Proair Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems Limited

What Proair Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems Limited does

ProAir Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems Limited (trading as ProAir Systems) is an Irish private company founded in 1995 by David McHugh and headquartered in Galway, Ireland. It is the only manufacturer of residential Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems in the Republic of Ireland, designing, supplying, installing, and servicing a full MVHR product portfolio from a single Galway manufacturing facility with regional offices in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. The product range includes the PA100LI (compact), PA600LI (flagship, 80-210m² homes), PA600PLI (Passive House Institute certified, 2016), PA700LI (latest generation, up to 270m², smartphone-controlled), and PA750LI (up to 300m²), alongside the FRPRO Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) unit, the proprietary Duct & Joint oval PVC ducting system, the FEX Terminal, and a full consumables line of replacement filters. Underlying technology centres on counter-flow plate heat exchangers with up to 95% thermal efficiency (PA700LI), low-energy EC motors, expanded polyethylene casings, and PCDB/SAP Appendix Q listing.

The business operates a direct sales-led go-to-market with its own installation teams across four Irish offices, complemented by a DIY self-install channel, an e-commerce filter storefront, and partnerships with SEAI-registered One Stop Shops for government grant-funded retrofits. Revenue is generated through four streams: (1) MVHR/MEV unit hardware sales at €6,500-€9,500 fully installed; (2) replacement filter consumables at €20-€125 per pair; (3) a 3-year service and warranty programme covering cleaning, filter replacement, re-balancing, and software upgrades; and (4) a professional MVHR design service for architects, builders, and homeowners. Customer segments span homeowners (primary), architects/designers/builders (primary), social housing developers, plus non-residential verticals in education, healthcare, and hospitality. The company has produced its 5,000th MVHR unit (2018 milestone) and installed thousands of systems since 1995; founder David McHugh is stepping down at end of 2025 after 30 years of leadership.

Name

Proair Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems Limited

Legal name

ProAir Systems Ltd

Website

https://proair.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ProAir is Ireland's only residential MVHR manufacturer, designing, supplying, installing, and servicing heat recovery ventilation systems and accessories from Galway for homeowners, builders, and developers across Ireland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mechanical Ventilation Equipment

NAICS

Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (3334), Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413), Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (238220), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)

SIC

Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

Ventilation, Ducting & Air Distribution Equipment (IMAHAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ventilation System Installation (Exhaust Fans, ERV/HRV, Make-Up Air) (HSAOAGAI), Fans, Blowers & Ventilation Units (Supply/Exhaust/Inline) (IMADANAB), Dampers, Louvers & Ventilation Controls (IMADANAD), Ventilation System Installation & Repair (Bath/Kitchen Fans, ERV/HRV) (HSAOAIAF)

Keywords

• Mechanical ventilation systems
• Heat recovery ventilation
• Residential MVHR systems
• Indoor air quality equipment
• Energy efficient ventilation

Headquarters

HQ city

Galway

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. MVHR Unit Sales: Sale of heat recovery ventilation units (PA100LI, PA300LI, PA600LI, PA600PLI, PA700LI, PA750LI) and MEV units (FRPRO) for residential and small commercial applications
2. Replacement Filters: Sale of replacement filters (F1-F6, F11) for all ProAir units, priced from €20-€125 per pair
3. Service & Maintenance: 3-year servicing including cleaning, filter replacement, re-balancing, and software upgrades. Warranty coverage with parts and labour for first 2 years
4. Design Services: Professional MVHR design service for homeowners and construction professionals including duct sizing and layout design

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ProAir designs, manufactures, supplies, installs, and services Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems and Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) units for residential and small commercial applications in Ireland. The company offers a complete product range from compact units (PA100LI) through flagship medium-home units (PA600LI) to large-home models (PA700LI, PA750LI) and a Passive House Institute-certified unit (PA600PLI), along with proprietary ducting systems, terminals, replacement filters, and complementary design, commissioning, and 3-year service programmes.

