Social housing ventilation for new builds

The best ventilation system depends on the dwelling design, occupancy, airtightness, energy strategy, available space and project requirements. MVHR, MEV, dMEV and supply ventilation can all be appropriate solutions for different new-build social housing applications.

Yes. MVHR can be suitable for new-build social housing where the building design supports a ducted mechanical ventilation system and the benefits of heat recovery, filtered supply air and continuous ventilation are required.

MVHR extracts stale air from wet rooms and supplies fresh air to habitable rooms while recovering heat from the extracted air. MEV continuously extracts air from wet rooms, with replacement air entering through designed air inlets.

dMEV is decentralised mechanical extract ventilation. Individual continuously running extract units are installed in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms rather than using one central extract unit.

The required ventilation strategy depends on the building design and the applicable Building Regulations. Mechanical ventilation may be used where the required ventilation rates and indoor air quality cannot be achieved appropriately through natural or passive ventilation alone.

Ventilation removes moisture from activities such as cooking, bathing and showering. Effective continuous ventilation can therefore help manage indoor humidity and reduce the risk of condensation, although ventilation is only one part of a wider damp and mould prevention strategy.

Approved Document F provides guidance on ventilation and indoor air quality for buildings in England. It sets out requirements and guidance for achieving adequate ventilation and controlling indoor pollutants and moisture.

The ventilation strategy should involve the appropriate design and construction professionals, including architects, M&E consultants, ventilation specialists, developers and contractors. Housing providers and other project stakeholders should also consider installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance requirements.

Titon provides technical support throughout the project lifecycle, including ventilation strategy, system selection, design, product specification, technical documentation, commissioning and aftercare. Support is available for developers, architects, consultants and contractors.