Buying Guide | dMEV Fans FAQs
What is the Difference between MEV and dMEV?
What are the Benefits of dMEV Fans?
What is the Best dMEV fan?
How Quiet are dMEV Fans?
Are dMEV Fans Good for Bathrooms?
Do you need Trickle Vents with dMEV Fans?
Are dMEV Fans Expensive to Run?
Are dMEV Fans Expensive to Install?
What is the Difference between MEV and dMEV?
Standard Mechanical Extract Ventilation systems consist of a central fan unit connected to ducts throughout a house (Normally rooms at risk of mildew or mould such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms).
Decentralised Mechanical Extract ventilation systems, on the other hand, act as self-contained extractor units installed directly in the target room. Each unit handles extraction directly at the source without the need for ducting.
What are the Benefits of dMEV Fans?
Targeted Extraction - Each dMEV fan can be individually controlled for precise ventilation, depending on the needs of individual rooms and personal preference. This makes them more energy efficient when compared with MEV fans, which serve an entire building and so need to be set for the lowest common denominator.
Reduced Noise Levels - dMEV fans are continuously running at very low speeds, avoiding the noise spikes associated with typical on/off ventilation systems.
Simplified Installation and Maintenance - dMEV fans are installed directly in the targeted room, without the need for complicated (and potentially expensive) ductwork. Not only does this streamline installation and simplify maintenance, it also makes dMEV fans ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings.
Improved Indoor Air Quality - Continuous operation means that dMEV fans work around the clock to extract humidity, allergens, dust particles and other contaminants that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
What is the best dMEV fan?
Our bestseller is Greenwood's industry-standard Unity CV2GIP. Between its quiet operation, built-in humidity sensor, overrun timer and touchpad for simplified configuration, it is a favourite of both tradespeople and residential customers alike.
How Quiet are dMEV Fans?
DMEV fans are built for maximum ventilation with minimal noise, featuring energy-efficient motors and soundproofed designs to substantially reduce their noise output.
As a result, most dMEV fans operate at between 15-25 db(A). For reference, typical extraction fans operate at between 35-45d b(A), conversational human speech is around 60 db(A) and a whisper is around 30 db(A).
Are dMEV fans good for Bathrooms?
Yes - The continuous low-level ventilation that dMEV fans provide can substantially reduce the risk of mould growth or mildew, especially on shower curtains or bathtubs. If mould growth is a particular concern for you, many dMEV fans come equipped with humidity or motion sensors to increase the fan speed when the bathroom is in use.
Do you need Trickle Vents with dMEV Fans?
While trickle events aren't strictly necessary for use with dMEV fans, they might be advisable. Trickle fans allow for the flow of fresh air from outside, which both maintains balanced ventilation and prevents the buildup of negative pressure (Which may result in backdrafting). Your dMEV fan will operate just fine without a trickle fan, but you should consider installing one if you want to maximise your investment and ensure the optimal performance of your fan.
Are dMEV Fans Expensive to Run?
While they might operate 24 hours a day, the low wattage of dMEV fans (Typically between 1 and 5 watts) makes them very cheap to run.
You can figure out the cost of running a dMEV fan with the following equation:
Wattage of fan / 1000 * cost per unit of electricity = Cost to run a dMEV fan for 1 hour * 24 * 365 = Cost to run a dMEV fan for 1 year
A standard 3 watt dMEV will therefore cost approximately £7.30 per year to run, while a 5 watt dMEV will cost approximately £11.
Are dMEV Fans Expensive to Install?
The cost of installing an extractor fan hinges on the complexity of the installation.
A simpler replacement or installation which can take advantage of existing wiring will typically cost between £100 and £200, but a more substantial project involving new wiring or modifications to the existing structure may cost up to £500.
While this may make them a higher upfront investment compared to a traditional extractor fan, the improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality can make this well worth the cost depending on your needs.
Why Shop with Electricpoint?
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