Product overview

ProAir is Ireland's only manufacturer of residential MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems, operating from a Galway head office and manufacturing facility. The product portfolio centres on a range of MVHR units — the PA100LI (compact), PA600LI (flagship, medium homes 80–210m²), PA600PLI (Passive House-certified), PA700LI (latest generation, larger homes up to 270m² with app and Bluetooth control), and PA750LI (larger homes up to 300m²) — plus the FRPRO Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) unit as a lower-cost Part F compliance option. Supporting products include the Duct & Joint rigid oval PVC ducting system (four sizes), the FEX Terminal for compact intake/exhaust routing, and a full line of replacement filters. ProAir provides end-to-end service: Design Service (full MVHR layout drawings), Commissioning & Compliance (Part F certification), and a 3-year Service & Warranty programme. All units are Irish-made, PCDB/SAP Appendix Q listed, Passive House Institute certified (PA600PLI), and carry EPD Ireland environmental declarations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProAirVENT Connect: Mobile app for remote monitoring and control of the PA700LI system, available on Apple and Android platforms.
• ProAirVENT Local Control

Products and services

• ProAir PA600LI Flagship MVHR unit designed for medium-sized homes between 80m² and 210m². Features expanded polyethylene casing, counter-flow plate heat exchanger, low-energy EC motors, G4 filters, and touchscreen control. SAP Appendix Q (PCDB) listed and EPD certified. Manufactured at ProAir's Galway facility.
• ProAir PA750LI MVHR unit for larger homes up to 300m². Includes humidity and temperature sensors that auto-control the Summer Bypass and Boost function, touchscreen control, G4 filters, and SEC rating A+. Operates at approximately 50% of conventional MVHR running costs.
• ProAir PA600PLI Passive House Institute certified MVHR unit based on the PA600LI with additional sensors for precise Passive House control. First Irish MVHR unit to receive Passive House Institute certification (2016). EPD certified with maximum airflow of 380 m³/hr. Designed for Passive House and nZEB buildings.
• ProAir PA700LI Latest-generation MVHR unit for larger homes up to 270m². Highest efficiency in its class per BRE England testing with thermal efficiency up to 95%. Features CO2 and humidity sensors, Summer Bypass standard, SEC rating A+, and control via the ProAirVENT Connect smartphone app and ProAirVENT Local Control Bluetooth app. Touch Pad with alarm notifications and 7-day schedule.
• ProAir PA100LI Compact MVHR unit designed for smaller residential installations. Low-capacity variant serving smaller property footprints in the ProAir range.
• ProAir FRPRO Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) unit that continuously extracts stale and moisture-laden air from wet rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, showers) to a central fan via ductwork. Provides a lower-cost alternative to full MVHR for Part F building regulations compliance.
• ProAir Duct & Joint System Proprietary rigid oval PVC ducting system available in four sizes (System 10: 115mm, System 15: 150mm, System 20: 210mm, System 30: 300mm). Low-profile 60mm internal height design with low-pressure, high-efficiency airflow. Smooth internal walls minimise noise and is compatible with ProAir distribution boxes for centralised duct routing.
• ProAir FEX Terminal Proprietary low-cost air intake and exhaust terminal for MVHR systems. Allows fresh and exhaust ducts to run side-by-side rather than the standard 2m apart, reducing ducting and installation costs. Independently tested by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway confirming no cross-contamination of airflows.
• ProAir Commissioning & Compliance Service Commissioning service ensuring every MVHR installation meets TGD Part F building regulations. Airflow measurements taken with a calibrated device (l/s), compared against design values, and adjusted until compliant. Certification issued upon completion.
• ProAir Design Service Professional MVHR design service covering geographical location, house size, occupancy, duct type and layout, air speeds, air volumes per room, unit selection, location, and air terminal placement. Includes full Heat Recovery Ventilation layout drawings with duct sizing and routing suggestions. Targeted at homeowners and construction professionals.
• ProAir Service & Warranty Programme 3-year service and warranty programme. Servicing every 3 years includes interior cleaning, heat exchanger cleaning, filter replacement, and system re-balancing with software upgrades. Warranty covers parts and labour for the first 2 years, parts only for year 3 (filters excluded). Homeowner maintenance guidelines: filter check every 6 months, replacement annually.
• ProAir Replacement Filters Consumable replacement filters for all ProAir MVHR and MEV units. Filter types include F1, F2, F3 (PA600 legacy 2006-2012), F4 (PA600LI), F5 (PA600HLI/PA700HLI), F6 (PA300LI), F11 (FRPRO), PAF15 (PA700LI & PA750LI), and PA300 filters. Prices range from €20 to €125 per pair. Recommended annual replacement.

