With UK building standards becoming more stringent than ever, and an increasing drive for airtightness and energy efficiency, the UK is entering a critical phase for building compliance and indoor air quality. 

With upcoming regulatory changes – including Awaab’s Law, which compels landlords to act quickly to cure damp and mould issues – the need for effective ventilation systems has become even more critical. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is emerging as a key solution to ensure that airtight homes remain healthy living environments.

David Millward, Product Manager at Elta Group, said: “With modern homes being built more and more airtight, the importance of controlled ventilation is becoming more significant. Without adequate systems in place, stale air, mould and condensation can accumulate, jeopardising the health of the building and its occupants.

“While technically compliant in some cases, traditional ventilation methods such as extract fans and trickle vents often fall short of delivering the level of indoor air quality and energy efficiency now expected.

“MVHR systems are already widely adopted in some European countries including Sweden and the Netherlands, where the system is seen as standard in new homes. Their ability to supply new, filtered air while recovering up to 92% of heat from outgoing air positions them as an ideal fit for modern demands.

“To add urgency to the adoption of high-performing ventilation systems, Awaab’s Law is set to enforce stricter timeframes for landlords and housing providers in dealing with damp and mould. This places additional responsibility on ventilation to perform reliably and help to prevent these issues.”