Mechanical Ventilation Maintenance Guide for Brisbane Properties
Installer’s maintenance guide for bathroom exhausts, kitchen rangehoods, sub-floor fans, HRV/ERV systems, and commercial mechanical ventilation in Brisbane — service intervals, what to check yourself, and what needs a professional.
Quick answer: Bathroom/laundry exhaust — quarterly DIY clean + annual professional. HRV/ERV — 6-monthly filter, annual professional. Sub-floor — annual professional. Commercial systems — per maintenance contract.
Service intervals by system type
| System | DIY frequency | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom / laundry exhaust | Quarterly grille clean | Annual (from $189) |
| Kitchen ducted rangehood | Filter clean monthly | Annual duct + fan service |
| Sub-floor fan (Queenslanders) | Visual quarterly | Annual |
| HRV/ERV whole-home | Filter every 6 months | Annual core + duct service |
| Commercial systems | Per contract | Quarterly to annual |
What we check on a professional service
- Fan motor bearing and balance
- Duct connections + seal integrity
- Soffit / eave outlet not blocked or vermin-affected
- Backdraft damper operation
- Airflow measurement (litres/sec) against design spec
- Filter condition + replacement if needed
- Electrical terminal check
- HRV/ERV heat exchange core condition
- Written report with measurements + flagged items
Common problems in unserviced systems
- Reduced airflow — blocked grille, dust-loaded fan, or duct collapse
- Noise — bearing wear, unbalanced fan, loose ducting
- Mould smell — biofilm in ductwork or stagnant condensate
- Vermin nests — possums and rats love warm dry duct cavities
- Roof leaks — deteriorated flashing around the eave outlet
Brisbane mechanical ventilation pricing (2026)
| Service | Starting from (inc GST) |
|---|---|
| Single exhaust fan service | From $189 |
| Multi-fan exhaust system | From $290 |
| Sub-floor fan service | From $220 |
| HRV/ERV whole-home service | From $390 |
| Commercial system service | Quote on site |
Common questions
How often should a bathroom exhaust be serviced?
Quarterly DIY clean + annual professional service.
How much does mechanical ventilation service cost in Brisbane?
From $189 single exhaust, $290 multi-fan, $220 sub-floor, $390 HRV/ERV.
What’s the difference between HRV and ERV maintenance?
Same scope — filter + core inspection, fan bearing, airflow measurement. ERV heat exchange cores can be washed; HRV are typically replaced.
Can I do mechanical ventilation maintenance myself?
Filter cleaning and grille wipe-down yes. Fan motor, duct, and HRV core work require a professional.
What’s the BCA requirement for mechanical ventilation?
Bathrooms 25 L/s, laundries 40 L/s, kitchens 50 L/s (with gas cooking). Annual airflow verification ensures compliance.
Do you do commercial mechanical ventilation?
Yes — offices, retail, hospitality, plant rooms. Quote on site, maintenance contracts available.
AH Air Conditioning · 63 Britannia Ave, Morningside QLD 4170 · ARCtick licensed · 20+ years across Brisbane.