Complete ventilation solutions

The main mechanical ventilation systems used in UK residential buildings include MVHR, MEV, dMEV, intermittent extract ventilation and PIV. MVHR supplies and extracts air while recovering heat; MEV continuously extracts air from wet rooms; dMEV provides localised continuous extraction; intermittent fans provide extraction when required; and PIV supplies filtered air into a property to help displace stale, polluted air. 

The choice should consider the building's airtightness, dwelling type, size, occupancy, layout, ventilation requirements, ductwork, fire safety, acoustic requirements, energy performance, Building Regulations and project budget. Early consultation with a ventilation manufacturer or specialist can help identify the most appropriate system before detailed design and installation.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a continuous mechanical ventilation system that extracts stale, moisture-laden air from wet rooms and supplies fresh air to habitable rooms. A heat exchanger transfers heat from the extracted air to the incoming fresh air, helping to reduce heat loss while maintaining ventilation.  

MVHR is particularly suited to well-insulated and airtight new build properties where controlled whole-house ventilation and energy efficiency are priorities. The system requires space for the MVHR unit and ductwork and should be designed, installed and commissioned correctly to achieve its intended performance.  

No. A conventional MVHR system provides both supply and extract ventilation through its ductwork, so background trickle ventilators are not normally required as part of the MVHR system.  

No. MVHR is primarily a ventilation system, not an air-conditioning system. Summer bypass can stop heat being recovered from outgoing air, but it does not guarantee that the temperature inside a property will be reduced.  

Yes. MVHR systems are designed to operate continuously to provide whole-building ventilation, control condensation and remove pollutants. They normally operate at a background rate, with increased airflow available when additional ventilation is required.  

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) is a continuously running mechanical ventilation system that extracts air from moisture-producing rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. Fresh air enters the property through background ventilators, creating a continuous flow of air through the dwelling.  

MVHR both supplies and extracts air and recovers heat from the extracted air. MEV continuously extracts air, while replacement air enters through background ventilators such as trickle vents. MVHR can therefore provide controlled supply air with heat recovery, while MEV is generally a simpler continuous extract approach.  

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) uses individual continuously running extract fans rather than a central extract unit and ductwork system. It can be particularly useful where a central MEV system is impractical or where localised ventilation is required.  

Yes. Mechanical ventilation removes moisture-producing air from areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, helping control humidity and reduce the conditions that can contribute to condensation. Continuous ventilation systems are specifically designed to provide ongoing moisture removal.  

Yes. Titon provides technical and design support alongside its ventilation systems, products and accessories. The company works with contractors, developers, architects and consultants to help identify ventilation solutions based on the requirements of individual projects.  

Yes. Titon provides BIM models for a range of ventilation products, including MVHR units, CME units, dMEV, ducting and FireSafe® air bricks. The BIM library includes Revit RFA files for specified products.  

Yes. Titon provides ventilation products, technical resources, BIM models, design support and project advice covering applications including residential new build, social housing new build and social housing RMI.  

Commissioning is essential to ensure the ventilation system operates at its designed airflow rates. Incorrectly balanced or poorly installed systems can affect performance, acoustic levels, energy use and indoor air quality.