As more people in the UK choose to live in apartments and flats, especially in urban areas, the need for proper ventilation in these modern, airtight spaces has become essential. New apartments are built to high insulation standards to reduce energy consumption and comply with regulations. But airtight homes need a mechanical way to ensure fresh air — and this is where Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) comes in.
MVHR systems are now a practical and effective solution for flats, offering fresh, filtered air without opening windows and without wasting heat. Yet, many people wonder how feasible MVHR is in smaller, multi-occupancy buildings and what installation involves.
This guide will explain how MVHR works in apartments and flats, the benefits it brings, how to plan an installation, and what to consider if you live in a high-rise or multi-unit building.
For full installation options and advice, visit our Heat Recovery page.
Why Flats and Apartments Need MVHR
1. Airtight Buildings Create Air Quality Problems
Most new apartments are built to modern airtightness standards to conserve heat and reduce energy bills. While this prevents heat loss, it also traps stale air, humidity, and pollutants.
Common issues include:
- Condensation on windows.
- Mould growth in bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Poor air quality that can lead to asthma and other respiratory issues.
MVHR solves this problem by providing continuous, balanced ventilation, removing stale air and moisture while bringing in fresh, filtered air.
2. Meeting UK Regulations (Part F and Part L)
- Part F of the Building Regulations requires all dwellings, including flats, to have adequate ventilation for air quality.
- Part L requires energy conservation — meaning ventilation should avoid wasting heat.
MVHR is one of the only solutions that satisfies both, as it:
- Extracts stale air continuously.
- Supplies filtered fresh air without energy loss.
- Recovers up to 90% of the heat from outgoing air.
How MVHR Systems Work in Apartments and Flats
The MVHR Process in Compact Spaces
- Extract stale, humid air from kitchens and bathrooms.
- Bring in fresh air from outside, filtering out dust, pollen, and pollutants.
- Pass both airstreams through a heat exchanger, transferring warmth to the incoming air.
- Distribute pre-warmed, filtered air to living rooms and bedrooms.
All of this happens quietly and continuously, maintaining air quality and comfort in compact living spaces.
Key Benefits of MVHR in Flats and Apartments
1. Improved Indoor Air Quality
✔ Removes humidity and pollutants before they cause condensation or mould.
✔ Filters out external pollution, ideal for city flats near busy roads.
✔ Supplies fresh air without needing to open windows, improving security and reducing noise.
2. Lower Heating Bills
✔ Recovers heat from outgoing air to warm incoming fresh air.
✔ Reduces reliance on heaters and radiators — ideal for apartments that get cold easily.
3. Quiet, Unobtrusive Ventilation
✔ Modern MVHR units are designed for quiet operation, making them perfect for small spaces.
✔ Can be installed in cupboards, utility rooms, or loft spaces if available.
4. Regulation Compliance and Energy Savings
✔ Meets both Part F and Part L requirements in a single system.
✔ Helps future-proof flats against tightening energy standards.
Is MVHR Suitable for All Flats and Apartments?
Best Scenarios for MVHR Installation
✔ New-build apartments where ducting and unit placement can be planned from the start.
✔ Loft apartments with sufficient space for ductwork.
✔ Renovated flats where airtight windows and insulation have been added.
Challenging Scenarios and Solutions
- Small apartments with limited space may require compact MVHR units designed specifically for tight areas.
- Retrofits in older blocks may require creative duct routing, but flat-specific solutions are available.
- Apartments in multi-storey buildings need to consider noise control and fire-rated ductwork, both of which are available through specialised systems.
Planning and Designing MVHR for Flats and Apartments
1. Assessing the Space and Needs
✔ A site survey is essential to assess:
- Room sizes and layouts.
- Moisture sources (kitchens, bathrooms).
- Available space for unit and ducts.
2. Ducting Design for Small Spaces
✔ Ducting should:
- Be as short and straight as possible to reduce noise and resistance.
- Fit within ceiling voids, boxed sections, or utility cupboards.
- Use acoustic insulation if noise is a concern.
3. Unit Selection
✔ Choose compact, low-profile units suitable for apartments.
✔ Look for models designed for low-noise residential use.
The MVHR Installation Process for Apartments
1. Initial Survey and System Design
✔ Survey to assess airflow needs, space, and installation options.
✔ Custom system designed for room layouts and lifestyle requirements.
2. Installation
✔ Professional engineers install the MVHR unit, valves, and ductwork.
✔ Systems designed to maximise performance with minimal impact on living space.
3. Commissioning and Testing
✔ Airflow balanced and adjusted for each room.
✔ System tested for quiet operation and energy recovery.
✔ Homeowner instructed on filter changes and system use.
Cost of MVHR Systems for Apartments and Flats
Typical Pricing
✔ Small apartments: £4,000 – £7,000.
✔ Larger flats or duplexes: £7,500 – £12,000.
Final costs depend on:
- Flat size and number of rooms.
- Duct complexity and routing challenges.
- Type of MVHR unit and filter grade.
Common Questions About MVHR in Flats
1. Can I Install MVHR in a Rented Flat?
Generally no, unless permitted by the landlord or as part of a larger retrofit.
2. Is MVHR Noisy in Apartments?
Modern units are designed for low-noise use, and with proper installation, they are virtually silent in living areas.
3. Do I Still Need to Open Windows?
No — MVHR provides continuous filtered fresh air, eliminating the need to open windows for ventilation.
4. Is MVHR Worth It for a Small Flat?
Yes, particularly if the flat is airtight, prone to condensation, or located in a polluted area.
Maintaining MVHR Systems in Apartments
- Filter changes every 6 to 12 months.
- Annual inspection to check fans, ducts, and heat exchanger.
- Occasional professional servicing to ensure ongoing performance and compliance.
Why Choose ClimateWorks for Apartment MVHR Systems?
✔ Specialists in compact, low-profile MVHR systems for flats and apartments.
✔ Fully compliant with Part F and Part L of UK Building Regulations.
✔ Experienced in working within tight spaces and urban homes.
✔ Quiet, energy-saving designs tailored for residential use.
✔ Full maintenance and aftercare services to ensure long-term value.
Find out more at 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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