What Makes a Good MVHR Installer? Qualifications, Experience and What to Ask

Why MVHR Installation Quality Directly Impacts Performance

As Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) becomes a key feature in modern, energy-efficient UK homes, many homeowners and developers are beginning to understand that the success of a system isn’t just about the unit itself—it’s about how well it’s installed.

Poor MVHR installation can lead to noise, airflow imbalances, condensation issues, and non-compliance with UK Building Regulations. In contrast, a professionally designed and installed system delivers fresh, filtered air quietly and reliably while recovering heat and reducing energy bills.

In a growing market with varying levels of expertise, finding a qualified, experienced, and reliable MVHR installer is essential. This blog outlines what to look for when choosing an installer, what questions to ask, and how ClimateWorks ensures every installation meets regulatory standards, customer expectations, and long-term system performance.

Why Installation Matters More Than the Unit Itself

Even the most advanced MVHR system will underperform if installed poorly. Ducting layout, system balancing, and airflow accuracy are critical for:

• Meeting Part F ventilation requirements
• Ensuring quiet and consistent operation
• Preventing condensation, damp, or backflow
• Maintaining high heat recovery efficiency
• Achieving Building Control sign-off

Incorrect duct sizing or poor placement of supply and extract points can result in hot and cold spots, poor air distribution, and increased energy use.

This is why choosing the right installer is one of the most important decisions in your home ventilation project.

Essential Qualifications and Certifications

What to Check Before You Hire

A professional MVHR installer should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience with MVHR-specific systems, not just general ventilation
• Knowledge of Building Regulations Part F and L
• Accreditation with recognised bodies, such as:
  • BPEC (Building & Engineering Services Certification)
  • NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
  • REFCOM or F-Gas certification (if dealing with systems with refrigerants)
• Understanding of SAP and energy assessments
• Commissioning competency (ability to test and balance the system properly)

Key Questions to Ask an MVHR Installer

Before hiring an MVHR installer, get clarity by asking:

• How many MVHR installations have you completed?
• Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
• Are you qualified to commission the system to Part F standards?
• What type of ducting do you use, and why?
• Will the system be custom-designed for my home?
• Do you handle aftercare and servicing, or just installation?
• Will I receive a full commissioning report?

The right installer will not only welcome these questions but provide clear, specific answers.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Vague or generic answers about airflow rates or duct sizing
• Use of flexible ducting throughout (leads to noise and airflow issues)
• No plan for balancing the system or providing test results
• Lack of experience with residential MVHR installations
• Offering “off-the-shelf” solutions without property assessment

If the installer can’t show you how they meet the new 2022 ventilation regulations, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Case Study: Fixing a Faulty MVHR Install in Oxfordshire

In 2023, a homeowner in Didcot contacted ClimateWorks after their MVHR system, installed by a general builder, started causing problems:

• Bedrooms felt stuffy
• Condensation returned despite new double glazing
• The unit was noisy at night
• There was no documentation to show commissioning had been done

Our team carried out a full inspection and found:

• Ductwork undersized and kinked in multiple locations
• No balancing of airflow between rooms
• Supply grilles incorrectly positioned over doors
• Filters clogged due to lack of maintenance guidance

We redesigned and reinstalled the system using rigid ducting, adjusted grille placement, balanced the airflow, and recommissioned it. The homeowner saw immediate improvements in air quality and indoor comfort.

What a Professional MVHR Installation Looks Like

A high-quality installation should include:

• Detailed airflow calculations based on floor area and room usage
• Custom ductwork routing that considers aesthetics, noise, and maintenance access
• Use of rigid or semi-rigid ducting for minimal resistance and quiet operation
• Noise attenuation measures such as silencers or insulated ducting
• Accessible filters for ongoing user maintenance
• A full commissioning report, showing:
  • Airflow rates per room
  • System balancing data
  • Filter specifications
  • Installer credentials and contact info

ClimateWorks provides all of the above on every residential or commercial MVHR job.

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