How much do MVHR filters cost a year?

Typically somewhere between about £40 and £250 a year, depending on how often you change them, usually one to two sets, and the price of a set, typically £20 to £125. Use the calculator with your own figures.

How often do I change MVHR filters?

Usually every 6 to 12 months, and every 3 to 6 months for finer filters or in areas with poor outdoor air. Many units have a filter-change reminder.

Are genuine filters worth it?

Genuine manufacturer filters cost more than compatible ones, but a poor fit can let unfiltered air past, so fit matters. Whatever you choose, changing them on schedule is what counts.

Is filter cost a big running cost?

No, it is modest, alongside the electricity to run the fans. Over a year it is usually a small part of the total cost of owning MVHR.

Calculator

MVHR filter cost calculator

Filters are the main ongoing consumable for an MVHR system. This calculator estimates what they cost over time. Enter how many filter sets you change a year, the cost of a set, and how long you plan to own the system, and it returns an annual and a lifetime figure.

By VentRight Editorial · Last updated 2026-07-08 · Impartial · Sourced

How does this MVHR filter cost calculator work?

It multiplies the number of filter sets you change a year by the cost of a set to get an annual cost, then by the number of years to get a lifetime cost. Enter how many sets you use a year, usually one to two, the price of a set, typically 20 to 125 pounds, and how long you plan to own the system.

It is deliberately simple, because filter cost is straightforward: sets per year times the price of a set. The main variables are how often your unit needs changing and what its filters cost, both of which vary by brand and location. Use your own figures for an accurate result.

How often are MVHR filters changed?

Most homes change filters every 6 to 12 months, so one to two sets a year, and more often for finer filters or in areas with poor outdoor air. Enter the number that matches your unit and location. Changing filters on schedule keeps airflow up and running cost down. See our filters guide for the detail.

If you are near a busy road or in a dusty area, expect the higher end of the frequency. Many units have a filter-change indicator that takes the guesswork out. For the calculator, one to two sets a year suits most homes, but adjust it to your own experience.

Questions

How much do MVHR filters cost a year?: Typically somewhere between about £40 and £250 a year, depending on how often you change them, usually one to two sets, and the price of a set, typically £20 to £125. Use the calculator with your own figures.
How often do I change MVHR filters?: Usually every 6 to 12 months, and every 3 to 6 months for finer filters or in areas with poor outdoor air. Many units have a filter-change reminder.
Are genuine filters worth it?: Genuine manufacturer filters cost more than compatible ones, but a poor fit can let unfiltered air past, so fit matters. Whatever you choose, changing them on schedule is what counts.
Is filter cost a big running cost?: No, it is modest, alongside the electricity to run the fans. Over a year it is usually a small part of the total cost of owning MVHR.

Tool · v1

MVHR filter cost over time

Annual and lifetime MVHR filter cost, from sets per year, cost per set and years of ownership.

With the default inputs (Filter sets a year = 2, Cost of a set = 50 pounds, Years of ownership = 15) the Filter cost a year is 100 pounds; Filter cost over the years is 1500 pounds.

Result

Filter cost a year: 100pounds
Filter cost over the years: 1500pounds

How this works

This calculator multiplies the number of filter sets changed a year by the cost of a set to give an annual figure, then by the years of ownership to give a lifetime figure. Filter sets typically cost 20 to 125 pounds and are changed every 6 to 12 months. Enter your own figures for an accurate result.

Each result is computed on the server from the inputs above using a versioned formula stored in the database. This version (v1) has passed its 7-day test window and is the currently-live version. Nothing is calculated in your browser.