Whether you’re a wholesaler, an installer, or an end-user, we all need a bit more education when it comes to ventilating our homes. There are too many homeowners out there that underestimate the role that proper ventilation plays in their overall well-being and health of their property. With poor ventilation often leading to condensation and damp conditions, this can in turn result in mould, stale air, and high levels of indoor pollutants.

By investing in the right ventilation system, homeowners can ensure their home remains comfortable, energy-efficient, and compliant with current building regulations.

There is a lot more to it than just installing a bathroom fan! But what are the options when it comes to domestic ventilation?

Whether you’re a wholesaler looking to stock the right products or an installer working out the best fit for a customer, here’s a quick breakdown of the key ventilation systems you need to know…

dMEV – Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation

A continuously running extract fan fitted in individual wet rooms (Bathrooms, Utility rooms, WC’s etc), to help remove stale, moisture-laden air at a constant rate. Ideal for preventing damp and mould growth in specific areas.

MEV – Centralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation

A step up from dMEV, this system features a single continuously running extract unit (usually located in a loft or cupboard), which is ducted to multiple wet rooms within the property. The moist, stale air is removed and exhausted directly to atmosphere. It provides a balanced approach to extracting air from key areas of the home.

PIV – Positive Input Ventilation

A central unit, usually installed in a loft space, which introduces fresher, filtered air into the property, creating a positive pressure that pushes out stale air. This is a cost-effective solution and particularly useful for tackling condensation and improving indoor air quality in existing properties.

MVHR – Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery

A whole-house ventilation system that supplies fresher outdoor air, that’s then filtered and delivered via a network of ducting into living spaces and extracts air from wet rooms, while recovering heat from the outgoing air. Continuously running, this is the ultimate solution for improving indoor air quality and creating a comfortable living environment. The additional benefit to this is that window trickle vents are not required!

Intermittent Extract Fans

The traditional method. These are standard extract fans located in individual wet rooms, typically activated by a light switch, humidity sensor, or PIR (passive infrared sensor). A common option that provides on-demand ventilation, but is not always the most effective solution!

Alternate Flow Single Room Heat Recovery Units

Designed for individual rooms, these units automatically switch between supply and extract modes, allowing for both ventilation, filtration and heat recovery. A great choice for spaces where full MVHR systems aren’t practical. Some even come with a remote control!

So, which one is best?

That depends! Each system has its strengths, and the right choice depends on the property, the budget, and the level of control needed. In our next blog, we’ll be breaking down the pros and cons of each system, putting you in the best position for recommending the right solutions for you or your customers.