Ventilation + Air Quality
Let the housebreathe properly.
As homes become more airtight, ventilation stops being accidental and becomes a design decision.
Explore mechanical ventilation, air quality and air sealing, and how they keep interiors fresh and comfortable.
Ventilation + Air Quality areas
- MVHRMechanical ventilation with heat recovery, supplying fresh air while retaining warmth.
VentilationExtract and supply strategies for kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.
Air QualityFiltration, humidity and pollutant control inside the home.
Air SealingReducing uncontrolled leakage so designed ventilation can work.
Why air quality matters
Fresh air, withoutlosing the warmth.
Ventilation removes moisture and stale air and brings fresh air in. Done deliberately, it supports a healthier, more comfortable interior without simply throwing away heat.
- 01
Airtight and well ventilated
Sealing the envelope and ventilating on purpose belong together — one without the other causes problems.
- 02
Recover the heat
Heat recovery ventilation transfers warmth from outgoing air to incoming fresh air.
- 03
Design the ductwork
Duct routes, sizes and bends determine airflow, noise and how easily a system can be balanced.
- 04
Commission and maintain
A system that is measured, balanced and filtered properly is the one that actually performs.
What to think about
Key decisionsfor ventilation and air quality.
Most ventilation problems come from strategy, installation or commissioning rather than the equipment itself.
Ventilation strategy
Whole-house mechanical ventilation, extract-only or a mixed approach each suit different projects.
Duct design
Short, generous, well-sealed duct runs make systems quieter and easier to balance.
Filtration
Filter choice affects indoor air quality and the maintenance a household needs to plan for.
Noise
Unit location, mounting and duct detailing determine whether a system is heard in bedrooms.
Commissioning
Measured and balanced airflows are what turn a specification into delivered performance.
Relationship with airtightness
The tighter the envelope, the more the ventilation design matters.
Members
Companies working inventilation + air quality.
Members of the Home community working in this part of the home. Explore their products, specialisms and expertise.
View all members
Mark Heat Recovery SystemsSupplier and installer of MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) systems for self-build and domestic homes, covering design through to servicing.
Unico SystemManufacturer of a compact 3-in-1 ducted heating, cooling and ventilation (MVHR) system using small-bore ducting for new build and retrofit homes.- Total Home EnvironmentSpecialist supplier and installer of whole-house heat recovery ventilation, heat pump ventilation, air-to-water heat pumps and central vacuum systems.
Aeroseal UKProvider of computer-guided, mist-applied air sealing for building envelopes, verifying airtightness on site, formerly trading as AeroBarrier UK.
Theben AGGerman manufacturer of KNX building systems technology, smart home controls, and presence and motion detectors for offices, public buildings and homes.
Insights on ventilation + air quality
Articles, guides and project stories.
- GuideMVHR Explained: Why Would You Mechanically Ventilate a House?
- Technical InsightAirtightness: The Invisible Detail That Changes Everything
GuideBuilding a Passivhaus: What Does It Actually Change?
Hear it. Feel it.Understand it.
Airflow and noise are easier to judge in person than on paper.
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All 10 Explore categories
- 01Building FabricInsulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, building envelope
- 02Structure + SystemsTimber frame, ICF, foundations, structural systems
- 03Windows + DoorsWindows, external doors, glazing, entrance systems, gates
- 04HeatingHeat pumps, hot water, underfloor heating, controls
- 05Ventilation + Air QualityMVHR, ventilation, air quality, air sealing
- 06EnergySolar, battery storage, energy management, generation
- 07Smart HomeControls, automation, monitoring, connected home
- 08Materials + FinishesRoofing, cladding, render, internal and external finishes
- 09Kitchens + LivingKitchens, appliances, lighting, interior products
- 10Water + ServicesWater conditioning, efficiency, building services