Complete MVHR DIY Kits Are Back at BPC Ventilation
Complete MVHR DIY Kits Are Back at BPC Ventilation
Planning a self-build, renovation or home ventilation upgrade? BPC Ventilation’s MVHR DIY kits are now available again, making it easier to purchase the components needed for a complete Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system in one convenient package.
Our MVHR DIY kits are designed for self-builders, experienced DIYers and installers looking for a straightforward way to source an MVHR system for a new build or renovation project.
With kits available for different property sizes, room numbers and leading MVHR manufacturers, you can find an option suited to your project without having to source every component individually.
What Is an MVHR DIY Kit?
An MVHR DIY kit brings together an MVHR unit and the associated ventilation components required to create a whole-house heat recovery ventilation system.
Instead of choosing an MVHR unit and then sourcing the necessary ducting and accessories separately, a complete kit provides a more convenient starting point for your installation.
MVHR systems work by continuously extracting stale, moisture-laden air from areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms while supplying fresh, filtered air to living rooms, bedrooms and other habitable spaces.
Heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming fresh air through the MVHR unit's heat exchanger, helping provide controlled ventilation while reducing unnecessary heat loss.
Who Are DIY MVHR Kits Suitable For?
DIY MVHR kits can be a practical option for:
- Self-builders installing ventilation during a new-build project
- Homeowners completing a major renovation
- Experienced DIY installers
- Builders and contractors managing residential projects
- Customers who want greater control over their installation
- Projects where duct routes can be planned before walls and ceilings are closed
The physical installation of an MVHR system can often be completed by a competent installer or experienced self-builder, but the system still needs to be correctly designed, sized, installed and commissioned.
Why Choose a Complete MVHR Kit?
One of the most difficult parts of planning a ventilation system can be working out exactly what you need.
A complete MVHR kit can make this process simpler by providing a system based around the size and requirements of the property.
Easier Product Selection
Instead of starting with dozens of individual ventilation components, you can narrow your options according to your property requirements.
BPC Ventilation offers DIY kit options across a range of property sizes, room numbers and MVHR manufacturers.
Compatible System Components
An MVHR system is more than the heat recovery unit itself.
Ductwork, distribution components, room terminals and accessories all form part of the complete ventilation system. Choosing a complete kit helps provide a more organised starting point for the project.
Clearer Project Costs
Purchasing a complete kit can also make it easier to understand the likely cost of the ventilation equipment before installation begins.
This can be particularly useful for self-builders who are budgeting for several different stages of a project at the same time.
How Do I Choose the Right MVHR DIY Kit?
The correct MVHR system should not be chosen solely on the maximum airflow shown on an MVHR unit.
Several factors should be considered, including:
- Property floor area
- Number and type of rooms
- Required supply and extract airflow rates
- Number of bathrooms and wet rooms
- Ductwork layout
- Location of the MVHR unit
- External intake and exhaust positions
- Pressure resistance within the ductwork
- Required controls and additional features
A correctly selected system should be capable of delivering the required ventilation rates without relying on the unit operating at its maximum capacity during normal use.
If you are unsure where to start, BPC Ventilation can also help assess your project.
Send Your Plans to BPC Ventilation
Every property is different.
If you already have architectural drawings or floor plans, you can send your plans to BPC Ventilation for a free estimate and layout guide.
Our team can review your property and help determine the appropriate system size, room-by-room airflow requirements, valve requirements and suitable locations for key system components.
This can be particularly useful if your property has an unusual layout or you are unsure which DIY MVHR kit is most appropriate.
Can You Install an MVHR System Yourself?
For a competent self-builder or experienced DIY installer, it may be possible to complete much of the physical MVHR installation yourself.
This can include tasks such as:
- Installing ventilation ductwork
- Running radial ducting to individual rooms
- Installing distribution boxes and plenums
- Fitting supply and extract valves
- Positioning the MVHR unit
- Installing external intake and exhaust ductwork
However, DIY installation should not mean DIY system design.
Incorrect duct routes, undersized equipment, excessive bends, poorly positioned terminals or an incorrectly balanced system can affect airflow, noise levels and overall ventilation performance.
Electrical work, final commissioning and other specialist elements may also need to be completed or checked by an appropriately competent person.
Do MVHR Systems Need to Meet Building Regulations?
Ventilation systems need to meet the requirements applicable to the property and its location.
For projects in England, Approved Document F of the Building Regulations provides guidance on ventilation requirements for dwellings, including mechanical ventilation systems.
Building standards and ventilation requirements vary across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, so always check the regulations that apply to your individual project.
When Is the Best Time to Install MVHR?
The best time to plan an MVHR system is generally as early as possible in the construction or renovation process.
Planning early allows suitable routes to be identified for ductwork before ceilings, walls and service voids become difficult to access.
Early planning can also help identify:
- A suitable location for the MVHR unit
- Routes between floors
- Distribution box locations
- Supply and extract valve positions
- External intake and exhaust locations
- Potential clashes with plumbing, electrical systems or structural elements
For self-build projects in particular, having your ventilation design considered alongside the other building services can make installation considerably easier.
Are DIY MVHR Kits Suitable for Renovations?
Yes. An MVHR DIY kit can be suitable for a renovation, provided the property is appropriate for an MVHR system and suitable duct routes can be created.
The main challenge with retrofit MVHR is often finding enough space for the ductwork.
Large renovations where ceilings are being removed, walls are being opened or new service voids are being created can provide a good opportunity to incorporate MVHR.
For smaller retrofits where whole-house ductwork is impractical, other ventilation solutions may need to be considered.
MVHR DIY Kit FAQs
What does an MVHR DIY kit include?
An MVHR DIY kit combines an MVHR unit with system components selected to help create a complete home ventilation system. The exact contents depend on the kit selected, so always check the individual kit specification before ordering.
Is MVHR suitable for a self-build?
MVHR is commonly considered during new-build and self-build projects because the ductwork can be incorporated into the property while it is being constructed.
Does an MVHR system need to be balanced?
Yes. Once installed, an MVHR system needs to be correctly commissioned and balanced so that the required airflow is being delivered to the appropriate rooms.
Can BPC Ventilation help if I am installing the system myself?
Yes. BPC Ventilation provides technical support alongside its MVHR systems and can help customers understand the products and components required for their project.
Shop MVHR DIY Kits from BPC Ventilation
Whether you are building your own home, completing a major renovation or installing ventilation for a customer, BPC Ventilation's complete MVHR DIY kits are available again.
Choose from kit options for different property sizes, room requirements and leading MVHR manufacturers, or send us your plans if you need help identifying the right system.
