Decentralised MVHR

Need better air quality at home without a full renovation? A decentralised MVHR system could be the smartest solution. Designed to work in individual rooms, these compact systems bring in fresh, filtered air while extracting stale air — all without installing ducts. Perfect for modern flats, period homes, or hard-to-ventilate spaces, decentralised ventilation systems improve comfort, health, and energy use with minimal disruption.

What Is Decentralised Ventilation and Why Choose It?

Simply put, decentralised ventilation uses small units installed room-by-room rather than a central ducted system. Each device exchanges indoor and outdoor air through a wall-mounted fan and heat exchanger. These systems are ideal when space is limited or when retrofitting a full ventilation network is not realistic. With a decentralised ventilation system, you can upgrade your home’s air quality without major construction work.

Thanks to their flexibility, these units are a popular choice in home offices, lofts, converted basements, or annexes. Local ventilation means that each area can be controlled independently, based on how and when the room is used. That’s not just smart — it’s efficient.

Why Use Localised Ventilation with Heat Recovery?

Choosing decentralised ventilation with heat recovery brings two big advantages: better air and lower bills. These systems remove humidity, pollutants, and stale air, all while retaining up to 90% of the heat from the outgoing flow. This means you keep your home fresh and warm — without opening a window or wasting energy.

Because each room is ventilated separately, local ventilation also gives you more control. You can ventilate the kitchen after cooking, run the bedroom unit overnight, or pause operation when a room is unoccupied. It’s flexible and tailored to your lifestyle, making it ideal for properties of all types and sizes.

Decentralised MVHR: Energy-Efficient Air Exchange

Decentralised MVHR systems bring fresh air into a room and remove stale air through the same unit, typically installed directly in an external wall. A decentralised MVHR unit contains a heat exchanger that recovers thermal energy, reducing the need for additional heating. This approach is widely used in modern apartments, student housing, and eco-renovations where energy efficiency is a priority.

With no central ductwork required, installation is fast and unobtrusive. A decentralised heat recovery ventilation system is ideal for projects where speed, cost, and flexibility matter — especially in homes with thick walls or multiple storeys.

How to Select the Best Decentralised Heat Recovery Unit

When considering a decentralised heat recovery unit, think about the room size, ventilation needs, and any features you may want. Many models now include smart controls, humidity sensors, and silent operation for bedrooms. The most efficient designs use ceramic or aluminium cores to capture and transfer heat with minimal energy use.

Whether it’s one unit or multiple, a decentralised mechanical ventilation with heat recovery setup allows you to expand gradually. You can start with a single-room solution and add more later — making it ideal for phased renovations or smaller budgets.

Recuperator PRANA 160 STANDARD – a compact, efficient unit ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. It delivers consistent air exchange while recovering heat, ensuring comfortable temperatures and high air quality throughout the year.
Recuperator PRANA 160 STANDARD MINI – perfect for tighter spaces or apartments, this unit combines quiet operation with effective heat recovery. It’s an excellent choice for phased installations or single-room solutions.
Recuperator PRANA 210C STANDARD – designed for larger or high-demand spaces, this model offers powerful airflow, moisture control, and reliable heat recovery, ensuring superior comfort and indoor air quality.
Recuperator PRANA 160 ERP PRO MINI – a professional-grade unit for single-room or compact installations. Features advanced heat recovery technology and quiet operation, making it ideal for bedrooms, offices, or small annexes.

Understanding Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation

If you’re focused on moisture control or odour removal, decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (DMEV) might be the better fit. These systems extract air without heat recovery and are typically used in bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms. They’re simple, quiet, and easy to maintain — and can be combined with MVHR in other parts of the home.

For example, you might install a DMEV fan in your en-suite and a decentralised MVHR in the bedroom. This hybrid approach gives you control over cost and performance, ensuring each room has the right solution — without unnecessary complexity or compromise.