The right system depends on the house, then the budget, then the brand. An older, leakier home with a dry, accessible roof space usually needs only a positive pressure system. A newer, airtight home suits balanced heat recovery. HRV, DVS, and SmartVent each sell both types, so The Conduction Company, an Auckland SmartVent accredited installer, picks the type first.
If you are comparing HRV, DVS, and SmartVent, here is the short version: all three are proven home ventilation systems in New Zealand, and the best one is the one that suits your home's layout, your moisture problem, and your budget, not the one with the biggest ad spend.
We are The Conduction Company, an Auckland electrical contractor based in Onehunga. We install SmartVent systems across Auckland and service other brands too, HRV and DVS included, so this comparison comes from real homes, not from a brochure. The Conduction Company explains what a service covers, and what to do when a system stops, in its guide to servicing a home ventilation system. Here is how the three stack up, in plain terms.
The main difference between HRV, DVS, and SmartVent
The main difference between HRV, DVS, and SmartVent is how they move air. HRV and DVS are best known for positive pressure systems, which draw filtered air from the roof space and push it into the home to reduce condensation. SmartVent offers both positive pressure and balanced pressure (heat recovery) systems, where a balanced system extracts stale air and recovers heat from it. The Conduction Company installs SmartVent, and its staff have installed and repaired HRV, DVS, SmartVent, and many other ventilation products in previous roles. For most Auckland homes the right choice comes down to whether you mainly need to fix condensation or you want year-round filtered fresh air with heat recovery.
Are HRV and DVS the same?
No. They are two different companies, and The Conduction Company services systems from both. The confusion is in the letters: HRV is a brand, and HRV is also the usual short form of heat recovery ventilation, a type of system.
HRV the company sells both types. The HRV Classic is, in HRV's own words, "a positive pressure ventilation system", while HRV Balanced has a heat exchanger and is true heat recovery. Consumer NZ's ventilation systems buying guide, dated August 2018, went further: "For a number of years, the HRV company advertised products which claimed to recover heat from the roof space. In our opinion, these were positive pressure systems. HRV was not alone in this approach; other makers used similar advertising."
DVS is the same. Its Automatic Plus and Climate Controlled are positive pressure, and its Reclaim range is balanced heat recovery. None of the DVS pages The Conduction Company has read say what its initials stand for, so this guide does not guess. Choose the type of system first, then the brand.
DVS vs HRV: which is better in NZ?
DVS, in The Conduction Company's view, for a positive pressure system. Clients who have priced both, and staff who fitted both in previous roles, report DVS as simpler and cheaper than HRV for the same job. Here is how The Conduction Company would choose.
Choose DVS if you have an older home with a condensation problem and want a simple, affordable system without a pushy sales process.
Choose HRV if you want the biggest brand name and its own in-house service team, and you are comfortable paying more for it.
Choose SmartVent if you want humidity sensing, quiet insulated ducting, and positive pressure or balanced heat recovery from one brand, fitted by an accredited installer you pick.
Choose balanced heat recovery, from any of the three, if the home is new or airtight and you plan to stay. Jordan Statham, director of The Conduction Company, puts it plainly: "They're a long-term investment if you think you're going to be in the home sort of 15 years plus."
SmartVent vs HRV: which is better?
SmartVent, in The Conduction Company's view, because it senses humidity as well as temperature where the HRV Classic senses temperature only, though The Conduction Company installs SmartVent and has never installed HRV.
DVS vs SmartVent: which is better?
SmartVent for most homes, and DVS for a simple fix on a tight budget, in The Conduction Company's view, because the DVS Automatic Plus senses temperature only while SmartVent senses temperature and humidity.
SmartVent and DVS now share a parent company, the UK-listed Volution Group: SmartVent through Simx since 2018, and DVS since August 2023.
What is the cost difference between DVS and HRV systems in New Zealand?
The Conduction Company publishes an installed price for neither, because DVS prices its own systems and The Conduction Company does not install new HRV systems. Clients who have priced both, and staff who fitted both in previous roles, report HRV as the dearer. On those reports, DVS is the cheaper of the two. The Conduction Company's own prices for a comparable system are in its guide to DVS vs HRV cost in NZ.
HRV vs DVS vs SmartVent vs Better Vent, side by side
The estimates below are for standard installation of a home ventilation system. The Conduction Company confirms final pricing after a property assessment.
The Conduction Company's comparison of HRV Classic, DVS EC Automatic Plus, SmartVent, and the Better Vent standard 4-outlet system.
