Continuous extract fans (dMEV) in East Sussex

A dMEV (decentralised mechanical extract ventilation) fan is a low-energy extract fan that runs continuously at a quiet trickle speed and boosts automatically when it senses humidity or a light switch. Because it never fully switches off, moisture is removed steadily instead of building up between showers.

East Sussex has every kind of building, from old terraces to new estates and business parks, and every job is designed around the building in front of us, not a standard kit.

dMEV fans in East Sussex at a glance

Area: East Sussex
Towns listed: 15, largest Brighton
Postcode districts: BN2, BN20, BN21, TN34, TN35 and BN1
Price region: South East
Survey: Free survey (UK mainland)

What the work involves

Landlords and housing associations often choose them because tenants cannot switch them off and forget them. Under Approved Document F, continuous mechanical extract systems need commissioning: the airflow on both trickle and boost is measured and recorded. We do that as part of the job, so you have a record for building control, a landlord file or a future buyer.

Bathroom and en-suite

Through-wall or ceiling fans with humidity-controlled boost.

Kitchen

Higher-rated continuous fans where a ducted hood is not practical.

Whole-home dMEV upgrade

Every wet room converted at once, with trickle vents checked in the habitable rooms.

Guide prices in East Sussex

Continuous extract fans (dMEV) guide prices in East Sussex
Work	Guide price
Continuous-running extract fan (dMEV) with humidity boost, flow tested (per fan)	£380–£650 inc VAT
Airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) (per home)	£160–£325 inc VAT

These ranges use our South East rates. Prices include VAT at 20%. You get a fixed written price before any work is booked.

Common reasons people call

You manage rental homes and want ventilation that cannot be switched off
You are refurbishing several wet rooms at once
An energy retrofit has made the house more airtight

Rules in England

English building work follows Approved Document F (2021 edition) for ventilation rates, installation and commissioning. For homes, it sets minimum extract rates such as 15 litres a second for a bathroom and 30 or 60 for a kitchen, and expects mechanical systems to be airflow-tested.

How the job runs

Survey
Specify
Fit
Commission
Record

Towns we cover in East Sussex

Questions about continuous extract fans (dMEV) in East Sussex

Is the survey free in East Sussex?

For new installations on the UK mainland, yes. The survey is free and the quote that follows is fixed and in writing. Servicing, testing and repair visits are charged, and we confirm the cost before booking.

What is the difference between dMEV and MEV?

dMEV uses one small fan in each wet room. MEV uses one central fan, usually in the loft, ducted to all the wet rooms. Both run continuously.

Do I still need trickle vents?

Yes. With continuous extract, Approved Document F still expects background ventilators in habitable rooms so replacement air can get in.

Which rules apply to ventilation in East Sussex?

In England, ventilation in new and altered homes is covered by Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. Landlords also have duties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and workplaces must be ventilated under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Which towns in East Sussex do you cover?

All of East Sussex, including Eastbourne, Hastings, Hove, Bexhill-on-Sea and Hailsham. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.