MVHR Servicing: What You Need to Know
A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system quietly keeps your home comfortable and healthy—providing fresh, filtered air while retaining warmth. But like any home technology, it needs regular attention to keep it running smoothly. MVHR servicing helps maintain energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and extend the lifespan of your unit.
In short, consistent servicing maximises comfort protects your health and your investment.
What Is MVHR Servicing and Why Is It Important?
MVHR servicing is a thorough check-up of your system to make sure everything’s working as it should. It’s more than just replacing filters. Servicing covers inspections of fans, ducting, heat exchangers, controls, and sensors—plus performance checks and rebalancing if needed. A well-serviced system runs efficiently, stays quieter, and delivers consistently fresh air throughout your home.
Should you notice stuffier than usual rooms, an unexplained rise in energy bills, or the unit making more noise than usual, your MVHR system might be trying to tell you it needs a bit of TLC. Left too long, poor airflow and clogged filters can strain components, reduce energy savings, and impact your indoor air quality.
Whether you live in a modern new build or a beautifully retrofitted period home, regular servicing helps keep your ventilation system in peak condition.
When Should You Service Your MVHR System?
MVHR systems should be fully serviced every 12 months. This gives technicians the chance to inspect internal components, test airflow, clean ducting where needed, and check that everything is still balanced and operating efficiently.
Filters usually need attention every 6 months, but this can vary depending on your location and usage. Homes in urban areas or near busy roads may need more frequent filter changes, simply due to the volume of particulates in the air. Pets, renovations, floating pollen, flies, or high occupancy can also have an impact.
The lifespan of a well-maintained MVHR system can reach 20 years. Regular servicing allows your MVHR system to continue to deliver excellent airflow and heat recovery, while protecting it from wear and tear. By maintaining a clean system, free from dust, debris and excess humidity, you can be assured of many years of optimal performance.
Conversely, skipping regular servicing can risk performance and create issues with condensation, damp, or even mould growth. So, whether your system was installed recently or has been quietly ticking away for years, it’s important to keep it on your annual calendar.
What’s Included in MVHR Servicing?
A full MVHR servicing visit goes beyond a visual check. At 21 Degrees, we take a comprehensive approach. Our team checks airflow rates, cleans or replaces filters, inspects ductwork, evaluates heat exchange performance, and ensures the system is perfectly balanced and ventilating as it should.
We use specialist equipment to measure pressure and flow, ensuring the system is tailored to the needs of your home. If any parts are showing signs of wear, we’ll flag them early—so there are no surprises down the line. Service costs vary based on property location and system size. Where possible, we try to combine commissioning visits in regions to reduce cost.
We’re experts in designing, installing, and maintaining premium MVHR systems. Whether you’re looking for a one-off check-up or a regular maintenance plan, our servicing is designed to help you get the best from your system, year after year.
Book your servicing appointment with 21 Degrees today
Troubleshooting Issues with MVHR Machines
MVHR systems are built to be low-maintenance—but if something seems off, there are a few things you can look out for.
If airflow feels weak, check your filters. Clogged filters are one of the most common culprits and are easy to replace or clean at home. The same goes for any obvious blockages at vents—dust, furniture, or even curious pets can cause trouble.
Unusual noises like rattling or humming might point to lose fittings or fan issues. If your energy bills have gone up without reason, there could be an issue with your pre-heater.
If you find that heating system having to work harder, then it is probably more likely to be that their bypass is open when it shouldn't be or a potential issue with your heating system.
Other signs like condensation on windows or damp patches on walls could mean your system isn’t extracting stale air properly. If that’s the case, it’s time to call in a professional.
What you can do yourself:
- Replace or clean filters (every 6 months or as recommended)
- Conduct basic visual inspections of vents and grilles
- Make sure vents aren’t obstructed by furniture or dust build-up
When to bring in a professional:
- Persistent airflow problems
- Unusual or loud noises
- Energy efficiency drops
- Signs of condensation, damp, or mould
- Balancing and re-commissioning requirements
Professional servicing involves tools and ability that go beyond DIY fixes. Our technicians check airflows with calibrated equipment, inspect internal components safely, and make sure the whole system’s operating to its design spec. Read our MVHR FAQs to learn more about how we support homeowners across the UK.
How to Arrange MVHR Servicing with 21 Degrees
Booking your MVHR servicing with 21 Degrees is simple. Head to our MVHR page, drop us a message or give us a call. One of our friendly team members will walk you through the process.
During your appointment, we’ll check airflow, replace filters, inspect your system, and give you a clear picture of how everything’s working. We’ll even share tips on getting the best performance between services.
We’re trusted by architects, homeowners, and property managers for a reason—our team understands every detail, from design to maintenance. Looking for peace of mind and long-term performance? You’re in the right place.
Want to know more about how MVHR systems should be set up? Our commissioning guide breaks it down.
