Ventilation: lifespan and cost
Ventilation affects both indoor air and moisture in the structure. The table shows how long the parts last and what a replacement usually costs.
The ranges apply to a normal-sized house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep. In a share-based flat the big repairs are a share of the housing company’s project and show up in the charge or the company loan.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation unit (heat recovery) | 25 yrs (20-30) | 4 000-12 000 € |
| Extract fan | 20 yrs (15-25) | 1 000-4 000 € |
| Ventilation ducts | 40 yrs (30-50) | 3 000-12 000 € |
| Ventilation filter | 1 yrs (1-2) | 50-200 € |
How long does a ventilation unit last?
The unit itself lasts many years, but the filters are a recurring item that needs changing often for the system to work and not draw more power than needed. The ducts sit hidden and last longest of all. A house with heat recovery reclaims warmth from the extract air and is more expensive but more efficient than plain extract ventilation.
What does replacing ventilation cost?
Replacing a unit or an extract fan is a contained job. Running new ducts in a house that lacks them is more expensive. Filter changes are cheap but need doing regularly, and if neglected the unit wears out early. The cost in the table applies to a normal-sized house.
What the age of the house tells you
Certain build years carry known risks for exactly these parts. Here are the most common ones.
Inadequate upper-floor ventilation Houses built 1960–1990
Poor upper-floor ventilation — moisture condenses in the structures.
Do the ventilation ducts need cleaning?
The ducts should be cleaned and the system balanced every few years so the airflows stay correct. Dirty ducts worsen the indoor air and force the unit to run harder.
Can poor ventilation cause moisture damage?
Yes. When damp air is not carried away it gathers in cold spaces like the attic and crawl space and can cause mould. Old houses with inadequate ventilation are especially exposed; see the age note below.
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