System type. HRV Classic is best known for positive pressure. DVS EC Automatic Plus is positive pressure. SmartVent does positive pressure and balanced pressure, meaning heat recovery. Better Vent is positive pressure.
Best suited to which house. Positive pressure systems, meaning HRV Classic, DVS EC Automatic Plus, SmartVent's positive pressure range, and Better Vent, suit older, leakier homes with a dry, accessible roof space. Balanced heat recovery suits newer, airtight homes. With no usable roof space, a through-wall unit is the option, and the Mitsubishi Lossnay VL-100 is The Conduction Company's preferred one.
Heat recovery available. HRV sells HRV Balanced. DVS sells the Reclaim range and the Mitsubishi Electric VL-100. SmartVent sells the Balance and the Synergy3. Better Vent publishes no heat recovery system.
Air source. HRV Classic and DVS both draw roof cavity air. SmartVent draws roof cavity air on the positive pressure range, and its balanced systems bring in filtered outside air and extract stale air. Better Vent draws roof cavity air, the same class of system as the other three.
Filter and change interval. HRV Classic uses a nanofibre "HRV Classic Filter". HRV publishes no filter grade, and claims filtration down to 0.4 microns. It is changed every 2 years, and HRV states filter changes are required to maintain the warranty. DVS uses an "EcoStatic" New Zealand wool filter. DVS publishes no filter grade and no numeric filtration claim, and strongly recommends annual replacement. SmartVent uses an F7, changed every 12 months, and its carbon filters every 6 months. Better Vent uses an F8, changed every 2 years, and Better Vent's published filter price is $55 plus shipping.
Controller. HRV Classic has a touchscreen controller. DVS has a simple controller, with limited smart home integration. SmartVent has a controller with app connectivity, sensors and settings that can be split by room. Better Vent has none, and offers a manual on and off wall switch.
Sensing. HRV Classic senses temperature only, using two temperature sensors, in the wall controller and the roof space. DVS depends on the model: the EC Automatic Plus senses temperature only, and the EC Climate Controlled, higher up the same range, adds humidity. SmartVent senses temperature and humidity. Better Vent senses temperature only, driving summer and winter modes.
Warranty. HRV Classic is 60 months from installation, conditional on filter changes every two years by authorised HRV personnel using genuine HRV filters, at the client's expense. DVS is 5 years on site parts and labour from the day of installation, and DVS's guide says genuine filter replacement "is required to ensure the durability and performance of the system for the warranty period". SmartVent is 5 years, conditional on genuine parts. Better Vent is 6 years, valid even on third-party filters.
Indicative installed price, including GST. The Conduction Company does not install HRV, so we publish no installed price. Clients, and staff who fitted HRV in previous roles, report it above SmartVent and DVS. DVS is priced by DVS directly, and The Conduction Company publishes no DVS installed price. SmartVent is $2,500 to $5,500 for positive pressure, and $6,500 to $10,200 for balanced heat recovery, which is The Conduction Company's own Auckland installed pricing. Better Vent is $2,600 for a 3-bedroom, 4-outlet single-storey home, which is Better Vent's own published price, not a Conduction Company estimate.
Who installs it. HRV uses its own sales and service team. DVS is installed by DVS and independent electricians, and DVS sells and prices its own systems. SmartVent uses a national network of accredited installers, and The Conduction Company is a SmartVent accredited installer. Better Vent installs its own system.
Best suited to. HRV Classic suits homeowners who want the biggest brand name and an in-house call centre. DVS suits older or traditional Auckland homes that want a simple, affordable fix for condensation. SmartVent suits homes that want quiet ducting, room-by-room control, an upgrade path, or balanced heat recovery. Better Vent suits a single-storey home wanting a basic 4-outlet positive pressure system at a fixed published price, with an on and off switch.
How The Conduction Company built this table: the HRV, DVS, SmartVent, and Better Vent specifications all come from each manufacturer's own published documents, and the tiers compared are the HRV Classic, the DVS EC Automatic Plus, the SmartVent positive pressure system we quote most often, and the Better Vent standard four-outlet system. The SmartVent price is The Conduction Company's own Auckland installed pricing including GST. DVS prices its own systems, and the Better Vent price is Better Vent's own published figure. Only SmartVent and Better Vent publish a filter grade at all, so a grade cannot be compared across all four systems, and we state what each manufacturer publishes rather than fill the gap with a number nobody has published. One thing worth knowing before you choose on filter grade alone: a finer filter resists airflow harder, and it is air volume that dries a house out, so a finer filter trades away the thing that fixes dampness. For the full pricing breakdown, read our guide to home ventilation system costs in NZ.
