- How It Works
- Featured Project
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How It Works
About MVHR Filters
MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems rely on high-quality filters to deliver clean, balanced airflow — but when filters are neglected, indoor air quality suffers and system performance drops.
At ARM Environments, we provide specialist MVHR filter replacement services for non-residential buildings. We begin with a site assessment to identify the correct filter types and grades for your system, considering location, occupancy, and air quality goals.
We supply and install compatible MVHR filters – including coarse filters for outdoor air intake and fine filters for supply air – ensuring they’re sealed properly to prevent bypass. For sensitive environments or urban locations, we can also advise on upgraded ePM1 or molecular filters for enhanced protection.
We also offer advice on optimal replacement intervals based on usage and pollution exposure, avoiding premature changes while ensuring peak air quality.
Service Benefits
- Maintain indoor air quality
- Prevent system blockages and faults
- Improve energy efficiency
- Protect occupants from outdoor pollution
Featured Project
Commercial Mould Removal in a Hampshire Chiropractic Clinic
Objectives
In 2021, ARM Environments visited Southampton-based St James Chiropractic Clinic in response to some Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and mould concerns. The team behind this clinic were avid proponents for high-quality air, and had air purification units dotted around the space. The concerns arose when the team noticed these purifiers getting clogged up, most alarmingly by mould spores in the filters. This meant there was likely mould growths within the building, but they couldn't figure out where. The building was dry -- there was no sign of damp or high humidity -- and no visible mould could be spotted.
ARM were called in and began investigating for sources of the mould spores. We spotted a discoloured and water-damaged fascia board by the ceiling in one of the rooms. Upon further inspection, we discovered that the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit that provides air filtration and ventilation for the building had been boxed-in with plasterboard. Suspended from the ceiling and enclosed in the corner, we realised that the MVHR system was likely growing mould due to the water ingress and circulating mould spores around the building.
Solutions
The best course of action, it seemed, was to remove the plasterboard casing and access the MVHR unit to provide it with a thorough clean and much-needed filter change, as we suspected it hadn't been changed in a very long time. This would remove the source of the airborne mould spores and prevent them from being circulated around the clinic.
Results
Despite the team's best attempts to purify the air with small air purification units, their efforts were being thwarted by mould growing inside the very same MVHR system that was meant to be keeping the air safe. We don't know who decided to encase the unit in plasterboard, but following our remediations, the unit is now clean and accessible, and mould is no longer a concern. With a new filter, the team have an extra protection from pollutants. We also recommended the team to purchase an indoor air quality monitoring device to monitor for future mould. This provides the peace of mind that staff and clients are kept happy and safe during their time at the clinic.
Challenges
- Mould spores from blocked air purification units
- Unknown source of mould
- Health and safety was imperative for this company
"We had an issue with toxic mould spores in our surgery. ARM Environments were engaged to assess the root cause of the problem. Once the primary issue was identified, ARM quickly advised on what remediation works needed to be completed. The issue has now been completely resolved with the fitment of new heat recovery ventilation and ionisation systems. ARM continue to monitor our clinic to this day."
Dr Steve Williams - St James Chiropractic Clinic
Resolved
Wellbeing
Continued Support
Insights
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Why Choose ARM?
Unlike general HVAC providers, ARM Environments specialises in indoor air quality. We don’t just change filters – we ensure your MVHR system is supporting clean, compliant ventilation through proper filter selection, sealing and scheduling.
We’re certified by BESA and SafeContractor, and trusted by healthcare, education, and commercial clients across the UK. Whether you’re running a single site or managing a portfolio, we help you keep air quality high – and maintenance hassle-free.
