MVHR Systems (Heat Recovery Ventilation)

A Smarter Way to Ventilate Your Property

At What Climate, we specialise in Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems — one of the most effective ways to improve air quality while maintaining energy efficiency.

Across Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, Harwich, Ipswich, Felixstowe and surrounding Essex & Suffolk areas, we design and install systems that are properly planned, balanced, and built to perform long-term.

Why More Properties Are Switching to MVHR

Modern homes are becoming more airtight, which improves insulation — but reduces natural airflow.

This often leads to:

• Condensation
• Damp and mould
• Poor indoor air quality
• Stale air

MVHR solves this by delivering continuous, controlled ventilation without losing heat.

How MVHR Systems Work

An MVHR system continuously extracts stale air and replaces it with fresh, filtered air — while transferring heat from outgoing air to incoming air.

This creates:

• Constant airflow
• Stable indoor temperatures
• Controlled humidity levels

All without needing to open windows.

The Real Benefits

• Lower heating costs
• Cleaner indoor air
• Reduced condensation and damp
• Quiet, background operation
• Improved comfort throughout the property

Choosing the Right MVHR System

Not all MVHR systems are the same — and choosing the right one depends on your property, layout, and how you use the space.

Two of the most common options we work with are DucoBox systems and Panasonic energy recovery ventilation units.

A Popular Choice for Homes: DucoBox MVHR System

The DucoBox range is one of the most popular MVHR solutions we install in residential properties.

Supported by Daikin

The system benefits from collaboration with Daikin, giving it strong reliability and proven performance.

Fully Automatic Humidity Control

One of the key features of the DucoBox system is its demand-based ventilation.

It automatically adjusts airflow based on humidity levels inside the property:

• Cooking or showering → system boosts airflow
• Normal conditions → system reduces output

This means:

• Better moisture control
• Reduced risk of condensation and mould
• Improved energy efficiency

Smart, Adaptive Operation

Unlike basic systems, the DucoBox:

• Adjusts itself in real time
• Only runs at higher speeds when needed
• Keeps energy use as low as possible

It’s designed to work in the background without constant user input.

Quiet & Efficient

Because it doesn’t run at full power unnecessarily, it offers:

• Lower noise levels
• Smoother operation
• Better long-term efficiency

How It Compares to Panasonic Energy Recovery Ventilation Units

Panasonic ERV systems are another high-quality option, often used in both residential and commercial settings.

Here’s how they typically compare:

DucoBox (MVHR)

Best suited for:

• Homes and residential properties
• New builds and extensions
• Properties needing automatic humidity control

Key strengths:

• Demand-based (automatic adjustment)
• Strong moisture control
• Energy efficient in everyday use
• Simple, user-friendly operation

Panasonic ERV Units

Best suited for:

• Commercial spaces
• Offices and larger properties
• Situations requiring continuous, steady airflow

Key strengths:

• Robust and reliable systems
• Designed for consistent ventilation rates
• Good for larger-scale applications
• Widely used in commercial environments

Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• If you want a smart, automatic system for a home, DucoBox is often the better option
• If you need consistent ventilation in a commercial setting, Panasonic ERV units can be more suitable

At What Climate, we assess your property properly and recommend the system that will perform best — not just what’s easiest to install.

Installation Matters More Than the Brand

Even the best system won’t perform properly if it’s installed incorrectly.

That’s why we focus on:

• Correct system sizing
• Proper duct layout
• Airflow balancing
• Full commissioning

This ensures your MVHR system works quietly, efficiently, and exactly as designed.

Our MVHR Services

We provide a complete service:

• System design
• Installation
• Ductwork setup
• Commissioning and balancing
• Servicing and maintenance

Local MVHR Specialists

We install MVHR systems across:

We also cover the surrounding Essex and Suffolk areas.