Heat Recovery Ventilation Cost: Real Prices, SEAI Grants & Savings in Ireland
Understanding the heat recovery ventilation cost is essential for Irish homeowners planning energy-efficient upgrades. Although the cost of a heat recovery ventilation system varies by house size and layout, MVHR remains one of the most effective ways to reduce heating demand while improving indoor air quality. Moreover, SEAI guidance highlights where these systems are appropriate and how they contribute to overall energy performance.
Short answer: whole-house MVHR (heat recovery ventilation) in Ireland costs from €6,200 including VAT for a home up to about 100 m², around €7,050 for 200 m² and from €8,400 above 250 m², supplied, installed and commissioned by Eco Vent Ireland. It then costs about €70–100 a year in electricity to run. The full price table is below, or get the price for your floor area. Prices of the units on their own: Eco Vent price list.
How much heat MVHR saves
A heat recovery unit passes the outgoing stale air through a heat exchanger and keeps most of its heat in the incoming fresh air. Part L requires at least 70% heat recovery for a new home, and units such as the Vent-Axia Econiq S are tested at 89–93% in the SAP product database (PCDB). That heat stays in the house instead of leaving through extract fans, while the unit itself uses only about €70–100 of electricity a year.
For full technical details, homeowners can review the official SEAI ventilation guidance.
SEAI Grants & Ventilation Grant Options
When considering the overall cost of a heat recovery ventilation system, it’s natural to ask whether SEAI grants apply. Homeowners may access support for mechanical ventilation upgrades through the SEAI Home Energy Upgrade Scheme delivered by accredited One-Stop Shops.
However, it’s important to note:
Eco Vent is not currently registered as an SEAI contractor, so MVHR installations completed by us do not qualify for the SEAI ventilation grant.
Despite this, our pricing is highly competitive, often reducing or even eliminating the difference compared to grant-eligible services.
BER Ratings & Home Performance
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) regularly reports on Building Energy Ratings in Ireland. A-rated homes continue to dominate new-build construction, and heat recovery ventilation plays a major role in maintaining consistent airflow while supporting compliance with TGD Part F and NZEB standards.
Cost–Benefit Summary
The heat recovery ventilation cost depends on several factors, including:
- Floor area
- Ducting routes and concealment requirements
- Air-tightness levels
- System type and filtration grade
Even so, MVHR systems typically offer a solid return on investment. Lower heating bills, cleaner filtered air, and balanced ventilation performance help shorten the payback period. When SEAI grant support is available through One-Stop Shops, the value increases further.
Eco Vent — Heat Recovery Ventilation Cost Estimate (2026)
Typical price for a whole-house MVHR system, supplied, installed and commissioned (including 13.5% VAT):
| Floor area | Typical price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 m² | from €6,200 (Vent-Axia Econiq S) |
| 150 m² | ≈ €6,700 (Econiq S) |
| 200 m² | ≈ €7,050 (Econiq M) |
| 250 m² | ≈ €7,400 (Econiq M) |
| Over 250 m² | from €8,400 (Econiq L) |
Prices are for up to two levels with ducting (for example a two-storey house, or a bungalow with the unit in the attic); each further level adds €400. Travel is free within 100 km of Portlaoise, then €0.60 per km. The exact price comes from your house plans, no site visit needed. Get the price for your floor area in our calculator. How the system works and what it costs to run: heat recovery ventilation system explained.
All installations are carried out by Eco Vent’s certified technicians and follow:
- Irish Building Regulations, Part F (2019)
- SEAI ventilation standards
- Best practice under S.R. 54:2014/A2:2022
Frequently asked questions
How much does MVHR cost in Ireland?
From €6,200 including VAT for a home up to about 100 m², around €6,700 for 150 m², €7,050 for 200 m², €7,400 for 250 m² and from €8,400 above 250 m², supplied, installed and commissioned. Each level with ducting above two adds €400.
How much does MVHR cost to run?
About €70–100 a year in electricity at today’s average price of 33c per kWh. A well-sized unit draws about 20–30 W on its normal setting. Filters are changed once a year and the unit is serviced every two years.
Is there a grant for MVHR?
Homeowners may get support for mechanical ventilation within the SEAI Home Energy Upgrade Scheme through One-Stop Shops. Eco Vent Ireland is not an SEAI-registered contractor, so our installations do not qualify for that grant.
Do I need a site visit for a price?
No. The exact price comes from your house plans. Travel is free within 100 km of Portlaoise, then €0.60 per km.
Request a Free Quote
Our prices include full system supply, installation, and commissioning — ensuring balanced airflow and verified system performance.
Although our services do not qualify for the SEAI ventilation grant, many homeowners find that our competitive pricing offsets the lack of grant eligibility.
At Eco Vent, we design and install MVHR systems tailored to the home’s layout, ensuring maximum efficiency without unnecessary cost.
Building it yourself?
Our DIY kits: designed from your plans, a Vent-Axia or DUCO unit, the Installation App, help while you fit it and our commissioning visit. MVHR kits ≈ €3,800–7,000, cMEV / DCV kits ≈ €1,550–3,500, incl. VAT.
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