MVHR & Complex Ventilation Retrofits

We offer a comprehensive ventilation design and retrofit service, from the first conversation through to design, installation and commissioning and after sales support.
Each retrofit project starts with an initial discussion followed by our analysis of the project requirement and a detailed survey of the property/indoor environment, either in person or remotely. We look at:

• Existing ventilation strategy, performance and usage regime. All aspects.
• Floor layout, insulation characteristics and airtightness capability
• Where and how moisture is generated
• How the spaces are used day to day
• Heating system strategy, performance and usage regime.
• Any history of changes/improvements to heating, ventilation and insulation characteristics 
• Any history of mould, condensation, musty odours or health concerns

From there, we design a tailored solution which may include:

• Whole house MVHR or PIV retrofits in occupied domestic or commercial properties
• Humidity tracking, demand controlled, single room heat recovery, high performance extract systems
• Hybrid systems that combine MVHR or PIV with centralised or decentralised mechanical extract (MEV, dMEV) amongst other key elements to deliver key objectives such as highly scalable performance and zero noise pollution. 
• Replacement and upgrade of inadequate fans and non Part F compliant ductwork

Installations are planned carefully to keep disruption to a minimum, protect finishes and décor and ensure everything is neatly integrated into the building. Once the installation is complete, we configure and commission the unit/s, measure and balance airflows, check heat recovery performance and set up the controls per the requirements of the building and occupancy in line with Part F guidance.

Poor ventilation, inefficient ineffective heating, poor insulation and damp indoor conditions can make life uncomfortable and can aggravate common health conditions such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory issues. We keep health and comfort at the centre of our designs, alongside meeting the relevant standards and regulations.

Our retrofits focus on delivering:

• A steady, continuous and scalable supply of fresh filtered tempered air to the rooms people use most
• Effective scalable and intelligent extraction from kitchens, bathrooms and other moisture or pollutant sources
• G4, F7 and/or HEPA grade filtration and active air purification including patented Photohydroionisation™ technology to reduce odours, VOCs, smoke, particulates, dust, pollen, allergens and destroy active virus and bacteria microbials continuously in real-time at the point of transmission
• Controlled relative humidity conditions throughout to effectively manage the risk of condensation damp and mould.
• Quiet unobtrusive background ventilation system operation that does not create consequential indoor environmental problems (noise, light pollution) and supports sleep, concentration and day-to-day living which is known to improve health, wellbeing and productivity. 

By making sure systems are correctly sized and properly balanced, we help to reduce all pollutant types including radon, VOCs, odours, smoke, particulates, dust, pollen, allergens, microbials and excess moisture which help to create and support a healthier, more stable, healthier and productive indoor environment for all of our clients.

Retrofitting ventilation into an existing building is often challenging, especially in older homes, flats, conversions and mixed use sites. Limited space for ductwork, complex layouts and restrictions on external penetrations all need careful thought and planning.

Our fully qualified ventilation specialists and engineers are experienced in working with:

• Homes that have become more airtight after insulation and window upgrades
• Properties with long-term condensation and mould problems
• Lofts and roof spaces with limited access
• Apartments and multi-occupancy buildings
• Commercial premises with changing occupancy and internal heat gains

We often find MVHR, MEV are not ideal strategies, especially in a retrofit situation, either for practical reasons or because they simply do not deliver optimal benefits. In such circumstances we will always recommend suitable hybrid or alternative solutions that deliver on all the stated project objectives whilst achieving key benefits such as improved energy efficiency, minimal running costs and clear, measurable improvements to air quality and moisture control. We regard to skillset in this area as unique across the entire UK ventilation retrofit industry.

There is a whole lot more to a properly performing ventilation retrofit system than simply choosing a unit from a particular manufacturer or brand or blindly following official guidance in the flawed belief it always delivers best results and never causes problems. Unfortunately for end customers, the specification side of the UK ventilation industry works exactly like this. Specifiers and contractors tend to believe outcomes are built into products and assume installation quality and commissioning are guaranteed. This is why so many MVHR / Complex ventilation retrofit projects tend to underperform post installation yet the end customer never knows because there is such a lack of policing standards across the industry.