The Conduction Company re-read every specification above against the makers' current documents in October 2026.
HRV
Probably New Zealand’s most recognised brand, thanks to aggressive marketing.
The Conduction Company services HRV systems but has never installed a new one. Staff fitted HRV in previous roles, which is where the views below come from.
Pros:
- Strong brand recognition among homeowners.
- Good after-sales service with a call centre and dedicated service technicians.
- Simple-to-use touchscreen controllers.
- Bundle options (air conditioning, water filtration, insulation).
Cons:
- Expensive. Staff at The Conduction Company have installed HRV in previous roles, and found it priced higher than SmartVent and DVS.
- High repair costs. Clients tell The Conduction Company that HRV parts and repairs come in disproportionately expensive.
- Lower component quality. Ducting and some smart tech features are weaker.
- Sales pressure. Clients tell us about heavy upselling and frequent follow-up calls.
Does HRV heat your house?
No. An HRV positive pressure system, like a DVS one, is a fan that moves and filters roof-space air, not a heater, The Conduction Company explains. It has a big effect on humidity and a small one on temperature: on a sunny afternoon the roof can add a few degrees, and in the morning it brings cooler air in. In winter, Consumer NZ cites a University of Otago study showing "the air in the roof space is usually colder than inside the house". It is not a dehumidifier either. If warmth is the goal, The Conduction Company explains when a heat pump is the better buy in its guide to choosing between a heat pump and a ventilation system.
Is HRV worth it?
For a damp home, a positive pressure system is worth it, HRV's included. But clients and staff tell The Conduction Company that HRV costs more than DVS or SmartVent for the same type of system, so you can get the same result for less. If you already own a working HRV system, keep it serviced. Where an old fan has failed and the ducting is sound, The Conduction Company can often keep the ducting and fit a new fan and controller.
What is an HRV system, and how does it work?
An HRV system is a home ventilation system from HRV, the company, and the letters are also the usual short form of heat recovery ventilation, a type of system. The two are not the same thing, The Conduction Company explains, because HRV sells both types.
The HRV Classic is, in HRV's own words, "a positive pressure ventilation system". It draws air from the roof space, filters it, and pushes it into the home, and the slight positive pressure pushes damp air out through the small gaps every house has. Two temperature sensors, in the wall controller and the roof space, decide how hard it runs. HRV Balanced works differently: it extracts stale air and brings in filtered fresh air, recovering heat from the outgoing air through a heat exchanger. That is true heat recovery.
What is a good HRV alternative?
For a new system, The Conduction Company's first alternative to HRV is SmartVent, the brand it installs. For a simple fix on a tight budget, it rates DVS good value.
For an HRV system that has stopped working, the alternative is often cheaper than a new system. Where the ducting, outlets, and power supply are sound, The Conduction Company keeps them and fits a new fan with a manual speed switch. You choose the speed yourself instead of a controller choosing it. The Conduction Company fits these for rentals, for homes being sold within a few years, and for owners who have had enough of faults on an automatic system. In a home with few people and little condensation, a single-speed fan that pushes filtered air in at low speed all the time can be enough. Manual systems are priced in the cost section further down this guide. The Conduction Company's guide to extending, replacing or removing an existing ventilation system covers the swap, extra outlets and full removal.
What are the disadvantages of an HRV system?
Clients tell The Conduction Company that HRV's main disadvantages are cost, expensive parts and repairs, and persistent sales calls. Staff who installed HRV in previous roles found it priced above SmartVent and DVS. On HRV's published specifications, the entry-level HRV Classic also senses temperature only, not humidity, so it cannot tell how damp the house is. Read the HRV reviews and compare quotes before you commit.
Summary:
Good brand awareness but costly. The clients who come to The Conduction Company tell us the negatives, mainly expense and heavy sales pressure, outweigh the positives.
Take a good look at the HRV reviews online before committing, especially if you’re comparing Smart Vent vs HRV for performance and price.
DVS
The "original" positive pressure system in New Zealand. Staff at The Conduction Company have installed and repaired DVS in previous roles, so the pros and cons below come from units they have worked on.
The Conduction Company services DVS systems today, but does not install new ones.
Pros:
- Reliable and simple, well-suited for older homes.
- Affordable pricing.
- Not a ‘pushy’ sales approach like HRV.
