Industrial & laboratoryCTS: a constant 18°C all year roundTwo 10kW MHI cassettes holding a workshop at 18°CRead the case study →Commercial MVHR systems
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) keeps buildings supplied with fresh, filtered air while recovering most of the heat that would otherwise be lost. We design, install and commission commercial MVHR across the UK.
Where commercial MVHR makes sense
- Offices and co-working space, where fresh air improves comfort and concentration
- Schools, nurseries and training centres, with high occupancy and tight air quality targets
- Care homes and healthcare settings, where steady, filtered fresh air matters
- Apartment blocks and new-build developments, where airtight construction demands controlled ventilation
- Gyms, studios, salons and hospitality, where moisture and odours need to be removed
How it works
A central heat recovery unit extracts stale air from wet and busy areas and supplies fresh, filtered air to occupied rooms. The two airstreams pass through a heat exchanger, so up to around 90% of the heat in the outgoing air can be transferred to the incoming air without the streams mixing. The result is lower heating demand, steady air quality and less condensation and mould risk.
Designed to the building
Every system starts with a survey and an air-flow calculation based on occupancy, room use and the relevant parts of the Building Regulations (Approved Documents F and L). We design duct routes, plant locations, attenuation and controls, then install, balance and commission the system and record the results for handover.
Pairs with air conditioning
MVHR is often installed alongside VRF or split air conditioning for comfort cooling and heating, and our engineers handle both, so one team is responsible for the whole system. See commercial air conditioning and ventilation systems.
Homes and self-builds
We also design MVHR for larger homes, self-builds and extensions on request. Book a free survey and we’ll advise.
Why choose Optimal?
- Our own REFCOM F-Gas registered engineers (REF1023448), no sub-contracting
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Diamond Partner, with up to 10 years’ manufacturer warranty on qualifying systems
- Expert design and installation, commissioned and registered
- 4.9 rated from 126 Google reviews
Domestic work across the West Midlands. Commercial projects nationwide. Get a free quote or call 0121 798 1861.
Planning a commercial project?
Book a free site survey and get a fixed written quotation from our own engineers.
How it works
From enquiry to handover
- Tell us what you need. Use the calculator or send photos on WhatsApp.
- We confirm the price. A team member checks your photos and talks it through. Site survey if needed.
- Expert design and installation. Our own engineers, to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Commissioned and registered. Warranty registered and aftercare in place.
FAQ
Common questions
What is commercial MVHR?
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery supplies filtered fresh air and extracts stale air through a central unit with a heat exchanger. It recovers heat from the extracted air so ventilation does not waste the energy you have paid to warm the building.
Is MVHR a legal requirement?
Buildings must meet the ventilation requirements of the Building Regulations. In airtight new builds and refurbishments, a mechanical system with heat recovery is often the practical way to comply while keeping energy use low. We design to the relevant guidance for each project.
Does MVHR need servicing?
Yes. Filters need replacing regularly and the unit should be inspected annually to keep airflow and efficiency up. We offer planned maintenance.
Can you add MVHR to an existing building?
Often yes. Ceiling voids, plant rooms and risers are surveyed to find workable duct routes. A free site survey will confirm what is possible.
Do you cover my area?
Yes. We deliver commercial projects nationwide, with our engineers based in the West Midlands.
Case studies
Recent projects
Real jobs for real businesses, with the problem, the solution and the result.
Industrial & laboratoryCTS: a constant 18°C all year roundTwo 10kW MHI cassettes holding a workshop at 18°CRead the case study →
Maintenance contractsNCP Birmingham Airport: planned maintenance contractTwo planned visits a year across a mixed estate of unitsRead the case study →
Offices & workplacesViperia Exotics: air conditioning for the offices7kW and 2.5kW MHI Premium systems, neatly installedRead the case study →