How Much Does MVHR Cost in Ireland?
The cost of an MVHR system is more than the unit on the wall. Healthy Homes is an Irish ventilation specialist involved in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of residential ventilation systems. This guide explains indicative installed prices and the practical details to check before requesting a quotation. New to heat recovery? Read our guide to how MVHR works.
MVHR System Cost in Ireland – Quick Answer
A complete MVHR system in Ireland typically costs approximately €6,500–€13,000, depending on house size, system specification, ductwork and installation complexity. Larger detached homes can cost approximately €14,000–€20,000+.
These are indicative supply and installation figures, not fixed Healthy Homes prices. An accurate quotation requires assessment of the individual property and confirmation of what is included.
Request an MVHR QuoteMVHR cost by house size
| Property type | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment / 2-bed | €5,000 – €7,500 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | €6,500 – €9,500 |
| 4–5 bed detached | €9,000 – €13,000 |
| Large detached (300 m²+) | €14,000 – €20,000+ |
These existing guide ranges are indicative, not Healthy Homes project prices. Property type alone does not determine your MVHR system price: floor area, airflow requirements and duct routes also matter. See the reference guides below and request a quotation for your own home.
What about a 200 m² house?
A 200 m² floor area is a useful starting point, but it is not enough to give a reliable fixed price. Room layout, required airflow, the unit selected and access for ductwork must be assessed. Send your floor plans through our MVHR quotation form for a property-specific price rather than assuming a cost per square metre.
What is included in an MVHR installation?
A complete professional installation can include system design, the MVHR unit, ductwork, manifolds, supply and extract terminals, installation, balancing, commissioning and handover. Compare the complete heat recovery ventilation cost, not a supply-only unit price. The written scope should identify any exclusions.
| Part of the job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| System design | €500 – €1,500 |
| MVHR unit | €2,000 – €5,500 |
| Ducting & components | €1,500 – €4,500 |
| Installation labour | €2,000 – €8,000 |
| Commissioning & certification | €300 – €800 |
Indicative component ranges from the reference breakdown below, not a Healthy Homes price list. They are not additive fixed prices: some items may be bundled. Ask for an itemised scope, commissioning report and handover information with your quotation.
See our residential ventilation installation photos for examples of units, manifolds and ductwork in real projects.
New-build MVHR costs
In a new build, ducting goes in at first fix — before ceilings close up — so labour can stay at the lower end. Planning the unit location, manifold positions and duct routes before construction helps avoid later alterations. Allow space for insulated ducts, silencers, condensate drainage and filter access, rather than choosing a unit solely on its purchase price.
MVHR retrofit costs
Retrofitting MVHR into an existing home often costs more because ductwork must pass through finished floors and ceilings. Access, boxing-in and making good can affect the quotation; confirm whether those works are included. Suitability also depends on the home's airtightness and available space. Some homes may be better served by demand-controlled ventilation or decentralised units. Compare our residential ventilation system options before deciding on an MVHR retrofit.
What affects the price of an MVHR system?
- Floor area and layout — more rooms means more ducting, valves and labour.
- System specification — capacity, filters, controls, sound levels and efficiency affect the unit price.
- Ducting route — tight spaces and multi-storey layouts take longer to install.
- Retrofit or new build — retrofit adds labour for routing ducts through finished spaces.
MVHR running and maintenance costs
MVHR fans normally run continuously. Electricity cost depends on total fan power at the commissioned airflow and your tariff, not just the unit's advertised efficiency. Estimate annual fan cost as: fan power in watts ÷ 1,000 × annual operating hours × electricity price per kWh. Ask for the relevant fan power for your proposed system; this guide does not assume a fixed annual bill.
Include filter replacements and any servicing in your budget. Inspect, clean or replace filters according to the manufacturer's guidance; frequency depends on local conditions and the system. Keep the unit and terminals accessible, follow the handover instructions and investigate unusual noise or reduced airflow.
Is MVHR worth the investment?
In a suitable, airtight home, MVHR provides controlled ventilation while recovering heat from extracted air. That can reduce ventilation heat losses, but savings and payback depend on airtightness, system design, heating demand, electricity prices and maintenance. There is no guaranteed percentage saving or payback period for every property. Assess indoor air quality, comfort and long-term upkeep alongside the initial heat recovery system cost.
Our ventilation installation case studies show practical project examples. When comparing the mechanical ventilation system cost in Ireland, consider whether MVHR or another ventilation approach is the best fit for the property.
Grants and wider home upgrades
If ventilation is part of a wider energy upgrade, check current SEAI scheme terms and your One Stop Shop's eligibility assessment before budgeting for support. Do not assume a standalone MVHR grant or that new-build work qualifies; the applicable scheme and works package must be confirmed before you commit.
How to compare MVHR quotations
Compare like-for-like scopes, not just headline prices. A lower quote may cover fewer works or a different specification. Check each quote addresses:
- A designed duct layout for your actual floor plan — not a generic kit.
- Insulated, airtight ducting (not bare flex duct in the attic).
- Commissioning and airflow balancing, with a written report.
- Certification your BER assessor and building control will accept.
- Filter sizes and service access agreed before installation.
- Handover instructions, warranties and the exact scope of electrical work and making good.
Good design and commissioning are essential to avoid noise and poor airflow. Healthy Homes works across design, supply, installation and commissioning, so ask us to explain the proposed duct layout, service access and handover before agreeing the scope. Confirm applicable ventilation requirements, documentation and the VAT treatment in writing when comparing total prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MVHR system cost in Ireland?
A complete MVHR system in Ireland typically costs approximately €6,500–€13,000, with larger detached homes costing approximately €14,000–€20,000+. These are indicative supply and installation figures, not a fixed Healthy Homes quotation. House size, specification, ductwork and installation complexity affect the price, and an accurate quotation requires assessment of the individual property.
How much does MVHR cost for a 200 m² house?
Floor area alone is not enough to price a 200 m² house accurately. The number of rooms, required airflow, unit specification, duct routes and whether it is a new build or retrofit all affect the cost. Use the indicative property ranges in this guide as a starting point and send Healthy Homes your plans for a property-specific quotation; there is no verified fixed price for a 200 m² house in this guide.
Is MVHR more expensive in a retrofit?
Often, yes. MVHR retrofit costs can be higher because ductwork must be routed through finished floors and ceilings, adding labour and potentially making-good work. A new build normally allows ductwork to be installed at first fix. The actual difference depends on access and layout; alternative ventilation systems may be more suitable for some existing homes.
What is included in an MVHR installation quote?
A complete professional installation can include system design, the MVHR unit, ductwork, manifolds, supply and extract terminals, installation, airflow balancing, commissioning and handover. Check the written quotation for the exact scope, reports, filter information and any exclusions such as electrical work or making good.
How much does an MVHR system cost to run?
Running costs depend on fan power at the commissioned airflow, operating hours and your electricity tariff. Annual fan electricity cost can be estimated as total fan power in watts divided by 1,000, multiplied by annual operating hours and the electricity price per kWh. Add replacement filters and any servicing costs. There is no single verified annual running price for every home in this guide.
Does MVHR need servicing?
Yes. Filters need regular inspection, cleaning or replacement as specified by the manufacturer, and the unit and accessible terminals need routine checks. Frequency depends on the system and local conditions. Keep filters and service access clear, follow the handover guidance, and ask an installer to investigate unusual noise or reduced airflow.
Pricing references
Get a fixed-price quote for your home
Send us your plans or house details so we can assess the property and prepare an MVHR quotation with a clear system specification, installation scope and any exclusions.