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Heat recovery ventilation cost Netherlands 2026 — price HRV unit including installation
Current overview of heat recovery ventilation (HRV/WTW) costs in the Netherlands 2026. What does an HRV unit cost including installation, which types are available and when is subsidy possible? With cost tables.
Quick answer
Installing a heat recovery ventilation (HRV/WTW) system in the Netherlands in 2026 costs on average € 3,000 to € 6,500 including installation for an average home. Upgrading existing C-ventilation to D-ventilation with HRV is less expensive; a completely new ductwork system costs more.
HRV ventilation costs by type
1. Price per system including installation
| System | Cost including installation | |---|---| | HRV unit only (existing ductwork) | € 1,500–€ 3,000 | | Full HRV system incl. new ducts (terraced house) | € 3,000–€ 5,500 | | Full HRV system incl. new ducts (detached house) | € 4,500–€ 8,000 | | Decentralised HRV (per room, 2 units) | € 1,200–€ 2,500 | | Replace HRV unit (existing system) | € 800–€ 1,800 |
2. Additional costs
| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Electrical connection for unit | € 100–€ 250 | | External air inlet/outlet (facade) | € 150–€ 400 | | Control panel / touchscreen | € 100–€ 300 | | Annual filter replacement (maintenance) | € 50–€ 120/year |
ISDE subsidy for HRV ventilation 2026
Balanced ventilation with heat recovery (system D) qualifies for the Dutch ISDE subsidy:
- Subsidy: € 300–€ 700 per unit (depending on specifications)
- Efficiency ≥ 90% required (η-value)
- Certified installer required
- Apply via RVO.nl after installation
Tips for HRV ventilation
- Combine with draught-proofing — HRV works best in a well-insulated, airtight home
- Choose a unit with bypass — bypass opens in mild weather (spring/autumn) for free natural cooling
- Schedule filter changes — replace filters every 6–12 months; dirty filters sharply reduce efficiency
- Decentralised vs centralised — central is better for major renovations; decentralised per room is more flexible for targeted upgrades
- Combine with heat pump — HRV + heat pump maximises ISDE subsidy and minimises energy bills
Permit for HRV ventilation
Installing HRV: no permit required.
Exception: drilling through the external wall (facade) may require consent from a homeowners' association (VvE) or adjacent neighbours in terraced houses.
Conclusion
Installing HRV ventilation in the Netherlands costs € 3,000–€ 6,500 including installation. With ISDE subsidy the net investment falls. For ventilation as part of a complete renovation, a coordinated project brief saves time and cost.
archi.sulerr.com offers an AI-assisted briefing service from € 399 — including a structured project brief, cost estimate and scope for your architect or contractor.