Residential ventilation for new builds

New build homes require a ventilation strategy that provides adequate outdoor air and removes pollutants, moisture and other contaminants in accordance with the applicable Building Regulations. Depending on the dwelling and ventilation strategy, this may include natural ventilation, continuous mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) or mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). The appropriate system should be determined during the design stage and designed, installed and commissioned in accordance with the relevant requirements of Approved Document F.

MVHR is not automatically required in every new-build dwelling. The appropriate ventilation system depends on the building design, airtightness, ventilation strategy and regulatory requirements. MVHR can be particularly suitable for highly airtight, energy-efficient homes because it provides continuous supply and extract ventilation while recovering heat from extracted air. Titon provides MVHR systems for residential new-build applications, alongside MEV and other ventilation solutions.

MVHR provides both mechanical supply and mechanical extract ventilation, while recovering heat from the outgoing air to preheat incoming air. MEV continuously extracts air from wet rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, with replacement air entering through purpose-designed background ventilators or other appropriate air paths. The most suitable system depends on the dwelling's design, airtightness, energy strategy and ventilation requirements.

It depends on the ventilation strategy used for the dwelling. Background ventilators are commonly used as part of natural ventilation or continuous mechanical extract strategies, but they should not simply be added to an MVHR system without considering the overall ventilation design. Approved Document F sets requirements for background ventilation, and the ventilation strategy should be established before installation.

Approved Document F provides guidance for meeting the ventilation requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations. For dwellings, Volume 1 covers ventilation requirements including the provision of adequate ventilation and measures to reduce the accumulation of pollutants and moisture. The current 2026 edition applies to buildings subject to the 2026 standards, while earlier versions continue to apply where relevant.

The ventilation system should be selected as part of the building's design rather than treated as an installation-stage decision. Factors include dwelling size and layout, airtightness, occupancy, ventilation rates, energy performance, acoustic requirements, available space, duct routes, maintenance access and the applicable Building Regulations. For larger developments, early design input can also help coordinate ductwork, plant locations and commissioning requirements.

There is no single ventilation system that is best for every new-build dwelling. MVHR can be particularly appropriate for well-insulated and airtight homes because it combines continuous mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. MEV and other approaches may be appropriate depending on the dwelling and its ventilation strategy. The system should be selected based on the whole-building design rather than energy efficiency alone.

A new-build house needs a ventilation strategy that provides sufficient outdoor air and removes moisture and pollutants from areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. The appropriate approach may use natural ventilation, continuous mechanical extract ventilation or MVHR, depending on the building design and applicable regulatory requirements.

A highly airtight home still needs adequate ventilation. In fact, as uncontrolled air leakage is reduced, designing an effective ventilation strategy becomes increasingly important. Mechanical systems such as MVHR can provide controlled continuous ventilation in airtight homes while recovering heat from extracted air.

Natural ventilation relies primarily on purpose-designed openings and background ventilators to provide airflow. MEV uses mechanical extract fans to continuously remove stale, moist air, with replacement air entering the dwelling through appropriate air inlets. MVHR mechanically supplies and extracts air and transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air.

MVHR can be used as a ventilation strategy for dwellings designed to meet the requirements of Part F, provided the system is appropriately designed, installed, commissioned and operated. Compliance depends on the complete ventilation system and its design and performance, rather than simply selecting an MVHR unit.

Key considerations include required airflow rates, dwelling size, system efficiency, acoustic performance, ductwork design, pressure losses, unit location, access for filter maintenance, controls, commissioning and integration with the wider building design. Designers should also consider how the system will perform once installed rather than relying solely on the nominal performance of the MVHR unit.