Modern UK homes are built tighter than ever. Great for energy efficiency, but it creates a problem: without properly designed mechanical ventilation, moisture builds up, air quality drops, and buildings start to suffer. Compliance with Part F, Part L, and Part O of the Building Regulations now demands ventilation systems that are airtight, energy-efficient, and properly specified from the outset.
Ubbink is one of the few manufacturers that produces every component of a residential ventilation system entirely in-house — from the MVHR unit itself, right through to the ductwork, terminals, and finishing valves. That means tighter system data, faster specification, and a simpler warranty chain.
In this guide, we break down Ubbink's four main product ranges — Aerfoam, Air Excellent, Ubiflux F Series, and Ubiflux Vigor — so you can understand what each one does, why it matters, and when to specify it.
Aerfoam: Pre-Insulated Mass Flow Ductwork
Aerfoam is Ubbink's pre-insulated mass flow ductwork system. It connects the central MVHR or MEV unit to roof and wall terminals and distribution boxes — the larger-diameter "trunk" runs that move air between the main system components.
What It's Used For
Ubbink Aerfoam is designed for use in mechanical ventilation and balanced heat recovery (MVHR) systems. It's the go-to solution for duct runs in unheated spaces — loft voids, garages, risers — where temperature differences between the air inside the duct and the surrounding environment would otherwise cause condensation and energy loss.
Typical applications include:
- Duct runs from the MVHR unit to distribution boxes
- Connections to roof and wall terminals
- Domestic hot water heat pump systems
- Any run through an unheated zone that would normally require post-insulation
Key Benefits
- No tools, tape, or glue required — Aerfoam uses air- and watertight mechanical connections that clip together, delivering consistent airtightness performance even with less experienced installers
- Lightweight and easy to handle — manufactured from EPE (expanded polyethylene), it can be cut with a standard knife
- Excellent thermal insulation — prevents condensation and heat loss, meeting all Doc F insulation requirements for unheated areas
- Low pressure drop — the smooth, non-porous inner surface minimises system resistance, which means less fan energy and lower noise levels
- Sound absorption — the EPE material provides effective acoustic dampening
- Recyclable — Aerfoam can be recycled at end of life
- Comprehensive range — available in 125mm, 150mm, 160mm, 180mm, and 200mm internal diameters, with a full complement of bends (15°, 30°, 45°, 90°), T-pieces, Y-pieces, connectors, and wall brackets
When to Specify It
Use Aerfoam for any mass flow duct run — particularly where the duct passes through unheated areas. If you're installing an MVHR system and need insulated trunk ductwork that's fast to fit and guaranteed airtight, Aerfoam is the specification.
Air Excellent: Semi-Rigid Air Distribution System
Air Excellent is Ubbink's radial air distribution system — the network of smaller-diameter semi-rigid ducts that deliver fresh air to (and extract stale air from) each individual room. It's independently tested and certified by TUV-Sud and ISEGA.
What It's Used For
In a radial ductwork layout, individual ducts run from a central distribution box to each habitable and wet room. The distribution box then connects to the MVHR unit via mass flow (Aerfoam) ductwork. Air Excellent is the room-by-room distribution layer.
Typical applications include:
- New-build residential projects with balanced (System D) MVHR ventilation
- Retrofits and renovations where ducts need to fit around existing obstacles
- MEV (System C) extract ventilation systems
- Projects where ducts are embedded in concrete or screed floors
Key Benefits
- Semi-rigid and bendable — the ducts flex around obstacles without collapsing, making them ideal for tight ceiling voids, wall cavities, and floor screeds
- Airtight mechanical connections — clip-together system with no tape or sealant required; independently certified performance
- Modular distribution boxes — available in multiple configurations to suit different room counts and duct sizes
- Antistatic and antibacterial options — certain duct versions are designed to resist dust and bacteria build-up inside the system
- Three circular and three semi-circular duct types — circular ducts are faster to install; semi-circular ducts solve space constraints in walls and screed floors
- Can be embedded in concrete — Air Excellent ducts can be cast into floor slabs for a completely concealed installation
- Compatible with C and D systems — works with both MEV extract-only and full MVHR balanced ventilation systems
- Online configurator — Ubbink's Air Excellent configurator calculates resistance and system design in advance
When to Specify It
Use Air Excellent for the room-by-room distribution ductwork in any residential ventilation project. It's particularly valuable in new builds where ducts can be cast into floor slabs, and in renovations where the semi-rigid format allows ducts to route around existing structure.
Ubiflux F Series: Ceiling-Mounted MVHR Units
The Ubiflux F Series is Ubbink's range of ceiling-mounted heat recovery ventilation units — flat, quiet, and designed for properties where a compact, discreet unit profile is essential.
What It's Used For
The F Series provides whole-house MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) for smaller to mid-sized residential properties. These units continuously supply fresh filtered air while extracting stale, moisture-laden air — recovering the heat in the process.
Models Available
| Model | Max Capacity | Mounting | Connection Options | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 | 150 m³/h | Ceiling | 2/2 or 4/0 | Plus version available |
| F200 | 200 m³/h | Ceiling | 2/2 or 4/0 | Plus version available |
| F300 | 300 m³/h | Ceiling | 2/2 or 4/0 | Plus version available |
Key Benefits
- Flat, low-profile design — mounts discreetly in a ceiling void, ideal where wall space or plant room space is limited
- Quiet operation — designed for residential comfort
- High thermal efficiency with low electrical consumption — recovers heat from extracted air and transfers it to incoming fresh air
- Lightweight and easy to install — innovative design reduces installation time
- Online commissioning tool — provides a fully balanced system throughout the building
- Plus upgrade path — the F Series can be upgraded to a Plus version for additional connection functions and smart control options
When to Specify It
The F Series is well suited to apartments, smaller homes, and projects where ceiling mounting is preferred over wall mounting. The F150 covers smaller flats and single-bedroom properties; the F300 handles larger homes up to approximately 300 m³/h demand.