Cons:
- Limited smart home integration.
- Less modular if you want to upgrade later.
- Noisy air outlets on basic models.
- Basic air filters which cannot be easily upgraded.
- After-sales support can vary.
Is a DVS system worth it for my home?
For an older Auckland home with a condensation problem, The Conduction Company rates DVS good value. It is simple, reliable, and affordable. Staff at The Conduction Company have installed and repaired DVS in previous roles, which is where that view comes from. It is worth less if you want app control, room-by-room settings, or an easy upgrade path later.
What is a DVS system, and how does it work?
A DVS system is a positive pressure ventilation system. It draws air from the roof space, filters it, and pushes it into the home, so damp indoor air is replaced and condensation drops. Staff at The Conduction Company have installed and repaired DVS in previous roles, mostly in older homes with a moisture problem.
A fan in the roof space pulls air through DVS's EcoStatic wool filter and ducts it to ceiling outlets, and the slight positive pressure pushes damp air out through the small gaps every house has. The Automatic Plus sets fan speed from temperature, and the Climate Controlled from temperature and humidity.
Is DVS expensive to run?
No. As an estimate, The Conduction Company puts a whole-home positive pressure fan at roughly $8 to $16 a month in power including GST, depending on the model and fan speed, based on SmartVent's published fan draw and 2026 Auckland power prices. DVS and HRV publish no running cost, but the DVS Automatic Plus runs the same type of fan (EC) as SmartVent's Positive3. Does an HRV use a lot of electricity? The Conduction Company's estimate above is for a whole-home positive pressure fan, the same type of system as the HRV Classic, though HRV publishes no figure to check it against.
Summary:
If the choice was only between HRV and DVS, The Conduction Company would pick DVS every time. When homeowners ask us is DVS or HRV better, DVS often wins on affordability and a simpler setup.
Their approach isn’t the most modern or tech-forward, but if you’re comparing the difference between HRV and DVS, DVS tends to perform better for older or traditional homes.
DVS prices and sells its own systems, so The Conduction Company publishes no installed price for DVS.
SmartVent
A modern, flexible brand focused on modular systems and smart tech.
The Conduction Company explains each model in its guide to SmartVent models and add-ons.
Pros:
- Highly modular (easy to upgrade to add heating, CO₂ monitoring, summer kits, etc). These add-ons fit the Positive3, Positive Advance, and Synergy3, not the Lite+.
- Offers both positive pressure and balanced pressure systems.
- Smart controls and smartphone app connectivity.
- Acoustic insulated ducting (specific to SmartVent) = super quiet operation.
- Sensors and controllers are independent and customisable by room.
Cons:
- Wireless sensor technology (new) has had minor teething issues, but SmartVent is refining it.
- SmartVent works through a network of independent electricians and contractors, meaning installation quality can vary.
They have a different business model compared to HRV and DVS. They rely heavily on the installers to sell, install, and maintain systems.
One of the huge benefits to this model is low sales pressure.
Does SmartVent stop condensation?
It drastically reduces it, in The Conduction Company's experience, but no ventilation system can stop every drop when the window glass is near zero. A SmartVent system senses humidity as well as temperature, so it can tell how damp the house actually is.
"After installation, condensations on my windows are gone (except after super cold nights). I am very happy with the product and installation." Keri L., a SmartVent client of The Conduction Company, Google review, July 2026
Is SmartVent worth it?
SmartVent is worth it for most homes, in The Conduction Company's view, when the right installer fits it. It is worth most when you want humidity sensing, quiet insulated ducting, room-by-room control, or balanced heat recovery from one brand. For a simple fix on a tight budget, The Conduction Company rates DVS the better value, and a manual system is the cheapest option of all. The Conduction Company installs SmartVent, and says how that colours its view further down this guide.
A Mount Eden home that had compared DVS, HRV, and SmartVent
In June 2023, The Conduction Company fitted a SmartVent system to three rooms of a Mount Eden home. The client, Sanjay, had condensation and mould, and had compared DVS, HRV, and SmartVent. The team also fitted a new in-line fan and a larger diffuser above the shower, and a black wall cowl outside. They ran a power supply in the ceiling space, programmed the system, tested and balanced every outlet, and certified the electrical work. The Conduction Company walks through a SmartVent installation in Auckland, start to finish, from the roof space to handover.
