Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) Unit Maintenance Checklist
A maintenance checklist for MVHR units covering heat exchanger cleaning, filter replacement, fan checks, and condensate management — for energy-efficient building ventilation maintenance.
What is a mvhr unit maintenance checklist?
A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 11 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional, cleaning, safety and record-keeping checks — that keep a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core mvhr unit checks
- Check external intake and exhaust grilles are unobstructed
- Check both supply and extract fans for noise, vibration, and correct operation
- Remove and replace or clean supply and extract air filters
- Ensure electrical isolation is accessible and labelled
- Record filter condition, airflow rates, and heat recovery efficiency
What is a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit?
An MVHR unit provides balanced mechanical ventilation by simultaneously extracting stale air and supplying fresh air through a heat recovery exchanger. The exchanger transfers heat from the outgoing extract air to the incoming fresh air, recovering up to 90% of the heat that would otherwise be lost. MVHR systems are increasingly common in energy-efficient and well-insulated buildings where natural ventilation is limited.
This checklist is one of 34 in our HVAC maintenance checklists, covering air handling units, fan coils, chillers, VRF, ductwork and extract systems — filters, coils, refrigerant and damper checks.
Typical MVHR unit maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Check external intake and exhaust grilles are unobstructed
- Inspect ductwork connections for leaks or condensation
Functional Checks
- Check both supply and extract fans for noise, vibration, and correct operation
- Verify bypass damper operates correctly (summer bypass mode)
- Measure supply and extract airflow rates against design specification
- Verify frost protection heater or defrost cycle operates correctly in cold weather
Cleaning & Housekeeping
- Remove and replace or clean supply and extract air filters
- Inspect the heat recovery exchanger for dust buildup and clean if required
- Clean condensate drain tray and confirm drain is flowing freely
Safety Checks
- Ensure electrical isolation is accessible and labelled
Record Keeping
- Record filter condition, airflow rates, and heat recovery efficiency
Download the free MVHR unit maintenance checklist PDF
Get all 11 tasks as a printable PDF — free, no signup needed. Keep a copy in the plant room, attach it to work orders, or share it with your maintenance contractor.
Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Quarterly
- •Clean or replace filters
- •Check condensate drain
- •Visual inspection of unit
Every 6 Months
- •Clean heat exchanger
- •Check bypass damper
- •Verify airflow rates
Annually
- •Full service including fan checks
- •Frost protection test
- •Efficiency measurement
- •Ductwork inspection
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- SFG20, CIBSE Guide M, and BESA TR19 / BS EN 15780 for ductwork hygiene
- North America
- ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 and NADCA ACR for duct cleanliness
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning mvhr unit maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing MVHR unit documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (mvhr) unit documentation and ask questions like “What is the design airflow rate?” or “Where are the isolation points?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
See PM Assist answer questions about a real mvhr unit manual — try the live demo, no signup needed.
Take this checklist with you
Download the branded PDF, generate a custom version for your asset, or run AI search across all your building documentation.
Related free tools
Further reading on mvhr unit maintenance
Compliance topics for mvhr unit maintenance
Frequently asked questions
How often should MVHR filters be changed?
How do you clean an MVHR heat exchanger?
What is the summer bypass on an MVHR unit?
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- Upload and organise building documentation
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