You’re interested in fitting Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery technology into your next new build, development or redevelopment project. But first, before making a decision, you need to know how the technology complies with the UK building regulations. Here’s the information you’re looking for, bearing Britain’s current construction regulations in mind.

MVHR compliance with Building Regulations part E7

Part E7 of the UK Building Regulations 2010 deals with sound-proofing. In the words of the planning regulations themselves, it means that “Rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way that they provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts for the same building”.

Building Regs Part E7 also insists on performance standards for the sound insulation materials used between walls and floors. But it’s worth bearing in mind that some landlords and local authorities sometimes specify alternative maximum noise levels, depending on the use of the rooms and buildings concerned. And there are special standards for Passivhaus builds:

  • <35dBA in the installation or plant room
  • <25dBA in living areas
  • <30dBA in functional rooms like the kitchen

Where to install MVHR in a domestic building?

For domestic properties, you can usually install the MVHR system in a hallway cupboard as long as the door is a good, tight fit. If the system is fitted in a cupboard near the bedrooms or attic, installation is more complex from an E7 perspective and you may need to factor in better sound proofing for the walls and ceilings.

Size is important for UK building regulations compliance

It’s also very important to get the size of the main unit right, since overly-small units tend to be very noisy. And the valves in each room also need careful consideration to keep noise to an absolute minimum.

MVHR compliance with Part F Building Regulations

Part F of the latest Building Regulations deals with the means of ventilation in new builds, developments and redevelopments. Provided it’s specified, designed and installed properly, MVHR technology helps architects, developers and builders comply with UK building ventilation guidelines.

  • Ideally, a properly specified and installed MVHR system will recover heat to an efficiency level of more than 90% in the main unit, with a total electricity consumption level of around 0.3W/m3h.
  • You should incorporate high grade filters into the main unit for the best possible air hygiene. A minimum filter grade of F7 on the intake and G4 on the extract are highly recommended by experts.
  • The system as a whole must be the right size for the building, in other words it must be the right size to provide ventilation for the entire building as per the Building Regulations.
  • The air flow should be controllable at basic level, around 70%, plus standard level (100%) and increased level (130%).
  • It is also important to make sure the user controls include a ‘boost’ function for fast access to even more ventilation.

Want an MVHR expert on the case?

We have all the experience and expertise you need to ensure your MVHR project comes in on time and to budget, as well as performing to the optimum level. If you want to know more, contact us.