Mechanical ventilation (MVHR) lifespan: how long does it last?

Short answer

Mechanical ventilation (MVHR): 10 to 20 years on average, so around 15 years in normal household use. Regular maintenance routinely pushes past the top of that range.

A mechanical ventilation system lasts 10 to 20 years, with the fan unit motor deciding the outcome. A properly maintained single-flow system often passes 20 years; a unit clogged by years of neglect burns out its motor well before that.

It is the most forgotten appliance in the house: it runs continuously, quietly, and nobody looks at it until the bathroom stays damp or mould appears in the corners. Unlike a boiler, no legal maintenance obligation applies to a domestic ventilation system: it all rests on you.

Thinking of buying one?

Expect 10 to 20 years of use for a well-maintained model.
5 maintenance tasks decide how long it lasts.

Just bought one? Record its warranty in Delvyia: you will be warned before it runs out, and the receipt stays within reach.

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Signs it is reaching the end

Condensation lingers on windows and in the corners of damp rooms
A smell settles in the bathroom or the toilet
The unit gets louder, or runs unevenly
A sheet of paper no longer stays stuck to the extract vent
Greasy dust builds up in a ring around the vents

The maintenance that extends its life

Remove and wash the extract vents in warm soapy water
How often: every 3 to 6 months
Clean the air inlets in the window frames of living rooms
How often: every 6 months
Clean or replace the filters (heat-recovery systems only)
How often: every 6 months
Dust the inside of the unit and the fan blades, with the power switched off
How often: once a year
Have airflow rates and ducts checked by a professional
How often: every 3 to 5 years

Repair or replace?

A fan unit motor can be replaced on its own, for a fraction of the price of a new installation, and that is almost always the right call on a single-flow system whose ducts are in good condition. Full replacement mainly makes sense to change technology: moving to humidity-controlled or heat-recovery ventilation cuts the heating bill, which a repair never will. Always switch off the power before working on the unit.

Frequently asked questions

Is ventilation maintenance a legal requirement?

No, there is no legal obligation for ventilation in a single-family home, unlike a boiler or a stove. The recommended intervals come from manufacturers and installers. In an apartment block, maintenance of shared systems is the managing agent's responsibility.

How can I tell whether my ventilation still works?

Hold a sheet of thin paper or a tissue against the extract vent: it should stay there on its own. If it falls, airflow is too low, and it is most often the vent or the unit that is clogged rather than a dead motor.