Commercial Products  > Commercial Systems
MBESr
Modulating Retrofit Building Exhaust System

The ENERVEX Retrofit Modulating Building Exhaust System™ (MBESr) is a demand-controlled ventilation system designed for multi-story buildings with multiple kitchen hoods, bathrooms or clothes dryers on multiple floors specifically geared toward retrofit applications.

Rather than having a large number of individual exhaust ducts for each appliance, or a fan that operates at full speed 24/7, the MBESr senses when appliances are running and modulates with the load. It assures proper exhaust rates at any time no matter the demand. They MBESr system can reduce the exhaust rate of conditioned air by up to 60-70%. In addition the BEFx fan is ultraefficient with high-efficiency housing design and a IE5 highly efficient EC-motor.

Traditional exhaust systems run at full speed all day—regardless of actual demand. That means you’re exhausting conditioned air and consuming energy even when appliances aren’t running.

The MBESr replaces that constant-speed approach with demand-controlled ventilation built directly into the fan system.

Instead of guessing airflow needs, the system continuously monitors pressure inside the duct and automatically adjusts fan speed in real time:

  • When no appliances are operating, the system runs at low speed to maintain baseline pressure
  • As dryers, kitchen exhaust, or bathroom fans turn on, pressure increases
  • The integrated controls instantly respond, ramping the fan up only as needed
  • Once demand drops, the system reduces speed again

This creates a self-regulating exhaust system that matches ventilation to actual usage, without manual intervention or external control panels.

Because controls are integrated into the unit, installation is simplified and commissioning is faster compared to traditional fan + VFD + external control setups.

  1. Integrated Demand-Controlled Ventilation: Built-in pressure-based modulation eliminates the need for separate control systems, enabling precise airflow adjustment based on real-time demand.
  2. Retrofit-Ready Design: Designed as a drop-in replacement for aging constant-speed rooftop or inline fans, minimizing redesign, downtime, and installation complexity.
  3. High-Capacity Variable Volume Performance: Supports multi-story applications with high airflow requirements while maintaining efficient modulation across a wide operating range.
  4. Includes hinged access doors and accessible internal components to simplify inspection, cleaning, and maintenance, especially important for lint-laden exhaust.

Engineered for:

  • Noise reduction
  • Thermal stability
  • Condensation control
  • Service-Friendly

Construction Suitable for:

  • Laundry exhaust (central systems)
  • Kitchen exhaust (multi-unit)
  • Bathroom exhaust risers
  • General multi-story ventilation

Reduce Energy Waste by Matching Demand

Eliminate unnecessary fan runtime and conditioned air loss by only ventilating when needed, often reducing energy consumption dramatically compared to constant-speed systems.

Retrofit Without Re-Engineering

Upgrade existing systems without major duct or system redesign, making it easier to modernize older buildings and aging infrastructure.

Lower Operating Costs

Reduce both:

  • electrical consumption from fan operation
  • cost of conditioned air being exhausted unnecessarily

Simplify Installation and Commissioning Integrated controls remove the need for multiple components (fan + VFD + external controller), reducing wiring, setup time, and potential points of failure.

Improve Tenant Comfort Lower noise levels and more stable airflow help reduce common complaints associated with constant-speed exhaust systems.

Reduce Maintenance Burden

Service-friendly design and controlled operation reduce wear on components and simplify ongoing maintenance.

Support Sustainability and Compliance Goals

Helps buildings meet energy efficiency targets and evolving code requirements while reducing overall environmental impact.

enervex retrofit modulating building exhaust system
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
BEFx Box Fan—variable-volume centrifugal exhaust box fan with a capacity of more than 6,000 CFM
Box Fan

Multi-use, high performing, variable-volume centrifugal exhaust box fan designed for indoor and outdoor installation. Can be used for special exhaust or exhaust of lint-laden air or to supply make-up air and combustion air.

MEC 24 Modulating Pressure Control—simple modulating fan control for multi-story applications
Modulating Pressure Control (multi-story)

A modulating pressure control that provides superior pressure control in single- or multi-story building applications such as clothes dryers, bathrooms and kitchens.