1.GENERAL PROVISIONS
- These Terms and Conditions apply to all contracts for the design, supply, installation,
commissioning, and servicing of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
systems undertaken by Earthwise Construction Ltd (“the Company”). - By engaging the Company, the client agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions
unless otherwise agreed in writing by both parties.
2. WORKS EXCLUDED FROM CONTRACT SCOPE:
The following works are excluded from the scope of Earthwise Construction Ltd’s contract.
These works are to be undertaken by the client or third parties appointed by the client, at
the client’s expense. The Company will offer support and coordination where appropriate
but accepts no liability for the execution or outcomes of these third-party works.
2.1 Electrical Requirements
- Installation of a 240V double socket at the MVHR unit location.
- Provision and installation of a CAT5 or Ethernet cable from the MVHR unit to the touch
screen or LAN C controller, and to the router if applicable. - Wiring of control systems including touch screens, controllers, and boost switches.
- NO ELECTRICS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED FOR
2.2 Plumbing Requirements
- Installation of a condensate drain, including a dry-seal waterless trap.
- NO PLUMBING WORKS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED FOR.
2.3 Roofing Works
- Installation of roof terminals and associated flashings by the client’s roofing contractor.
- NO ROOFING WORKS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED FOR.
2.4 Builder’s Works
- All penetrations through masonry or stone walls for external wall valves, and internal
penetrations for duct routes, must be completed by others prior to our arrival. - If required, the Company can mark penetration locations if present during first fix,
provided a core drilling contractor is available on site. - NO BUILDER’S WORKS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED FOR.
2.5 Carpentry Works
- Doors shall be undercut in accordance with ventilation design specifications to ensure
pressure balancing between rooms. - A suitable backboard (plasterboard or plywood) must be provided at the MVHR unit
mounting location. - NO PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR BOXING IN DUCTS OR FINISHING AROUND WALL
PENETRATIONS.
2.6 Airtightness Works
- While Earthwise Construction are happy to advise on air tightness requirements, any
ducts passing through the air tightness layer will need to be sealed by others as part of
the airtightness works. - NO SEALING OF AIR TIGHTNESS LAYER HAS BEEN ALLOWED FOR.
3. SITE REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Access and Power
- The client shall provide access to all areas necessary for works, including any scaffolding
or scaffold towers, free of charge. Such access must be installed prior to commencement
of first fix, second fix, or commissioning. - The client shall also provide electrical power free of charge for the duration of the works.
- If access is not suitably provided and the Company is unable to proceed, additional
callout or revisit charges may be applied.
4. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL COSTS
Where MVHR systems or components are supplied via third parties (e.g., Green Building
Store/21°, Paul Heat Recovery, Solarcrest), variations on site may necessitate additional
materials. Any such materials will be invoiced separately and may be identified post
installation following an assessment of used stock.
5. COMMISSIONING TERMS
Commissioning shall only proceed if the following conditions are met:
- The MVHR system is fully installed, connected, and powered.
- All valves are accessible and correctly installed, including removable valve heads and
securely mounted rings. - New or recently replaced filters (less than one month old) are available for installation.
If, in the Company’s reasonable opinion, the system is incomplete or incorrectly installed,
commissioning may be postponed.
The Company reserves the right to charge for time and travel. Rectification may be offered,
subject to time and cost constraints.
Commissioning reports shall not be released until the final invoice has been paid in full
6. MVHR DESIGN TERMS
The Company shall provide an initial design and up to four revisions. Further revisions
beyond this allowance may incur additional fees.
The client shall provide, in a timely manner:
- Scaled architectural floor plans, sections, and elevation drawings in CAD (.dwg) format
- Structural layouts, including joist and roof truss designs
- Locations of lighting/downlights and soil vent pipes (SVPs)
- Any relevant fire strategy information*
- Total number of occupants of the property
- The client should inform us where the MVHR unit(s) will be located in the property, as
well as where the ducts to atmosphere will terminate (i.e., roof terminals or wall grilles)
6.1 Fire Safety*
Earthwise Construction Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility for fire safety compliance. All
fire safety measures must be designed, reviewed, confirmed, and signed off by an
appropriately qualified and competent professional in accordance with current regulations
and project-specific requirements, (this is normally provided by an architect)
7. SUPPLY OF MATERIALS
- All materials remain the property of Earthwise Construction until the final invoice for the
job has been completed. If invoices are not paid Earthwise Construction Ltd reserve the
right to come and remove equipment and materials from site. - Any damages to materials delivered need to be reported within 48 hours of delivery’s
arriving to site. - Any material shortages must be reported within 7 calendar days of delivery. Reports
made outside this window may result in additional charges
8. PAYMENT TERMS
8.1 MVHR Design, Supply, Install & Commission:
- 25% non-refundable deposit upon engagement
- 35% prior to dispatch of first fix materials
- 30% prior to dispatch of MVHR unit (second fix)
- 10% on completion of commissioning
8.2 MVHR Supply Only:
- 25% non-refundable deposit upon engagement
- 35% prior to dispatch of ducting
- 40% prior to dispatch of MVHR unit
8.3 MVHR Installation Only:
- 50% non-refundable deposit upon engagement
- 50% on completion of first fix
8.4 MVHR Commissioning Only:
- 50% non-refundable deposit upon engagement
- 50% on completion of commissioning
8.5 MVHR Unit Replacement/Repair work:
- 50% deposit
- 50% on completion of commissioning
All invoices are due within 7 days of issue unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Commissioning reports will not be released until all outstanding payments have been
settled.
