When you picture a brand-new home, you imagine warmth, comfort, and efficiency built into every wall.
But there’s one invisible factor that determines whether that home will truly deliver on those promises: ventilation.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is no longer a futuristic luxury.
For new-build home projects in the UK, it is becoming a practical necessity. Between tightening Building Regulations, the push for airtight construction, and the expectations of homeowners, MVHR is rapidly moving from optional extra to non-negotiable.
The Mandate for Better Ventilation: Building Regulations Part F
The UK’s Building Regulations Part F governs how fresh air must circulate in new homes. In the past, trickle vents and intermittent fans were seen as sufficient. But with stricter standards around energy efficiency and carbon reduction, homes are being built more airtight than ever before.
That airtightness, while excellent for energy bills, creates a problem: stale air and condensation. Without proper ventilation, residents face damp, mould, and poor indoor air quality—all of which can undermine health.
This is where MVHR fits perfectly. It provides continuous, controlled ventilation, meeting and often exceeding Part F requirements while also working in harmony with Part L (energy efficiency). For developers and homeowners alike, this means peace of mind.
MVHR and Airtightness: A Perfect Partnership
Modern homes are tested for airtightness before they can be signed off. A good airtightness result is vital for compliance and a strong SAP rating, but it also increases the risk of trapped pollutants and moisture if ventilation is not properly addressed.
MVHR solves this dilemma. It extracts stale, humid air from kitchens and bathrooms while supplying filtered fresh air to living spaces and bedrooms. Crucially, it does this while recovering up to 90% of the heat that would otherwise be wasted.
Think of it as the missing puzzle piece: airtight construction keeps energy in, MVHR ensures air quality is never sacrificed. Together, they deliver homes that are not only efficient but genuinely healthy to live in.
How MVHR Adds Value to Your New Home
Beyond compliance, MVHR enhances comfort and liveability in ways traditional ventilation simply cannot:
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Energy efficiency – Lower heating bills thanks to heat recovery, making homes cheaper to run.
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Health benefits – Cleaner, filtered air reduces allergens, pollutants, and excess humidity.
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Quiet comfort – No reliance on noisy extractor fans or draughty vents.
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Market appeal – Buyers are increasingly savvy about energy efficiency and wellbeing; MVHR adds a premium edge to any new-build project.
In an era where homeowners value both sustainability and quality of life, MVHR positions your property ahead of the curve.
Our Bespoke Design and Installation for New-Builds
Every home is different, which is why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all systems. Our design process begins with your floor plans and airtightness targets. From there, we create a tailored MVHR solution that works seamlessly with your build.
Our installation teams ensure systems are fitted with precision, tested, and commissioned in line with Building Regulations. The result? A home that not only meets compliance but exceeds expectations.
Thinking about a new-build project? Get a free MVHR design consultation today.
FAQs
Yes. By law, all new-build homes must include adequate ventilation under Building Regulations Part F. MVHR is one of the most effective ways to achieve this while maintaining energy efficiency.
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) measures the energy performance of a home. Because MVHR reduces heat loss while providing controlled ventilation, it can significantly improve a property’s SAP rating.
While technically possible, MVHR requires expert design and commissioning to work properly. Poorly installed systems can underperform or even fail compliance checks. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
MVHR is no longer just “nice to have.”
In the landscape of modern housebuilding, MVHR is no longer just “nice to have.” It is the backbone of a compliant, comfortable, and efficient new home. From regulation to resale value, it pays to get ventilation right from the start.
For homeowners, it means lower bills and better health. For developers, it means stronger SAP scores and market appeal.
In short: ignoring MVHR in new builds isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a risk you can’t afford to take.