MVHR critical for new homes

Air tightness standards and energy efficiency in new homes means mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) will become increasingly important, according to the Zero Carbon Hub.

However, a report by the Hub's Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality task group raised some concerns about the standards of design and installation of MVHR systems. It called for more 'robust' criteria. It also highlighted the importance of controlling sources of indoor pollutants no matter what system is used for ventilation.

It pointed out that new homes are built to ‘tighter’ standards with reduced air leakage, but that there was a need for a better evidence base to support the case for MVHR.

‘With mechanical ventilation systems presently representing nearly 50% of overall new-build ventilation solutions, and the market set to dramatically increase over the next year or so, now is the time to focus on quality,’ said Kelly Butler, marketing director of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA), who contributed to the report.

Access the report here.