Ventilation is a critical factor in maintaining indoor air quality and occupant comfort, but it also significantly impacts a building’s energy performance. When it comes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), the type of ventilation strategy used—whether Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) or natural ventilation—can influence the energy rating of a property.
This article explores how different ventilation systems affect EPC scores and what property owners should consider when planning or upgrading ventilation.
Understanding Ventilation Strategies
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation relies on passive airflow through windows, vents, and other openings. It’s simple, low-cost, and requires no mechanical equipment.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
MVHR systems mechanically extract stale air and supply fresh air while recovering heat from the outgoing air, reducing energy loss. They offer controlled ventilation with high efficiency but come with installation and maintenance costs.
How Ventilation Affects EPC Scores
1. Energy Efficiency and Heat Loss
Natural ventilation can lead to uncontrolled heat loss, especially during colder months, potentially lowering EPC ratings.
MVHR systems reduce heat loss by recovering up to 90% of heat from exhaust air, improving energy efficiency and boosting EPC scores.
2. Air Quality and Moisture Control
Proper ventilation prevents dampness and mold, protecting the building fabric and improving occupant health, which indirectly supports energy efficiency.
3. Impact on Heating and Cooling Loads
Efficient ventilation reduces the heating demand in winter and cooling needs in summer, positively influencing EPC assessments.
Advantages and Considerations for MVHR vs Natural Ventilation
| Feature | Natural Ventilation | MVHR |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | Low | High |
| Energy Consumption | None (passive) | Moderate (fans required) |
| Heat Recovery | None | Up to 90% recovery |
| Control Over Airflow | Limited, weather-dependent | Precise and adjustable |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Regular filter cleaning required |
| EPC Impact | May reduce EPC rating due to heat loss | Generally improves EPC rating |
Tips to Optimize Ventilation for Better EPC Ratings
For natural ventilation, improve airtightness and add controlled vents to minimize uncontrolled heat loss.
Consider installing an MVHR system in new builds or major refurbishments for long-term energy savings.
Maintain ventilation systems regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Balance ventilation needs with heating and cooling strategies for overall efficiency.
How EPCRate Supports Ventilation-Related EPC Assessments
At EPCRate, our London-based EPC assessors carefully evaluate your property’s ventilation system and its impact on energy performance. We provide expert advice on upgrading or optimizing ventilation to enhance your EPC score.
Explore our EPC services or book an assessment with transparent pricing.
Contact EPCRate for Expert EPC Assessments in London
For accurate EPC evaluations considering your ventilation strategy, contact EPCRate via our contact page. We help you achieve energy-efficient and healthy living environments.