9. ZEHNDER COMFOPOST – ADDITIONAL TERMS
- A cooling load calculation must be carried out by others to confirm suitability.
- ComfoPost units must be used in conjunction with a chiller or reversible heat pump.
Earthwise Construction Ltd does not design, supply, or install chillers or heat pumps. - All plumbing, condensate drainage, and controls are to be specified and installed by
others.
Earthwise Construction Ltd accepts no liability for ComfoPost system performance,
compatibility, or installation.
In Layman’s Terms:
ComfoPost is like a radiator and the heat pump is like the boiler providing cool/hot water to
the ComfoPost. Therefore the design and specification of all plumbing and controls for the
ComfoPost needs to be undertaken by others and we advise you engage with your heat
pump supplier/installer/plumber as early as possible to ensure the ComfoPost can work with
their equipment. Earthwise Construction cannot be held responsible for this element of the
works and accept no liability for the correct design, specification and installation of
plumbing and controls connections to the ComfoPost.
10. MVHR SERVICING TERMS
Servicing includes:
- Cleaning of accessible ductwork, heat exchanger, fans (where possible), intake/exhaust
grilles, and internal unit components. - Filter replacement if ordered in advance.
- Completion of service log.
- Firmware updates (Zehnder ComfoAir Q only).
Repairs, replacements, or parts supply are not included unless explicitly agreed. If service
cannot proceed due to lack of access, safety issues, or poor installation, the quoted service
fee remains payable.
Sometimes when an MVHR unit is worked on, depending on the age and condition of the
MVHR unit, in unfortunate circumstances the very fact of having a service carried out can
sometimes cause issues to arise as components are often removed and put back, which can
lead to faliuers. If in the rare occasion a fault develops, we reserve the right to charge to
come back to site and for any replacement parts if applicable.
Special-order filters are non-refundable and must be ordered at least three weeks in
advance if required during servicing.
11. CANCELLATION AND POSTPONEMENT FEES
The Company reserves the right to charge cancellation fees as follows:
11.1 For General Works (*Dependant on value of works):
- Cancelled <7 days before agreed date: up to £485 + VAT*
- Cancelled <3 days before agreed date: up to £1,200 + VAT*
- Cancelled <24 hours before agreed date: up to £1,800 + VAT*
11.2 For Servicing:
- Cancelled <7 days before scheduled date: full quoted amount payable
- If access is not provided on arrival: full quoted amount payable
These charges shall be applied at the Company’s discretion, taking into account the value of
the works and any incurred costs.
12. SELF-INSTALLATION
We want you to have a great experience with our ventilation systems, whether you install
them yourself or hire a professional. If you choose to go the DIY route, please read the
following carefully:
12.1. Do-It-Yourself, At Your Own Risk
Installing a ventilation system on your own can be rewarding, but it also comes with risks—
like electrical issues or damage if not done correctly. By choosing to install it yourself, you’re
accepting full responsibility for the outcome.
12.2 Follow The Building Regulations
It is your responsibility to check with your local building control department and make sure
you’re following the right regulations.
12.3 About the Warranty
Our warranty covers any manufacturing defects with the product. However, it doesn’t cover
problems caused by incorrect installation or changes made to the system or design. If the
system isn’t installed as designed, the warranty may not apply.
12.4 Read the design
Our detailed designs have been carefully planned to show you how your system needs to be
installed. Please follow them closely. If you’re unsure about anything or feel out of your
depth, please contact us to discuss your concerns.
12.5 We’re Not Liable for DIY Issues
We can’t be held responsible for injuries, damages, or other issues that might happen if
something goes wrong during a self-installation.
12.6 You’re Responsible
If anything happens due to how the system was installed—like property damage, injury, or
neighbour complaints—you agree that it’s your responsibility, not ours.
12.7 Support is Limited
We’re happy to answer questions and offer basic guidance. But we can’t provide full
technical support or step-by-step installation help. That’s why having a professional install
your system like us is a good idea and we are always happy to offer this service if required.
12.9 Fair Use of Our Services
If a problem comes up because of an installation error, we may not be able to honour
warranty claims or offer repairs or replacements.