About a year later, Sanjay left this review on Google:
"Very helpful non-pushy informative consultation for a ventilation system. Compared to both DVS and HRV, Jordan gave a very unbiased opinion on what was needed to assist with condensation, mould issues in the house including an all inclusive cost... The SmartVent system they eventually installed works so well and we are now one year in. Highly recommend Jordan and the SmartVent product" Sanjay, Mount Eden, a client of The Conduction Company, Google review, July 2024
Summary:
Hands down, the best system, IF you choose the right installer. That is our view at The Conduction Company, based on the systems The Conduction Company installs across Auckland and its staff's experience with HRV and DVS in previous roles.
Fantastic performance, flexibility, and value for money. SmartVent easily outpaces HRV and DVS in modern ventilation solutions. What The Conduction Company's own SmartVent clients say is in the reviews section below.
The estimates below are for standard installation of a home ventilation system. The Conduction Company confirms final pricing after a property assessment.
How much does SmartVent cost? A SmartVent positive pressure system typically lands between $2,500 and $5,500 including GST installed, and a balanced pressure heat recovery system between $6,500 and $10,200, which is The Conduction Company's own Auckland installed pricing.
The Conduction Company's SmartVent Lite+ starts from $3,199.90 installed, including GST, for a standard three-bedroom home. That is one outlet in each bedroom and one in the lounge. For other homes and layouts, its positive pressure systems run $2,500 to $5,500 including GST.
What is the most effective ventilation system for a home?
For a typical Auckland home with a damp, condensation problem, The Conduction Company usually finds a positive pressure system from DVS, HRV, or SmartVent is enough. If you want fresh filtered air all year and better retained warmth, we recommend a balanced pressure (heat recovery) system as the stronger long-term solution. We assess each home before recommending a system, because roof space, insulation, and how you use the home all change the answer.
Before choosing a system, The Conduction Company explains which ventilation rules apply to your home, and why extraction in the bathroom and kitchen matters most.
If you are weighing up a balanced pressure or heat recovery setup, talk to us about the right system for your home.
What is a positive pressure ventilation system?
A positive pressure ventilation system filters roof-space air and pushes it into the home, The Conduction Company explains. The slight positive pressure pushes damp air out through the small gaps every house has, so condensation drops. The HRV Classic, the DVS EC Automatic Plus, and SmartVent's positive pressure systems all work this way.
It moves and filters air rather than heating it, and it is not heat recovery, which needs a balanced system with a heat exchanger. The Conduction Company installs SmartVent positive pressure systems and recommends the type for most Auckland homes with a condensation problem.
Is positive or balanced pressure better?
Neither is better outright. The Conduction Company recommends positive pressure for most Auckland homes with a condensation problem, because it is simpler, cheaper, and it dries the house out. We recommend balanced pressure heat recovery for newer, tighter homes that want filtered fresh air and retained warmth all year. A positive pressure ventilation system draws filtered air from the roof space and pushes it into the home, so damp air is pushed out through the small gaps every house has.
What is a balanced ventilation system in NZ?
A balanced pressure system, also called heat recovery, extracts stale air from the home and brings in filtered fresh air, recovering heat from the air on its way out. The Conduction Company installs balanced SmartVent systems across Auckland, and they suit newer, tighter homes that want fresh air and retained warmth all year. That is what heat recovery ventilation means: a heat exchanger passes warmth from the outgoing air to the fresh air coming in. Looking for a fresh air ventilation system? A balanced system brings in filtered outside air, where a positive pressure system brings in roof-space air.
The main New Zealand ranges are HRV Balanced, DVS Reclaim, and SmartVent's Balance and Synergy3. Consumer NZ's buying guide rates the type highly: "Balanced pressure systems are the best option, if you can afford it." The Conduction Company prices them above positive pressure systems, so it recommends them mainly for new or airtight homes.
Are home ventilation systems worth it?
For a damp Auckland home, yes. The Conduction Company fits ventilation systems that cut condensation on windows, reduce mould, and make a house easier to heat, for an estimated $8 to $16 a month in power including GST. They are worth less in a dry, well insulated home that already has good extraction. Do they actually work, or just mask the damp? They work on damp air, but no ventilation system fixes water from a roof leak, a leaking pipe, or a wet space under the floor, The Conduction Company finds; that has to be fixed at the source. Jordan Statham, director of The Conduction Company, on families who vacuum their windows every morning: "You can get all of that time back and you can relegate the window vacuum to the cupboard where it belongs."
Why do I still have condensation with HRV?
Usually the weather, the source of the moisture, or the settings, The Conduction Company finds, whatever the brand.
