Technical Guidance - MVHR Maintenance: Good Practice Guide

Published: December 2024

This document provides comprehensive guidance on the maintenance and management of individual Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units in multi-residential developments. It is intended to serve as a practical resource for clients, maintenance teams, and service personnel. With detailed instructions on service intervals, troubleshooting, and best practices, this guide ensures that MVHR systems are maintained efficiently, promoting energy savings, optimal performance, and good indoor air quality.

While primarily focused on the maintenance phase, the document can also assist in setting up effective maintenance contracts and ensuring that all aspects of MVHR system management are addressed throughout the lifecycle of the units.

Good upkeep of the ventilation system is crucial to maintaining the excellent levels of comfort and performance that are characteristic of a Passivhaus dwelling. To confirm that MVHR maintenance requirements have been adequately communicated and understood, the Passivhaus Trust and the UK Certifiers Circle recommend that an MVHR Maintenance Statement should be prepared and issued to the Passivhaus Certifier as part of the certification documentation for all projects seeking Passivhaus certification in the UK.

The statement should identify the relevant maintenance documents and requirements, and should be signed by the project owner or client to confirm their understanding. A sample template to be used for this purpose is provided here: