Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Mechanical Ventilation Systems | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Manchester
Whether you manage a bustling office near Spinningfields or own a stylish apartment in the Northern Quarter, HEP delivers the expertise you need to keep every room perfectly balanced. Our engineers design, install and maintain mechanical ventilation, heating and air-conditioning systems that whisper quietly in the background while working hard to remove stale air, control humidity and optimise temperature. With energy-efficient heat recovery units and smart controls, we make sure your space feels fresh and comfortable all year round—without the eye-watering utility bills.
Clients choose us because we treat Manchester’s diverse buildings like the one-offs they are, tailoring filter grades, ductwork and airflow rates to meet exacting health, safety and sustainability standards. From first consultation to proactive aftercare, we’re here to boost ventilation and air quality, safeguard productivity and protect the wellbeing of everyone who walks through your doors. Talk to HEP today and experience clean, climate-controlled peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of installing a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system in my Manchester property?
An MVHR system continually extracts stale, moist air and supplies fresh, filtered air while transferring up to 90–95 % of the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming stream. This keeps your home well-ventilated without opening windows, reduces condensation and mould, recovers heat that would normally be lost, and lowers overall heating demand. In Manchester’s temperate but damp climate, MVHR helps maintain healthy humidity levels year-round and improves indoor comfort even on chilly, wet winter days.
How does mechanical ventilation improve indoor air quality compared with natural ventilation in Manchester’s climate?
Natural ventilation relies on opening windows, which is unpredictable in Manchester where it rains about 150 days per year and outdoor pollution from traffic can be high. Mechanical ventilation provides a controlled, balanced airflow 24/7, drawing air through high-grade filters that trap pollen, particulates (PM2.5), and vehicle emissions. CO₂ sensors can modulate airflow when occupancy rises, keeping indoor CO₂ below 1,000 ppm. The result is steady oxygen levels, lower pollutant concentrations, and reduced damp-related issues such as dust mites and mould.
Can a mechanical ventilation or MVHR system be retrofitted to an existing house or commercial unit, or is it only for new builds?
Retrofits are possible in most solid-wall or cavity-wall properties. We carry out a free survey to map duct routes through loft voids, service risers, or boxed-in vertical chases. For flats without loft space, we can install decentralised units in individual rooms. Ceiling voids of ≥200 mm are ideal, but where space is tight we use slimline rectangular ductwork or in-line fans. For commercial premises, we coordinate with other services (electrics, sprinklers) and may install exposed ducting with acoustic liners for an industrial aesthetic. A retrofit usually takes 2–4 days for a 3-bed home and causes minimal disruption.
What routine maintenance does a mechanical ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system need, and how often?
1) Filters: Replace or clean pre-filters every 3–6 months and fine filters every 12 months to keep airflow and efficiency high. 2) Heat-exchanger core: Check and vacuum annually. 3) Condensate drain: Flush yearly to prevent blockages. 4) Fans and motors: Inspect and lubricate during the annual service. 5) For air-conditioning, clean evaporator and condenser coils, inspect refrigerant pressures, and test controls each year. We offer planned preventative maintenance (PPM) contracts starting at one annual visit for domestic units and two for commercial sites, ensuring warranty compliance and optimal performance.
Are modern ventilation and air-conditioning systems energy efficient, and will they lower my heating bills?
Yes. An MVHR recovers up to 5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh it consumes, reducing space-heating demand by 20–30 % in a well-insulated property. Variable-speed EC (electronically commutated) fans draw as little as 0.4 W per litre per second of airflow. For cooling, our A++ rated heat-pump air-conditioners achieve Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) of 6.5–8.5, meaning they provide up to 8.5 kWh of cooling for 1 kWh of electricity. Combining MVHR with heat-pump technology can cut annual energy bills by £200–£500 for a typical Manchester semi-detached home, depending on insulation levels and usage patterns.
Do I need planning permission or building control approval to install a ventilation or air-conditioning system in Manchester?
Domestic MVHR installations normally fall under Permitted Development, so planning permission isn’t required unless your property is listed or in a conservation area. However, ventilation work is notifiable under Part F (Ventilation) and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations. We supply SAP 10 calculations, airflow commissioning certificates, and acoustic data for sign-off by Manchester Building Control. For commercial sites, we prepare full mechanical drawings, noise impact assessments, and, if external condensers are installed, we check local planning thresholds for sound and visual impact. Rest assured, we handle all submissions and compliance paperwork on your behalf.