Cold roof air. SmartVent's manual sets a default low cut-off of 5°C. Below that roof temperature the system goes into recycle mode and, at default settings, the fan stops, so very cold air stays out of the home. The trade-off is that fresh air stops too. Both the cut-off and the fan speed can be adjusted: raise the cut-off and less cold air comes in but more condensation forms; lower it and the reverse. SmartVent's settings table suggests 5°C in summer and 8°C in winter.
Moisture at the source. A whole-home system cannot keep up with a shower or a pot on the hob. "It's much easier and it's much more efficient to remove moisture at its source," says Jordan Statham of The Conduction Company, which is why bathroom and kitchen extraction comes first.
A loaded filter or a starved roof space. A filter due for a change cuts airflow, and a roof space with no relief grille pulls damp air in from around the roofing. Is roof space air clean and dry enough to bring into the house? In most homes, yes: The Conduction Company finds most roof spaces dry, though some modern homes with metal roofs get condensation up there, and the filter catches the dust that builds up over the years. The Conduction Company's guide to stopping condensation on your windows covers the everyday fixes.
What About Other Brands?
Be cautious, but be specific.
Small ventilation brands come and go, and when one disappears the client is left with a system nobody supports and no parts on the shelf. That is the real risk with an unfamiliar brand. Ask any installer how long the manufacturer has been in the New Zealand market, who stocks the parts, and who services the unit if the installer moves on.
SmartVent, DVS, and HRV all clear that bar. They have long track records, ongoing product development, product support, and replacement parts readily available.
One other brand comes up often enough in Auckland that it deserves a straight answer rather than a blanket warning.
What about Better Vent?
Better Vent is a positive pressure system that draws air from the roof cavity, the same class of system as SmartVent, DVS, and HRV positive pressure units. The Conduction Company does not install Better Vent, and clients do ask us to compare it, so here is what the two systems do on paper.
Better Vent publishes a price of $2,600 including GST installed for a three-bedroom, single-storey home with four outlets, running on a single EC motor. It uses an F8 filter on a two-year change interval, and Better Vent's published filter price is $55 plus shipping. There is no controller. Better Vent can fit a manual on and off wall switch, and the system changes between summer and winter modes on temperature. The warranty is six years, and Better Vent designs, sells, installs, and warrants the system itself, so one company holds the whole chain.
The SmartVent positive pressure system The Conduction Company quotes most often is also roof-cavity air. It uses an F7 filter, changed every twelve months, it has a controller, and it senses both temperature and humidity. The warranty is five years. Behind it sits Simx, which stocks parts nationally and runs an accredited installer network, and The Conduction Company is one of those accredited installers.
The thing The Conduction Company would check before you buy is humidity sensing, because it separates the tiers rather than the brands. Most entry level positive pressure systems sense temperature only, and on their published specifications that includes the HRV Classic, the DVS EC Automatic Plus, and Better Vent. DVS publishes a humidity sensing model higher up the same range, the EC Climate Controlled, and the SmartVent positive pressure system we quote senses both temperature and humidity. So ask any installer which sensors the exact model carries, because a system that reads humidity can tell how damp the house actually is, and one that reads temperature alone is working off the weather.
Is Better Vent any good?
On paper, The Conduction Company reads Better Vent as a fair basic system with two gaps worth weighing. The Conduction Company does not install Better Vent, so this is a reading of Better Vent's own published information, not a test of the system.
Its strengths are a fixed published price, a six-year warranty that Better Vent says stays valid even on filters bought elsewhere, and one company that designs, sells, installs, and warrants the system.
The first gap is sensing. Better Vent senses temperature only, so it cannot tell how damp the house is, which is the problem a ventilation system is there to fix. The second is the filter interval. Better Vent's filter is changed every two years, against twelve months for the SmartVent system The Conduction Company quotes, and a filter restricts airflow more as it loads, while airflow is what dries a house.
For Better Vent reviews, read what its own clients say. The Conduction Company publishes no rating for a system it does not install.
What are the reviews like for SmartVent in New Zealand?
The Conduction Company can speak for its own clients, from hundreds of SmartVent jobs across Auckland since 2023: installs, servicing, and repairs. Two of their Google reviews, word for word:
"Major job undertaken for us was the installation of a Smart Vent system - very efficiently done, we have noticed the impact of this over these cooler months." Gary P., a SmartVent client of The Conduction Company, Google review, July 2026
"Very happy with the overall result after installing our Smart Vent system." Lucy B., a SmartVent client of The Conduction Company, Google review, July 2026
What clients tell The Conduction Company once they have lived with SmartVent is that they wonder why they waited so long. That comes most from clients who never had a ventilation system before: they wonder how they ever went without one.