Quantifiable outcome

• PA700LI demonstrates highest efficiency in its class of any unit available on the Irish market (tested at BRE England)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SEAI One Stop ShopscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProAir works with many SEAI-registered One Stop Shops who support homeowners through the process of upgrading their homes with MVHR systems. These partners help customers navigate government grant applications and installation processes.
• Passive House AcademycoreTechnology or IntegrationPassive House Academy partnership for certification and technical guidance on Passive House standards. Featured on ProAir website as a trusted partner.
• EPD IrelandcoreTechnology or IntegrationEnvironmental Product Declarations programme through Irish Green Building Council. ProAir was the first Irish company to have EPDs for ventilation systems verified under this programme.
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU) GalwayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Centre for Sustainability at ATU Galway (formerly GMIT) independently tested and confirmed no cross contamination of airflows in ProAir's proprietary FEX Terminal.
• Údarás na GaeltachtaminorOthersGaeltacht development authority partnership, referenced on ProAir's partner logos section.
• EHP RenewablesminorOthersRenewable energy solutions partner, featured in ProAir's partner logos section.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bosch Thermotechnology: Major European HVAC manufacturer with residential ventilation and heat pump offerings. Relevant as a broad incumbent competing for the same new-build and retrofit specification opportunities as ProAir in Ireland and the UK.
• Daikin: Global HVAC incumbent offering heat-recovery ventilation within a wider heating, cooling, and controls portfolio. Competes with ProAir on energy-efficient residential ventilation but does not specialise purely in residential MVHR.

Direct peers

• Zehnder Group: Swiss-headquartered European manufacturer of residential and commercial heat recovery ventilation systems, including the ComfoAir range. Directly comparable to ProAir as a European MVHR specialist serving new-build and retrofit markets, but at substantially greater scale and geographic reach.
• Vent-Axia: UK manufacturer of MVHR, MEV, and mechanical extract ventilation systems widely specified in UK and Irish residential projects. The most direct UK/IE head-to-head competitor to ProAir for Part F compliance applications.
• EnviroVent: UK manufacturer and installer of MVHR and condensation-control ventilation products targeting new-build, retrofit, and social housing — directly comparable customer segments (homeowners, developers, housing associations) to ProAir.
• Pluggit: German manufacturer of decentralised and central residential MVHR units, including Passivhaus-certified components. Directly comparable to ProAir's PA600PLI in targeting Passive House and nZEB developers across Europe.
• Brink Climate Systems: Dutch manufacturer of MVHR units and ventilation systems for residential and commercial applications. A direct competitor in design, technology (counter-flow heat exchangers, EC motors), and product portfolio versus ProAir's PA-series units.
• Veltia: Baltics-based manufacturer of MVHR and ducting systems for residential and small commercial buildings. Comparable as a smaller, vertically integrated European MVHR specialist competing on efficiency, duct design, and installer support similar to ProAir's model.
• Paul Novus (Paul Group): German manufacturer of decentralised and central MVHR units (Novus, Passivhaus-certified). A direct European MVHR peer serving residential airtightness and Passive House markets analogous to ProAir's PA600PLI.

Regional players

• Xpelair (a brand of Glen Dimplex): UK-focused residential ventilation brand offering MVHR, MEV, and extractor fans primarily in the UK and Ireland. Comparable to ProAir as a regional residential ventilation specialist, though broader and more distribution-heavy rather than Irish-manufactured.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ProAirSystems
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ProAirSystems
• Facebookfacebook.com/proairsystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/proair-heat-recovery-ventilation-systems
• Instagraminstagram.com/proairsystems

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Proair Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems Limited