How to Design Ventilation for Passive Houses
By DIY Eco Homes | Published: 6/5/2025
Learn how to design an efficient ventilation system for passive houses that balances energy savings and indoor air quality.
How to Design Ventilation for Passive Houses Designing ventilation for passive houses is all about balancing energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Here's the quick takeaway: - Why It Matters: Passive houses are airtight, saving up to 90% in energy compared to regular homes. But this airtightness means you need a proper ventilation system to avoid poor air quality and humidity issues. - The Solution: Use Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems. These systems: - Provide filtered fresh air. - Recover up to 90% of heat from outgoing air. - Keep energy use low (≤0.45 Wh/m³). - Key Design Steps: 1. Calculate airflow needs (e.g., 30m³/h per person). 2. Choose an MVHR system with high efficiency (≥75%) and low power consumption. 3. Design airtight, balanced ductwork for smooth airflow. With proper design, MVHR systems ensure clean air, regulated humidity, and consistent indoor temperatures without compromising energy savings. Let's dive deeper into how to get it right. The...
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