The top 3 energy-efficient ventilation systems for new builds

The top 3 energy-efficient ventilation systems for new builds

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Energy-efficient ventilation systems are essential in new build construction to enhance indoor air quality and offer cost savings on energy bills. An effective ventilation system should also comply with the latest building regulations, to ensure quality and sustainability targets.

This article aims to help contractors, engineers and architects decide which energy-saving ventilation system is best for a particular new build project.

Why do new builds need an efficient ventilation system?

Modern properties are more airtight than older buildings, with virtually no heat loss or draughts. Consequently, damp and moisture can form and have to be extracted to avoid building damage and health issues such as asthma.

Energy-efficient ventilation systems regulate airflow to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, therefore ensuring the ultimate occupant comfort. In addition, good ventilation in new properties is not only a design choice but critical to future-proof buildings against rising energy costs and environmental concerns.

In addition to considering the suitability of a particular ventilation system for a project, incorporating it into the design from the beginning is essential to avoid costly implementation changes at a later date. This means input from all the relevant stakeholders is necessary. 

Good to know

EnviroVent can help you with the design of energy-efficient ventilation systems for new builds. Our free ventilation system design service includes detailed drawings tailored to meet the needs of your project.

What are the most energy-efficient solutions for new builds?

When it comes to selecting energy-saving ventilation for a new build project there are  3 main choices: 

1. MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) 
2. MEV (mechanical extract ventilation, both centralised and de-centralised) 
3. PIV (positive input ventilation)

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

MVHR is an advanced ventilation solution that extracts stale indoor air while introducing fresh outdoor air into a building. The key component is a heat exchanger that transfers heat energy from the outgoing air to the incoming air, significantly reducing the energy required to create the fresh air. 

This process enhances energy efficiency and maintains indoor air quality, making MVHR one of the best ventilation systems for new builds even where there is an acoustic or pollution concern thanks to the filtered incoming air.

MVHR is commonly used for residential projects and commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools and offices where air quality and energy-efficiency are crucial.

This system is also suitable for Passivhaus-certified properties, which maximise energy efficiency through the use of the materials and systems selected.

Key Features

• Efficient heat recovery - typically recovers 73–95% of the heat from exhaust air.
• Sustainability – supports the Net Zero target of reducing emissions by 4% by 2030 and zero by 2050.
• Balanced ventilation - ensures a consistent supply of fresh air while maintaining optimal indoor temperature.
• Filters - improve air quality by reducing allergens, pollutants and dust which can all contribute to respiratory illnesses.
• Integrated controls - advanced MVHR systems offer smart features such as humidity and temperature sensors to optimise performance.

MVHR allows control of a building’s ventilation, as opposed to traditional natural ventilation which relies on the outside temperature, wind speed and opening and closing windows.

Mechanical extract ventilation

This is either a central system (c-MEV) or decentralised option (d-MEV) that extracts stale air from the wet rooms where damp and condensation form and introduces fresh air through trickle vents. It is primarily used in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.

MEV is often used in residential and small-medium new builds.

Key features

• Continuous airflow - ensures removal of indoor pollutants (such as cleaning product chemicals), excess moisture and odours.
• Sustainability – supports the Net Zero target of reducing emissions by 4% by 2030 and zero by 2050.
• Customisable - adjustable fan speeds allow for optimisation based on occupancy or room usage.
• Energy saving - Operates on reduced power.
• Minimum maintenance – due to minimal parts compared to more complex systems.
• Options for both centralised and de-centralised depending upon the number of wet rooms, ducting routes and property requirements.

Good to know

EnviroVent supplies a range of MEV systems for new builds that come with a full 2-year guarantee.

Positive input ventilation

PIV is a simple ventilation system that introduces fresh, filtered air into a building. The stale air is forced out of the building and replaced with clean air, which is particularly effective at reducing damp and mould.

Key features

• Continuous air supply – providing a consistent flow of filtered, healthy air.
• Energy-efficient - uses low-power fans to maintain airflow, with many systems designed to meet energy performance standards such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
• Filters - includes high-efficiency filters that capture particles in the atmosphere to enhance the comfort of occupants with allergies or respiratory conditions.
• Humidity control - reduces excess moisture produced in wet rooms.

While less complex than alternatives such as MVHR or MEV, PIV is a practical choice for contractors looking to achieve quality ventilation performance in new build projects where cost-effectiveness and compliance are priorities. 

This ventilation solution is suitable for properties with an air permeability of ≥3m³/(m²/h)@50Pa and also requires background ventilation such as trickle vents due to the reliance of good air movement in properties that are often extremely airtight. In such an instance, or if the air permeability is lower than the figure above an alternative solution should be considered.

Each of the ventilation systems above is suitable for different scenarios, but they all have a joint goal – energy efficiency and a common approach to green building ventilation.

For more information on our range of energy-efficient ventilation systems for new builds contact us.