MVHR vs Extract Fans — Ventilation Compared
Compare mechanical ventilation with heat recovery against traditional extract fans for UK homes, covering cost, energy efficiency and Part F compliance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MVHR | Extract Fans |
|---|---|---|
| Installation cost | £3,000-5,000 | £200-500 |
| Heat recovery | 85-95% | None |
| Running cost (electric) | £30-60/year | £15-30/year |
| Heating saving | £200-400/year | None |
| Installation complexity | High — full ductwork required | Low — core through wall |
| Filtration | Filters pollen, dust, PM2.5 | No incoming air filtration |
| Ideal airtightness | Below 3 m³/h/m² at 50 Pa | Any building |
| Part F system | System 4 | System 1 or 3 |
When to Choose MVHR
- New-build homes designed to be airtight (below 3 m³/h/m²)
- Passivhaus or near-Passivhaus projects
- Deep retrofit with new airtightness layer
- Allergy sufferers who benefit from filtered incoming air
- Properties in areas with poor outdoor air quality
When Extract Fans Are Better
- Existing homes without major airtightness improvements
- Budget-constrained projects where heating savings will not repay the investment
- Small extensions, conversions or single-room additions
- Properties where ductwork routing is impractical
Related Calculators
Use the Ventilation Rate Calculator for Part F flow rates, or the Extract Fan Sizing Calculator to size individual fans.
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: April 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.