Jordan Statham, director of The Conduction Company, has a SmartVent system in his own home. When he was younger and renting, he lived in older homes that were draughty, cold and damp, with no insulation and very little ventilation. "I would never go back to living in a home without a ventilation system," he says.
Reading HRV vs DVS reviews? Read each brand's own clients before you buy. The Conduction Company does not publish ratings for HRV, DVS, or Better Vent, because it cannot check them.
What do people who have owned HRV, DVS or SmartVent say?
That they want another one. Clients who have had a ventilation system before need no sales pitch, in The Conduction Company's experience. They already know how much better it is to live in a warm, dry home.
For them, the question is which brand. So The Conduction Company's job is to explain what SmartVent does better, and why it recommends SmartVent above the other brands, which is set out below.
Read HRV reviews and DVS reviews the same way: for what owners say about each brand's service, parts, and price.
Is The Conduction Company Biased Towards SmartVent?
Honestly? Probably a little.
The Conduction Company is an accredited SmartVent installer, and we are upfront about that. Our staff have installed and repaired HRV, DVS, SmartVent, and many other ventilation products in previous roles, so the comparison here comes from hands-on experience with all of them, not from a brochure. We will tell you when another brand is the better fit for your home. We are an Auckland electrical contractor, not a single-brand reseller, so our job is the right system for the house, not the biggest sale.
How much does a home ventilation system cost?
The estimates below are for standard installation of a home ventilation system. The Conduction Company confirms final pricing after a property assessment.
The Conduction Company installs home ventilation systems across Auckland, and a fully automatic positive pressure system generally costs between $2,500 and $5,500 including GST, installed. Basic, manually controlled systems start from as low as $1,500 including GST. The final price depends on the size and layout of your home, the system you choose, and the work needed to install it. We confirm a fixed price after assessing your property, so you know the full cost before any work starts.
Manual and automatic systems are two different things
A manual system is simply a fan with a high and a low setting. There is no controller making decisions for you, so you choose the speed yourself based on how much moisture you are seeing in the home. That is why manual systems are the cheapest option, starting from around $1,500 including GST, installed. HRV, DVS and SmartVent are all automatic systems, where a controller reads conditions and sets the fan speed for you. The Conduction Company fits manual systems where a fully automatic system is outside the budget.
The Conduction Company keeps the full pricing picture in one place. For what a replacement costs when the existing ducting can be reused, what pushes a large or complex home higher, and what the system costs to run and refilter, read our guide to home ventilation system costs in NZ.
How much does it cost to run a DVS ventilation system per day?
About 25 to 55 cents a day, as an estimate. The Conduction Company puts a whole-home positive pressure fan at roughly $8 to $16 a month in power including GST, based on SmartVent's published fan draw and 2026 Auckland power prices. DVS publishes no fan wattage, so for DVS this is The Conduction Company's estimate for the same type of fan. The fan is the only real power draw, unless an optional tempering heater is added.
We quote on facts, not guesses
Before we give you a price, we carry out a proper assessment of your property and how you'll use a home ventilation system. That way you know exactly what you're buying and the total cost, with no surprises. Clear expectations from the outset, start to finish.
What is the best home ventilation system in NZ?
The Conduction Company rates SmartVent the clear winner for most Kiwi homeowners among home ventilation systems:
- Best performance
- Best smart tech integration
- Best upgrade path
- Best value for money
In the DVS vs HRV pros and cons comparison, we rate DVS the better budget choice, and SmartVent the clear all-round performer.
Choosing the right system for your home can be tricky. We handle ventilation installation across Auckland, so speak to an expert to make sure you get the best fit for your needs.
In short
Choose the type of system before the brand: positive pressure for an older, leakier home with a dry roof space, and balanced heat recovery for a newer, airtight one. HRV, DVS, and SmartVent each sell both. Between HRV and DVS, The Conduction Company would pick DVS, and its own first choice is SmartVent, the brand it installs as an accredited installer. As an estimate, a positive pressure fan costs roughly $8 to $16 a month in power including GST.
Frequently asked questions
Which home ventilation system is best for a damp house in Auckland?
For a home with condensation and moisture, a positive pressure system (DVS, HRV, or SmartVent) is usually enough to dry the air out. If you also want filtered fresh air all year and better heat retention, a balanced pressure heat recovery system is the stronger choice. The Conduction Company assesses your home first, because the right answer depends on your roof space and layout.
