A programme of testing to evaluate a passive approach to whole-house ventilation

The purpose of this paper is to describe a programme of research into an innovative approach to whole-house ventilation with heat reclaim. This poses potential problems of indoor air quality, condensation and mould growth, with implications for human health. Adequate and controlled ventilation is a necessity, and in Europe the adoption of mechanical systems incorporating heat reclaim has become the preferred technology. The relatively mild climate of the UK undermines the efficiency of these fan-driven solutions. The programme of research has been to test the viability of an engineered system of natural ventilation for use in temperate climates.