odours. They activate manually or with a sensor and expel air through ductwork to the outside.
Limitations of Extractor Fans:
- Only ventilate rooms where they’re installed
- Rely on natural air to replace extracted air (often through trickle vents)
- Can cause drafts, especially in winter
- Offer no heat recovery—warm air is simply lost
- Often noisy and left turned off
- Tend to become clogged or underused over time
Extractor fans are a reactive, localised solution—not whole-house ventilation. In modern airtight homes, this often results in poor air circulation, moisture build-up, and inconsistent performance.
What Is MVHR and How Does It Work?
MVHR systems provide whole-house ventilation by continuously extracting stale air from bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, while simultaneously supplying filtered fresh air to living rooms and bedrooms. A central heat exchanger recovers warmth from the outgoing air and uses it to preheat the incoming air.
The result is a consistent, balanced supply of clean, tempered air—without losing heat or relying on window ventilation.
Why MVHR Is Superior for Indoor Air Quality
1. Continuous Ventilation
Extractor fans only work when turned on. MVHR runs 24/7, maintaining a consistent exchange of air and preventing moisture build-up.
2. Whole-House Coverage
While extractors only work in individual rooms, MVHR systems are ducted to every key area in the home—ensuring full coverage.
3. Heat Recovery
Rather than wasting heated air, MVHR retains 70–90% of heat from extracted air, reducing heating costs.
4. Air Filtration
MVHR systems filter incoming air, removing pollen, pollutants, and external odours—a key advantage for allergy sufferers.
5. Quiet and Discreet
MVHR units are typically housed in a loft or cupboard, with silent diffusers delivering air throughout the home. No noisy fans interrupting daily life.
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Case Study: MVHR Installation in a New Build, Old Basing
A local developer building five modern detached homes in Old Basing approached ClimateWorks for a smarter alternative to traditional fans and trickle vents.
Project Goals:
- Achieve Part F compliance
- Avoid window trickle vents for aesthetic and insulation reasons
- Improve energy performance and comfort
- Deliver premium specification homes for buyers
What We Delivered:
- Designed and installed MVHR systems in all five properties
- Centralised units installed in lofts, fully ducted to all wet and habitable rooms
- Delivered 90% heat recovery efficiency
- Quiet operation with fully balanced airflow
- Certification and commissioning reports for Building Control
Buyers have reported improved air quality, comfortable indoor temperatures, and no condensation—despite airtight construction.
Side-by-Side Comparison: MVHR vs Extractor Fans
Air Coverage
- MVHR: Whole-house
- Extractor Fans: Only in selected rooms
Heat Recovery
- MVHR: Yes (up to 90%)
- Extractor Fans: No
Filtration
- MVHR: Filters incoming air
- Extractor Fans: No filtration
Energy Savings
- MVHR: Lower heating costs due to retained warmth
- Extractor Fans: Heat lost with every air change
Noise
- MVHR: Quiet, centralised
- Extractor Fans: Can be noisy, especially in bathrooms
User Control
- MVHR: Automatic and consistent
- Extractor Fans: Manual or sensor-activated, often left off
Suitability for Airtight Homes
- MVHR: Designed for high-performance homes
- Extractor Fans: Often inadequate in airtight buildings
When to Choose MVHR Over Extractor Fans
- You’re building a new home or carrying out a major renovation
- Your property is highly insulated or airtight
- You want to avoid trickle vents in windows
- You have family members with allergies or asthma
- You value long-term energy savings
- You want better control over air quality and comfort
Bullet Point Summary – MVHR Benefits Over Extractor Fans
- Whole-house balanced ventilation
- High heat recovery rates (70–90%)
- Filtration of dust, pollen, and pollution
- Quiet, automatic operation
- Reduces condensation and mould risk
- Increases SAP scores and improves EPC ratings
- Compliant with new building regulations
Why Basingstoke Developers and Homeowners Choose ClimateWorks
As a trusted MVHR installation provider in Basingstoke, ClimateWorks offers:
- Full system design and planning for new builds
- SAP and EPC support
- Professional installation by qualified engineers
- Commissioning and certification to meet Part F requirements
- Ongoing support and filter replacement plans
Get Expert Advice on MVHR Today
If you’re building or remodelling and want to install a system that improves air quality, saves energy, and keeps your home comfortable all year, MVHR is the answer.
Start with a free design consultation:
👉 https://www.climateworks.co.uk/heat-recovery
Author Bio
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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