With Better Indoors your MVHR / Complex Ventilation retrofit project is insulated from these risks. We are 100% outcome focussed and every retrofit system we install is commissioned in line with Part F guidelines ensuring performance against system design and actual requirements. We are true MVHR / Complex Ventilation system inspection and commissioning experts and our track record in this complex area is second to none. We are frequently contracted to perform MVHR system checks and re-commissioning for customers, which often prove underperformance and result in system improvement or replacement recommendations. Similarly we have provided expert witness testimony in civil litigation cases involving poorly performing MVHR / MEV systems.

The units we install are designed and produced by the UK ’s apex ventilation manufacturer, Volution plc. All MVHR, MEV and PIV systems, SRHR units, extractor fans, ductwork and terminals are fully Part F compliant and our system designs take care with key requirements such as:

• Efficient duct routes for smooth airflow with minimal air resistance
• Insulation of ductwork in unheated cold spaces
• Airtight, secure connections
• Use of fire dampers where ductwork penetrates fire resistant walls, floors or ceilings
• Sensible positioning of supply and extract terminals in each room

At commissioning, we verify airflows room by room against design and/or intended performance requirements and test all controls and user interfaces. This helps prevent consequential issues such as noise, poor performance and imbalance and creates the platform for long term reliability. Our MVHR systems are known to outlast unit warranty periods, often by over 200%.

A properly designed MVHR or PIV whole house retrofit will drastically reduce energy wastage compared to any natural ventilation approach comprising openable windows, trickle vents, air bricks or passive ventilators. Such strategies optimise heat retention as windows can stay closed throughout the colder months of the year.

Properly designed and installed whole house MVHR systems are highly energy efficient. They operate continuously, supplying fresh filtered air to the living spaces and extracting from the wet rooms. They are highly effective at recovering heat from the extracted air and enriching it onto the incoming air stream. MVHR systems deliver supply air at a more stable temperature and support lower heating demand.

Our whole house PIV solutions create a “fragmented equivalent” of a whole house MVHR system but without the cost and complexity and more flexibility. Energy efficiency is arguably better on the basis heat loss is not continuous and only happens when humidity tracking extraction boosting is invoked on demand, which is a tiny fraction of each 24 hour period rather than continuous. Installation cost is always lower and timeframes shorter. The system is also more flexible – with MVHR the entire system boosts when one shower room is used whereas with our PIV solutions this only happens in the room being used.

Our MVHR / Complex Ventilation systems take into consideration the existing or intended heating and insulation strategies to achieve the objectives of:

• Reduced energy use and carbon emissions
• Protecting the building fabric by cutting damp and condensation
• Optimising indoor environmental conditions for health, wellbeing and productivity
• Maintaining finishes and structure in better condition

For any whole house ventilation system to work well over the long term, occupants must know how it works and how to look after it. We keep things straightforward and provide practical guidance for homeowners, landlords and facilities managers, including:

• How the system works and what to expect day to day
• How and when to check and replace filters
• How to use boost functions and adjust settings
• Simple ways to manage moisture and support good indoor air quality

If questions come up later or needs change, we are available for advice, servicing and adjustments.

We work with a wide range of customers, from individual homeowners who are tired of fighting damp and mould to commercial clients who need to improve staff comfort, health, wellbeing and productivity, meet regulations or upgrade older systems as part of a refurbishment.

In homes, our systems can:

• Remove stale smells and stuffiness
• Reduce condensation on windows and cold surfaces
• Make the air feel fresher and more comfortable

In commercial and mixed use buildings, effective ventilation supports productivity and wellbeing, improves comfort for staff and visitors and helps reduce complaints about poor air quality or inconsistent conditions.