Decentralised vs Centralised Ventilation
A comprehensive side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right ventilation approach for your building — whether residential, commercial, or educational.
The complete comparison
How decentralised ERV stacks up against traditional centralised ventilation across every key metric that matters to building owners, architects, and installers.
| Criteria | Centralised | Decentralised (Din Ventilation) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation time | Days to weeks | 1-2 hours per unit |
| Ductwork required | Extensive supply & extract network | None |
| Building modification | Major — ceiling voids, risers, plant room | Single wall penetration per unit |
| Retrofit suitability | Difficult — requires extensive building work | Ideal — minimal disruption |
| Individual room control | Limited — zone dampers add cost & complexity | Full — each unit has independent sensors & controls |
| Maintenance | Complex — duct cleaning, AHU servicing, specialist contractors | Simple — washable filters, per-unit access |
| Noise at point of use | Variable — depends on duct attenuation | 12 dB(A) (AirPro V2.0 on low speed) |
| Heat recovery efficiency | 75-85% (plate or rotary exchangers) | Up to 97% (ceramic regenerative) |
| Upfront cost | High — AHU + ductwork + design + commissioning | Moderate — units + simple installation |
| Scalability | Fixed — requires AHU upsizing for expansion | Add units as needed |
| BMS integration | Standard | Available (Modbus RTU on AirCeil & Air Comfort) |
When centralised makes sense
Centralised ventilation remains the right choice in specific scenarios where its strengths outweigh the higher cost and complexity.
Large new-build commercial buildings
Where ductwork is designed into the building from the start and dedicated plant rooms are available.
Hospitals and laboratories
Requiring HEPA filtration, strict pressure hierarchies, and 100% fresh air with no recirculation.
Integrated HVAC systems
Where the AHU also provides heating, cooling, and humidity control through coils integrated into the air handling unit.
Very high airflow requirements
Above 5,000 m3/h, a single large AHU may be more practical than dozens of individual units.
When decentralised wins
For the vast majority of building types and situations, decentralised ERV delivers superior results at lower total cost.
Retrofit and renovation projects
No ceiling voids or risers needed. A single wall penetration per room makes retrofit fast and non-disruptive.
Residential buildings
Houses, apartments, and multi-dwelling buildings where quiet operation (12 dB), room control, and simple maintenance matter most.
Schools and educational buildings
Quick installation during holidays, CO2 monitoring per classroom, and no disruption to the teaching environment.
Multi-tenant commercial buildings
Individual zone control, easy reconfiguration when tenants change, and no shared ductwork between tenancies.
Listed and heritage buildings
Minimal visual impact — just a small external grille — compared to the extensive modifications centralised systems require.
Phased developments
Install units floor-by-floor or room-by-room as needed, spreading capital expenditure and avoiding over-provisioning.
Ready to make the right choice?
Whether you are planning a new build or retrofitting an existing building, our team can help you design the optimal ventilation solution. Explore our product range or request a tailored quote.