Let’s be real—our homes weren’t built with the future in mind.
Energy efficiency? Air quality? Climate resilience? Most houses don’t tick these boxes.
But here’s the good news: retrofitting changes that. With the right upgrades, older homes can meet modern standards. And one of the smartest upgrades you can make? Installing Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
Why? Because as homes get more airtight, natural ventilation stops working. Without a proper system in place, you’re left with stale air, condensation issues, and poor indoor air quality.
If you’re serious about future-proofing your home, MVHR isn’t just an option—it’s essential. Let’s break it down.
Homes Are Getting Airtight—But That’s Not Always a Good Thing
If you’ve added insulation, upgraded windows, or improved your home’s airtightness, congratulations! You’ve taken a big step toward lower energy bills.
But here’s what no one tells you: the more airtight your home, the worse your ventilation gets.
Older homes were naturally leaky. Small gaps and cracks let fresh air in and stale air out. But once you seal those up? That airflow stops. And without ventilation, you’re left with:
- Stuffy, stale air that makes your home feel uncomfortable.
- Condensation problems that lead to mould growth.
- Higher CO₂ levels, which make you feel tired and sluggish.
The airtight home trend isn’t going away. If you’re planning a retrofit—or already living in a well-insulated house—you need to factor in ventilation.
Opening Windows? That’s Not a Reliable Solution
You might think, “I’ll just open my windows.” Sounds simple, right?
Not really.
Think about winter. You don’t want to lose all your heating by leaving windows open.
Summer? Hot air floods in, making your home unbearable.
And let’s not forget:
❌ Noise pollution from traffic and neighbours.
❌ Outdoor pollution—dust, pollen, and car fumes entering your home.
❌ Security risks—open windows are an invitation for burglars.
Bottom line? Relying on windows for ventilation isn’t practical. You need a system that works 24/7—without sacrificing comfort or security.
Why MVHR Is a Game-Changer for Retrofit Projects
So, what’s the solution? MVHR.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery continuously brings in fresh air while removing stale air—without wasting heat.
Here’s how it works:
- Stale, warm air is extracted from your kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces.
- Fresh, filtered air is supplied to bedrooms and living areas.
- A heat exchanger captures warmth from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming air.
The result?
- Fresh air all year round—without opening windows.
- Lower heating costs—because you’re not wasting heat.
- No condensation or mould—goodbye damp problems.
- Better air quality—filters out pollutants, allergens, and dust.
For retrofits, MVHR is a no-brainer. It’s the missing piece that makes airtight homes truly comfortable and healthy.
Is My Home Suitable for MVHR? (Spoiler: Probably, Yes!)
Worried that your home isn’t the right fit? Here’s the deal—MVHR can work in most retrofit projects, but there are a few key things to consider:
- Airtightness – If your home is still draughty, you’ll need some sealing work to make MVHR effective.
- Ducting Space – MVHR requires ducting, but don’t worry—it can be integrated into lofts, ceilings, or even floors.
- Installation Process – A professional installer will design a system that works with your home’s layout.
The bottom line? If you’re upgrading your home for energy efficiency, MVHR should be part of your plan.
Future-Proof Your Home with MVHR
Retrofitting is about making your home smarter, healthier, and more efficient. And when it comes to ventilation, natural airflow just doesn’t cut it anymore.
MVHR isn’t just a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity.
Want to know if MVHR is right for your home? Get in touch with our team and let’s future-proof your home together.