Buyers almost always ask the same first question: “how much does a heat exchanger cost?” The honest answer is that the core alone is only part of the story — the installed cost includes casing, filters, controls and labour. Below are realistic 2026 budget ranges so you can sanity-check a quote before you ask for one.
Typical price per m² of core
| Type | Core price (USD / m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium plate (counterflow) | $120–260 | Cheapest, sensible only |
| Polymer / enthalpy plate | $200–420 | Transfers moisture |
| Rotary wheel (thermal) | $300–650 | Higher effectiveness, carries moisture |
| Heat pipe | $250–500 | Passive, no cross-contamination |
These are core-only factory prices. A 1 m² counterflow plate core might land at $150–250; the same area as a wheel is roughly double. For a real unit, multiply core area (from our sizing tool) by the rate, then add the balance of system.
What moves the number
- Type: wheels and enthalpy plates cost more than plain aluminium plates but recover moisture.
- Material: epoxy-coated or stainless plates for corrosive/kitchen exhaust add 20–50%.
- Effectiveness target: pushing from 70% to 90% needs more area — roughly +30–60% core cost.
- Certification: AHRI, Eurovent or CE testing adds a fixed overhead amortised over volume; small custom runs pay more per unit.
- Quantity & customization: a one-off size costs far more per m² than a production run.
Full installed cost (rule of thumb)
As a screening estimate, treat the core at ~40–55% of the delivered unit price; casing, filters, drains, fans and controls make up the rest. A small HRV module might be $800–$2,500; an industrial air-to-air recovery unit serving 5,000–20,000 m³/h is typically $6,000–$40,000 delivered, before installation. Always confirm with a vendor — see our product comparison approach.
Don't forget the payback side
A dearer, higher-effectiveness core often wins on life-cycle cost because it recovers more energy every hour it runs. Use the payback calculator to check whether the premium pays for itself — in continuous industrial duty it usually does inside 1–3 years.
How to get an accurate quote
- Airflow per stream (m³/h) and whether supply = exhaust.
- Inlet temperatures and the contaminant profile (grease, solvent, dust).
- Target effectiveness and any frost-control need (see frost control).
- Certification and cleanability requirements.
Need a budget-grade quote?
Send the four items above and we will size the core and return a delivered price with a payback estimate.
Request a quote