How much does MVHR cost in Ireland?
A complete 2026 pricing and grants guide.
MVHR cost in Ireland ranges from €6,500 to €9,500 including VAT for most homes with a ProAir installation. Larger properties beyond 270 square metres require a second unit, bringing the total to €10,000 upwards.
SEAI grants of up to €1,500 are available towards the ventilation for qualifying retrofits, with additional stackable grants that can reduce the overall build cost further. This guide covers what drives the price, what support is available and whether the investment stacks up.
For an overview of how MVHR works, see our guide: What is MVHR and do you need it?
What determines MVHR cost in Ireland?
Four main factors influence the final figure:
- Size of the property. Floor area determines the air handling unit capacity required and drives both materials and labour cost.
- Complexity of the duct layout. Multi-storey homes with tight ceiling voids take longer to run ductwork through than a simple single-storey layout.
- Type of build. New builds are easier to install within because ductwork goes in before walls are finished. Retrofits into occupied or finished homes cost more.
- Specification of components. A correctly sized system built for longevity outperforms a cheaper alternative. Rigid ductwork and a properly sized air handling unit make a measurable difference to performance and running cost.
MVHR cost guide for Irish homes in 2026
Property type | Typical cost incl. VAT | Notes |
New build small bungalow | From €6,500 | Straightforward layout, single unit |
New build or renovation up to 270sqm | €6,500 to €9,500 | Single unit. Cost varies with layout complexity |
Renovated or extended large home | Up to €9,500 | Higher labour cost due to existing structure |
Homes over 270 to 300sqm | €10,000 upwards | Second air handling unit required |
SEAI grants for MVHR in Ireland
SEAI offers several routes that can reduce the cost of MVHR and other aspects of a renovation project significantly. The table below summarises the available support:
Grant / scheme | Amount | Eligibility |
One Stop Shop — mechanical ventilation | Up to €1,500 | Retrofit to BER B2 or better |
One Stop Shop — airtightness | Up to €1,000 | Pairs with MVHR installation |
One Stop Shop — home energy assessment | €350 | Initial technical survey |
One Stop Shop — project management | €800 to €2,000 | Depends on house type |
Warmer Homes Scheme | 100% covered | Qualifying social welfare recipients |
Home Energy Upgrade Loan | €5,000 to €75,000 | Government-backed, up to 10 years |
SEAI One Stop Shop scheme
The SEAI National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is the main route for most homeowners.
A €1,500 mechanical ventilation grant is available, but only as part of a wider deep retrofit managed by an SEAI-registered provider. The project must bring the home to a BER of B2 or better. The €1,500 is deducted upfront from your invoice rather than paid as a refund.
Because MVHR works best in airtight buildings, you will almost always be pairing it with other upgrades. Under the One Stop Shop you can stack grants for airtightness (up to €1,000), a home energy assessment (€350) and project management (€800 to €2,000), reducing your overall outlay considerably.
Warmer Homes Scheme
Homeowners qualifying for Fuel Allowance or Working Family Payment may be eligible for the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme. If an SEAI surveyor identifies mechanical ventilation as a requirement, the system cost is covered in full.
Home Energy Upgrade Loan
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan allows you to borrow €5,000 to €75,000 at subsidised rates over up to 10 years to cover costs after grants are applied.
MVHR and heat pumps
Many homeowners researching SEAI heat pump grants are planning exactly the type of retrofit MVHR is built for. A well-insulated, airtight home with a heat pump is the standard Irish energy upgrade package. MVHR handles the air quality and humidity that airtight construction creates.
Installing both together under the One Stop Shop maximises grant entitlement and avoids a second round of disruption later.
ProAir’s design team regularly coordinates with heat pump installers across Ireland.
Is MVHR worth the investment?
Lower heating bills. Recovering up to 95% of the heat from outgoing air directly reduces the demand on your boiler or heat pump.
No condensation or mould. MVHR continuously removes humid air from bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces. It protects the building fabric and eliminates the recurring cost of treating mould.
Healthier indoor air. Continuous filtered fresh air removes pollen, dust and excess CO2. For families with allergies or asthma, the difference is noticeable from day one.
EU 2030 compliance. All new buildings must be zero-emission from January 2030. MVHR is central to meeting the primary energy requirements of that standard. Installing now is more cost-effective than retrofitting later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cost include design and commissioning?
Yes. All ProAir quotations include design, supply, installation, commissioning and VAT. Independent commissioning is additional where required by building control.
Can I get a grant for MVHR on a new build?
The SEAI mechanical ventilation grant applies to retrofits through the One Stop Shop route only. New builds do not qualify, but the energy performance and reduced heating load make MVHR a strong investment regardless.
How long does installation take?
For a new build, ductwork is installed at first fix alongside other mechanical services. For a retrofit, the installation typically takes two to three days.
What maintenance costs should I budget for?
Filters require replacement every six to twelve months. Replacements are available from the ProAir shop. Remote monitoring on PA700LI installations means most issues are identified and resolved without a site visit.
Read what ProAir customers say about living with the system.
Get a no-obligation quotation
ProAir provides free design consultations and no-obligation quotations for new build and renovation projects across Ireland. Our design team will assess your floor plan and provide a detailed cost breakdown specific to your project.
Get in touch today.
You can also explore our full product range and read customer reviews from homeowners across Ireland.