Introducing a new generation of compact, intelligent MVHR technology to overcome the frustration that some MVHR units are too large for a space, noisy during operation, complex to commission or simply incompatible with modern smart-home systems.
For many, these challenges have meant that with some properties (particularly smaller new-builds, apartments, and modular homes) MVHR was deemed to be "too difficult" for whole-house ventilation. The Zehnder EVO is Zehnder's answer to all of these pain points in one ultra-slim, intelligent package. From space constraints to smart home compatibility, here's how the EVO changes the game.
Problem Solved: Poor Indoor Air Quality - Stale, Humid, Polluted Air in Airtight Homes
Modern UK homes are being built to increasingly high airtightness standards to meet Part F Building Regulations and net-zero targets. Whilst this improves energy efficiency, it creates a significant problem: stale air, excess moisture, CO₂ build-up, and indoor pollutants have nowhere to escape. The result is condensation on windows, mould growth, and an air quality that can negatively impact sleep, concentration, and long-term respiratory health. The Zehnder EVO delivers continuous, balanced mechanical ventilation - supplying fresh, filtered air to living spaces while extracting stale air from kitchens and bathrooms simultaneously. With optional CO₂ and humidity sensors as part of its demand-controlled ventilation system, the EVO responds intelligently to air quality changes, ramping up airflow when conditions demand it and dialling back when they don't.
✓ Continuous filtered fresh air, 24/7, without opening a window
Problem Solved: Tight Spaces & Impossible Installations? No Room for a Conventional MVHR Unit?
One of the most common reasons MVHR isn't included in a project is space. Traditional units are bulky, requiring large service voids or dedicated plant rooms, a real barrier for apartments, loft conversions, modular homes, and offsite-built POD construction. Designers sometimes write off these property types as "too challenging" for whole-house ventilation. The Zehnder EVO was purpose-built to eliminate this barrier. At just 210 mm in depth (EVO 2), it can be flush-mounted into a ceiling with no gradient required, thanks to its double-rotating condensate drain. It can also be wall-mounted vertically, installed in pitched roofs, slimline cupboards or shallow service voids, and its adjustable bi-directional spigots ensure smooth airflow at virtually any installation angle.
✓ Fits where other MVHR units simply cannot, ceiling, wall, pitched roof or service void
Problem Solved: High Energy Bills and Heat Lost Through Conventional Ventilation
Opening windows or relying on extract-only fans to ventilate a home is costly. Every cubic metre of warm air expelled to the outside has to be replaced with cold air that your boiler or heat pump then has to reheat, a continuous, invisible drain on your energy bills that worsens in airtight, well-insulated homes where ventilation is most needed. The Zehnder EVO recovers up to 90% of the heat from outgoing stale air and uses it to pre-warm incoming fresh air. This market-leading heat recovery efficiency, combined with low power consumption and Zehnder's maximum airtightness engineering, means the EVO doesn't just ventilate your home, it does so whilst dramatically reducing the heating energy required. For homeowners, developers and housing associations focused on running costs and EPC ratings, this is a critical advantage. The EVO is also available with an optional electric preheater for extreme cold snaps, ensuring a consistent supply air temperature year-round.
✓ Up to 90% heat recovery — significant savings on heating bills compared to extract-only systems
Problem Solved: Smart Home Incompatibility - Ventilation That Can't Talk to Building Systems
As smart home technology and Building Management Systems (BMS) become the norm in new residential and commercial developments, legacy MVHR units often exist as isolated islands, unable to integrate with automated controls, respond to wider building sensors, or be monitored remotely. This creates inefficiency and a poor user experience, particularly in premium developments where occupants expect joined-up control of their indoor environment. The Zehnder EVO is fully compatible with BMS environments via the EVO Connect KNX interface, enabling two-way communication with KNX-based building automation systems over RS485. Installers can configure unit parameters, view system errors remotely, set fan speed schedules and integrate CO₂ and humidity sensors wirelessly, all from within the building's central control system. For those working on higher-end residential developments, student accommodation, or commercial projects, this connectivity removes a significant barrier to using MVHR.
✓ BMS-ready via KNX — full smart home and building automation integration out of the box
Ready to Specify or Install the Zehnder EVO?
Epicair is a trusted, established UK supplier of Zehnder ventilation products, with expert support from our team based here in Kent. We offer fast UK delivery, technical advice and a full MVHR design service.
If you'd like to talk to our experts, please contact us on 01892 600121 or email mvhr@epicair.co.uk and we will be delighted to help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zehnder EVO and what does it do?
The Zehnder EVO is a next-generation Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit. It simultaneously supplies fresh, filtered air to living spaces and extracts stale, humid air from wet rooms, recovering up to 90% of the heat from the outgoing air to pre-warm incoming fresh air. It is available in three sizes (EVO 2, 3, and 4) and as HRV or ERV models.
How thin is the Zehnder EVO — will it fit in my project?
The Zehnder EVO 2 is just 210 mm in depth, making it one of the most compact MVHR units on the UK market. The EVO 3 and EVO 4 are 269 mm in depth. All models can be flush ceiling-mounted without any gradient requirement, and they can also be wall-mounted vertically or installed in pitched roofs, service voids, and slimline cupboards.
Is the Zehnder EVO compatible with smart home and BMS systems?
Yes. The Zehnder EVO supports full BMS integration via the EVO Connect KNX interface, which communicates over RS485 and allows remote configuration, scheduling, error monitoring and fan speed control. It also supports demand-controlled ventilation via optional CO₂ and humidity sensors.
Where can I buy the Zehnder EVO in the UK?
Here at EpicAir, we supply the Zehnder EVO range, MVHR accessories, filters and ducting, alongside a full MVHR design service. Based in Kent, we offer fast UK delivery, along with helpful and experienced UK-based phone technical support.
Does the Zehnder EVO meet UK Building Regulations Part F?
Yes. The Zehnder EVO is designed to comply with UK Building Regulations for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery and can be configured to meet Passivhaus requirements. Always confirm compliance for your specific project with your installer or with EpicAir's design team.
