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 house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced ventilation (heat recovery) | 25 yrs (20-30) | 50 000-150 000 kr |
| Extract fan | 20 yrs (15-25) | 8 000-25 000 kr |
| Ventilation ducts | 40 yrs (30-50) | 20 000-60 000 kr |
| Ventilation filters | 1 yrs (1-2) | 500-2 000 kr |
How long does a balanced 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 balanced ventilation 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 house.
Does a house need a ventilation check?
Single-family houses with natural or extract ventilation usually have no mandatory recurring ventilation check, but working ventilation still matters to avoid moisture and poor air.
Can poor ventilation cause moisture damage?
Yes. When damp air is not carried away it gathers in cold spaces like attics and crawl spaces and can cause mould. Older houses with inadequate ventilation are especially exposed; see the age note below.
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