In an era of dynamic changes in regulations, rising energy prices and environmental awareness, as well as wider access to programs supporting building modernization, the topic of recuperation is of great interest among investors and homeowners of those newly built and those already in use.
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In this article we will look at the cost of installing recuperation in both single-family homes and terraced or semi-detached houses, because recuperation can be installed in any of these types of houses. It does not matter in the least the type of construction, but primarily the volume of the building and the number of people living in it, which determines the cost of installing recuperation.
At the same time in this material we will give the averaged cost of installation of recuperation (without additional devices / equipment such as additional carbon filters or ground heat exchanger - GWC) in houses divided by the area of the houses, because the reference to the area of the building in the simplest way to illustrate what kind of expenses we have to reckon with when investing in recuperation.
First: recuperation design
The basis for optimal operation of the recuperation system is a good design, because: optimizes the distribution of ducts for good system performance, guarantees even ventilation, reduces subsequent service and operating costs.
The cost of a professional design of a recuperation installation varies and is about 500-800 PLN*, but can be higher for larger houses with a more complicated layout. At aeroVent, already with purchases of PLN 1000, you will receive a comprehensive recuperation project for free, along with a quote for all installation components.
Second: recuperator
Recuperator prices vary depending on the type of heat exchanger and energy efficiency: the simplest models with a cross-flow heat exchanger start at about PLN 3,500 and provide heat recovery of about 55%. The more advanced, with a rotary exchanger, cost from PLN 5,000 to 8,000 and have a longer lifespan and slightly higher heat recovery, while the highest-end recuperators with a countercurrent exchanger start at PLN 8,400 like the Breva Top Mini recuperator and up, and are characterized by high heat recovery of more than 75-80%, which translates into savings on heating of up to 50%. In addition, counterflow heat exchangers are less prone to freezing, so at the same time the consumption of electricity, to protect the exchanger from freezing in winter, is much lower.
Third: installation components for the distribution of the recuperation system.
What specifically goes into the installation materials, let us first of all point out that we do not include the price of the central unit.
Well, the installation elements consist of:
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Ventilation ducts: Most often flexible ducts with external diameters of 75/90 mm. Less commonly used nowadays steel spiral (SPIRO) - these are more expensive, but more durable ventilation ducts.
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Expansion boxes (supply and exhaust): approx. PLN 100-200/unit.
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Manifolds/reducers: approx. 200-500 PLN/unit.
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Air intake and exhaust: total cost: 200-600 zł.
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Acoustic silencers: 1-2 pcs per installation, cost approx. 150-400 zł/unit.
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Duct insulation (if not insulated): cost approx. 10-30 zł/mb
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Additional elements - accessories necessary for the installation of the recuperation system, such as plugs, gaskets, dampers, channel connectors and others. The demand depends on the size and complexity of the system.
Thus, for a house of about 100 m² is an average of about PLN 6,000-9,000. For a 150 m² house, the cost of installation materials varies between 8,000-12,000 zlotys, there are more supply and exhaust points. A house of about 200 m² is a more elaborate duct system - the cost approx. PLN 10,000-15,000, and for houses over 200 m² we have to reckon with the expense of installation materials at about PLN 13,000-18,000 or more.
In percentage terms, the total expenditure on installation materials, is more than 100% or even 150% of the price of the recuperator.
At the same time, it should be noted that these are the average costs of installation materials in a newly built house. In a used house, they may be higher.
Fourth: installation of recuperation
Installation is carried out on the basis of the recuperation project and includes, among other things, laying out the ventilation ducts, permanently fixing them to the surface of the floor or ceiling or roof, proper insulation of the ducts, connecting all the elements to the air handling unit, installation of air intakes and exhausts, anemostats and final adjustment of the system, for effective operation of the recuperation system.
For example, in a house with an area of 150 m², the installation costs approx. PLN 7,500-10,000, which is usually about 30-40% of the total cost of the installation. Here the costs also apply to a new house, in used houses the installation is more difficult and involves higher costs. The cost of installation also depends on the location of the investment.
We present the averaged cost of the installation of recuperation (materials + installation) by area of houses:
- For a house up to 100 m² - on average: from PLN 9,000 to 17,000.
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A house of about 150 m² costs approx. 15 000 - 25 000 zł.
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Houses of about 200 m² are about 20 000 - 30 000 zlotys, which is due to the larger volume and the need for more efficient equipment and more installation materials.
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Houses over 200 m² cost more than PLN 30,000.
Fifth: recuperation subsidies
When it comes to subsidies, 2025 programs such as "Clean Air" and other local initiatives are available to support thermo-modernization, improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings or installing mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery, which you should look for in your area of residence or the area where the investment is being made.
Funding for 2025, from the new edition of the nationwide program "Clean Air", covers part, and in some cases can cover the entire cost of the investment, which significantly lowers the financial barrier to investment. On the aeroVent blog, it is worth learning about the current conditions and limits of subsidies from the "Clean Air" program, which so far only cover buildings already in use.
Investment in recuperation is an expense of several to tens of thousands of zlotys, and depends on the size of the house - the cubic capacity, the type of device chosen, its level of technological advancement or at least the type of heat exchanger, as well as the quality of the installation components used and the number of residents and even their preferences. Currently available nationwide or local subsidies to support housing construction, can significantly reduce initial costs, and a well-designed system brings long-term savings on heating and improved air comfort.
It is estimated that annual savings on heating with central recuperation, can be as high as over 50%. But, even more importantly, the cost of installing recuperation will pay off in an intangible but priceless way, as recuperation serves to maintain good health and gives a sense of comfort, through filtered, clean air in the house, free of allergens, dust, free of excessive moisture.
*The following sources of information were used in the creation of the article:
https://kb.pl/ogrzewanie/rekuperacja/dlaczego-rekuperacja-jest-tansza-niz-myslisz/
https://www.mirenergia.pl/rekuperatory-i-ich-cena/
https://www.oferteo.pl/artykuly/ile-kosztuje-rekuperacja-cena-wentylacji-mechanicznej
https://edukacjakrytyczna.pl/koszt-rekuperacji-i-montazu-wentylacji-ile-kosztuje-rekuperacja
https:// www.rymar.com.pl/czy-rekuperacja-faktycznie-sie-oplaca.htm