Ubiflux Vigor: Premium Wall or Ceiling MVHR Units
The Ubiflux Vigor is Ubbink's flagship MVHR unit — engineered for higher-spec residential projects where maximum heat recovery, smart connectivity, and flexible installation are non-negotiable.
What It's Used For
The Vigor provides continuous whole-house balanced ventilation with heat recovery for medium to large residential properties. It extracts stale, humid air from wet rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms), passes it through a high-efficiency heat exchanger, and uses the recovered warmth to pre-heat incoming fresh air — delivering over 90% heat recovery efficiency.
Models Available
| Model | Max Capacity | Mounting | Config Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vigor W175 | 175 m³/h | Wall or ceiling | Left / Right; 4/0 or 2/2 |
| Vigor W225 | 225 m³/h | Wall or ceiling | Left / Right; 4/0 or 2/2 |
| Vigor W325 | 325 m³/h | Wall or ceiling | Left / Right; 4/0 or 2/2 |
| Vigor W400 | 400 m³/h | Wall or ceiling | Left / Right; 4/0 or 2/2 |
Note: 4/0 = four connections above; 2/2 = two above, two below. Left/right-hand versions optimise airflow direction and condensation drain placement.
Key Benefits
- Over 90% heat recovery efficiency — powered by Ubbink's proprietary Holmak heat exchanger
- Eliminates the need for bathroom and kitchen extract fans — the MVHR handles all extraction, reducing energy consumption and maintenance
- TFT touchscreen display — with clear menu structure and built-in wizards for installation and maintenance
- Smart connectivity as standard — RJ12, e-bus, and Modbus connections for integration with home automation and demand-controlled ventilation
- Summer bypass mode — prevents overheating in warmer months while still delivering fresh filtered air
- Plus upgrade available — the Vigor Plus PCB adds Wi-Fi, LAN, and additional control options for peak-time ventilation management
- Left- and right-hand configurations — warm-side connections and condensation drain can be positioned to suit the installation location
- Cleaner indoor air — keeps windows closed year-round, reducing exposure to traffic fumes, pollutants, allergens, and external noise
When to Specify It
The Vigor is the right choice for larger homes, higher-spec new builds, low-energy and Passivhaus projects, and any property where demand-controlled ventilation, smart home integration, or enhanced filtration (e.g. for allergy sufferers) is required. Five capacity options from 175 to 400 m³/h cover everything from a modest three-bedroom house to a large detached home.
Comparison: F Series vs. Vigor — Which MVHR Unit?
| Feature | Ubiflux F Series | Ubiflux Vigor |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Ceiling only | Wall or ceiling |
| Capacity range | 150–300 m³/h | 175–400 m³/h |
| Heat exchanger | Standard | Holmak (proprietary) |
| Heat recovery | High efficiency | Over 90% |
| Display | Digital control panel | TFT touchscreen with wizards |
| Smart connectivity | Via Plus upgrade | Standard (RJ12, e-bus, Modbus) |
| Summer bypass | — | Yes |
| Best for | Apartments, smaller homes, budget-conscious projects | Larger homes, high-spec builds, smart home integration |
Both units connect seamlessly with Ubbink's Air Excellent distribution ductwork, Aerfoam insulated trunk ductwork, terminals, and Haelix valves.
How the Ranges Work Together
A complete Ubbink residential ventilation system is built from five integrated layers — all manufactured in-house:
- Ubiflux Vigor or F Series — the MVHR heart of the system
- Air Excellent — semi-rigid radial ductwork distributing air to and from each room
- Aerfoam — pre-insulated mass flow ductwork connecting the unit to distribution boxes and terminals
- Roof and wall terminals — external connection points for intake and exhaust air
- Haelix valves and grilles — supply and extract finishing elements in each room
Because Ubbink manufactures every component, the entire system is designed to work together — airtight connections throughout, matched pressure characteristics, and a single point of contact for technical support and warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aerfoam used for? Aerfoam is Ubbink's pre-insulated mass flow ductwork, used to connect MVHR units to distribution boxes and roof/wall terminals. It prevents condensation and heat loss in unheated areas and requires no tape, glue, or tools to install.
What's the difference between the Ubiflux F Series and Vigor? The F Series is a ceiling-mounted range for smaller properties (up to 300 m³/h), while the Vigor is a premium range for wall or ceiling mounting in larger homes (up to 400 m³/h), with smart connectivity, a TFT touchscreen, and Ubbink's proprietary Holmak heat exchanger delivering over 90% heat recovery.
Can Air Excellent ducts be embedded in a concrete floor? Yes. Air Excellent semi-rigid ducts can be cast directly into concrete or screed floors for a fully concealed installation. They are also available in antistatic and antibacterial versions.
Get the Right Ventilation System for Your Next Project
Whether you're specifying for a compact apartment or a large detached new build, getting the ventilation design right from the start prevents costly performance failures and ensures compliance with Part F, Part L, and Part O.
Purchase the Ubbink Ventilation range here at All Flat Roofing Supplies
