MVHR vs. Extractor Fans: Which System Is Right for Your Building?
✅ MVHR vs. Extractor Fans: Which System Is Right for Your Building?
Published by: Ventilation Superstore
Updated: October 2025
If you’re planning a new build, renovation, or simply want to improve indoor air quality, you’ve probably come across two main ventilation options: MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems and Extractor Fans.
Both help remove stale air and moisture — but they work in very different ways, and choosing the right system can make a huge difference in comfort, efficiency, and running costs.
This guide breaks down how each system works, their pros and cons, and helps you decide which is best for your home or business.
What Is an MVHR System?
MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. It’s a whole-building ventilation system that extracts stale air and supplies fresh air, while recovering heat from the outgoing air stream.
How It Works
- Stale, warm air is extracted from kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
- The heat from this air passes through a heat exchanger inside the MVHR unit.
- At the same time, fresh outdoor air is drawn in, filtered, and warmed using that recovered heat.
- The system supplies this clean, pre-warmed air to living areas and bedrooms.
The result: continuous fresh air, balanced humidity, and minimal heat loss.
✅ Advantages of MVHR Systems
- Energy-efficient: Recovers up to 90% of heat from extracted air.
- Improved indoor air quality: Constant filtered airflow reduces pollutants, allergens, and CO₂.
- Eliminates condensation and mould.
- Balanced ventilation: Prevents draughts and uneven temperatures.
- Ideal for airtight modern homes.
⚠️ Disadvantages of MVHR Systems
- Higher upfront cost (equipment and ducting).
- Requires duct design and professional installation.
- Regular filter maintenance (every 3–6 months).
What Is an Extractor Fan?
An extractor fan is a simple mechanical device that removes stale or humid air directly from a single room — usually a kitchen, bathroom, or utility space.
🔍 How It Works
Extractor fans pull air through a vent and discharge it outside via a short duct. This creates a negative pressure, drawing fresh air in through windows, doors, or passive vents.
✅ Advantages of Extractor Fans
- Low cost and easy to install.
- Ideal for retrofitting older homes.
- Targeted ventilation: Removes moisture and odours from key areas.
- Minimal maintenance.
⚠️ Disadvantages of Extractor Fans
- No heat recovery: Warm air is lost during extraction.
- Limited coverage: Ventilates one room only.
- Can cause draughts if the property is airtight.
- Less control over indoor air quality.
MVHR vs. Extractor Fans — Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MVHR System | Extractor Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation Type | Whole-house (mechanical supply and extract) | Single-room (extract only) |
| Energy Efficiency | High – recovers heat | Low – loses heat |
| Installation Complexity | Moderate to high (ducting required) | Simple (one room) |
| Maintenance | Filter changes & checks | Minimal |
| Best For | New builds, airtight or energy-efficient homes | Retrofits, bathrooms, kitchens |
| Noise Level | Quiet if installed correctly | Slight fan noise |
| Initial Cost | Higher upfront | Low cost |
| Running Cost | Low (efficient motors) | Moderate (dependent on use) |
| Air Quality Control | Excellent (filtered supply air) | Basic (extract only) |
Which System Is Right for Your Building?
Choose MVHR if:
- You’re building or renovating a new, airtight property.
- You want consistent, filtered air throughout the home.
- Energy efficiency and heat recovery are top priorities.
- You want to eliminate condensation in all rooms, not just wet areas.
💡 Ideal for modern eco-homes, offices, and apartments.
Choose Extractor Fans if:
- You’re upgrading an existing property without major ducting changes.
- You only need ventilation in specific rooms (e.g., kitchen or bathroom).
- You’re on a tight budget but want quick, reliable moisture control.
💡 Ideal for older homes, retrofits, and small spaces.
Can You Combine Both Systems?
Yes — in some cases, combining systems works best.
For example:
- Use MVHR for the main living and sleeping areas.
- Add extractor fans in high-moisture zones like kitchens where heat recovery isn’t practical.
This hybrid approach provides targeted moisture control and whole-home air renewal, striking a balance between performance and cost.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Always install MVHR units within the thermal envelope of your home.
- Use acoustic ducting to reduce noise.
- Clean filters regularly for best efficiency.
- For extractor fans, ensure ducts are short, straight, and vented outside — not into loft spaces.
- Fit backdraft shutters to prevent cold air from entering.
Expert Recommendation
If your goal is whole-home air quality, lower heating bills, and long-term comfort, an MVHR system is the smarter choice.
If you simply need moisture extraction in a few rooms, extractor fans are perfectly adequate and cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is MVHR suitable for older homes?
Yes, but it may require more planning and ducting work. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is often easier for retrofits.
Q: Do MVHR systems work in summer?
Yes — most have a summer bypass mode that prevents heat recovery on hot days.
Q: Can extractor fans run continuously?
Yes, but choose an energy-efficient model with humidity or timer controls to save power.
Final Thoughts
Both MVHR systems and Extractor Fans play an important role in modern ventilation.
The right choice depends on your building design, budget, and comfort priorities.
At Ventilation Superstore, we stock a full range of MVHR units, extractor fans, ducting, and accessories — everything you need to create a healthier, more efficient indoor environment.
👉 Explore our full range of MVHR & Extractor Fans.