Not sure how damp your home is? The Conduction Company's checklist of signs of poor ventilation in a home goes room by room.
Should I leave my HRV on all the time?
Yes, in most homes. Positive pressure systems, HRV's included, are built to run around the clock, and the controller turns the fan down, or off, when the roof air is too cold. Without a summer kit, though, the system does push roof-space heat into the house in summer. The Conduction Company's advice is to leave it on, because switching it off lets damp air build up again. The Conduction Company's guide to when to leave an HRV on and when to switch it off has the detail.
Do I need to open windows if I have HRV?
No. A positive pressure system pushes stale air out through the small gaps every house has, so it works with the windows shut, The Conduction Company explains. What still matters is extraction: run the bathroom and kitchen fans. Can you open windows with MVHR, a balanced heat recovery system? You can, but there is no need: it swaps damp inside air for drier outside air while keeping the heat, and an open window lets that heat go.
Is HRV a heat pump?
No, and HRV says so itself: "An HRV system is not the same as a heat pump." An HRV ventilation system moves filtered air, and a heat pump heats and cools. The mix-up comes from "heat recovery" in the name, and from HRV the company also selling heat pumps. A cold, damp home can need both, The Conduction Company finds.
Does HRV do heat transfer?
Yes, as an add-on. HRV's Heat Transfer Kit, for the Classic and Classic Pro, moves warmth from a heated room to the rest of the house. That is not heat recovery, which needs a balanced system with a heat exchanger, HRV Balanced in HRV's range. DVS and SmartVent sell heat transfer kits too, and The Conduction Company notes SmartVent's do not fit the Lite+. As for the best heat transfer system in NZ, The Conduction Company finds the heat source matters more than the brand. A kit pays off where a fireplace makes more heat than its room needs, not with a heat pump sized for its room. Its guide to SmartVent models and add-ons explains how a kit works with a fireplace.
Do HRV, DVS or SmartVent meet the Healthy Homes ventilation standard?
A positive pressure system does not meet it on its own. Regulation 23 of the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 requires every kitchen and bathroom in a rental to have an extractor fan venting outdoors, or "qualifying ventilation" that extracts air directly from that room to the outdoors. A positive pressure system pushes air in rather than extracting it, so those rooms still need their own extraction, The Conduction Company advises. A balanced system that extracts from them can count if it meets the regulations' conditions.
Does installing a home ventilation system need an electrician?
Yes, for the wiring. A ventilation system needs a power supply, usually a power point in the ceiling space. Under Schedule 1 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, installing that power point and its cable is prescribed electrical work, while plugging the unit into an existing socket is not. The wiring should be done by a registered electrician, who must issue an electrical safety certificate once the work is complete. The Conduction Company is a registered Auckland electrical contractor, so the install and the wiring are handled by one team. A homeowner can fit a DIY ventilation kit that plugs into an existing socket, but The Conduction Company recommends against it: it has fixed DIY systems that performed so poorly they were a waste of money. Its guide to a SmartVent installation in Auckland covers what a homeowner should know first.
Can The Conduction Company install any ventilation brand?
No, and The Conduction Company is upfront about that. It installs SmartVent as its first choice, plus manual systems and through-wall units such as the Mitsubishi Lossnay. It services HRV and DVS systems but does not install new ones; staff fitted both in previous roles. Across hundreds of SmartVent jobs in Auckland, installs, servicing, and repairs, The Conduction Company has formed clear brand preferences, and at the site assessment it will give you the pros and cons of each brand for your house and budget.
What is the difference between a manual and an automatic ventilation system?
A manual system is simply a fan with a high and a low setting, and you choose the speed based on how much moisture you are seeing in the home. HRV, DVS, and SmartVent are automatic systems, where a controller reads conditions and sets the fan speed for you. Manual systems are the cheapest option, starting from around $1,500 including GST, installed, and The Conduction Company fits them where a fully automatic system is outside the budget.
What does DVS stand for?
DVS was originally short for Domestic Ventilation System, the name on the brand's own website in 2002, The Conduction Company found. Today DVS uses the initials alone, and its current pages do not spell them out.
Is there an HRV subsidy in NZ?
Generally no. EECA's Warmer Kiwi Homes grants fund insulation and, for homes in most need, heat pumps, not ventilation systems. The Conduction Company's SmartVent installs are not covered by it. The programme is funded to 30 June 2027.
