TH Ventilation

The air in our homes is more than just what we need to breathe, it’s what surrounds us, keeps us warm or cool and enhances our wellbeing.


It’s time to embrace the essence of fresh air living. 

The Tomorrow Home is about creating spaces that breathe while using technology to replace moist and stale air with fresh air, optimising the atmosphere within living spaces so we can enjoy them and live healthier lives.

From energy-efficient designs to thoughtfully integrated ventilation systems, the homes of tomorrow are working hard to be cleaner and greener for us.

The Tomorrow Home has installed the Vent-Axia award-winning Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood which combines a cooker hood mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) unit in one, and the decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) which is a whole house energy efficient ventilation solution using small fans that continuously extracts stale air and replaces it with fresh air. 

What is Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery?

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a system that not only keeps your home fresh but also helps you save on energy bills.

Here’s how it works: Imagine the air in the home as a continuous flow. The MVHR system is designed to extract stale, moist air from rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, where humidity and pollutants tend to build up. This air is then passed through a heat exchanger, which cleverly recovers up to 80% of the heat from the outgoing air.

At the same time, fresh air is drawn in from outside. This incoming air is filtered to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens, ensuring that the air entering the home is clean and healthy. The filtered air is then warmed by the heat recovered from the outgoing air before being distributed into the living areas, like bedrooms and living rooms. This process not only keeps the home at a comfortable temperature but also significantly reduces the energy needed to heat the home, leading to lower energy bills.

The MVHR system runs continuously, providing a constant supply of fresh air and maintaining a balanced indoor environment all year round. This continuous operation helps prevent issues like condensation and mould, which can be harmful to both the home and our health.

One of the best things about a MVHR system is the ability to improve indoor air quality. By continuously removing stale air and supplying fresh, filtered air, the system helps reduce indoor pollutants, which is especially beneficial for anyone with allergies or respiratory conditions. Plus, by recovering heat that would otherwise be lost, MVHR systems make the home more energy-efficient, which is great for both the wallet and the environment.

Overall the MVHR system is a key component of the Tomorrow Home as a modern, energy-efficient home, providing a healthier and more comfortable living space.

Learn more about the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood

What is decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation?

The dMEV (decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation) system is an innovative, low-energy ventilation solution using small fans.

A d-MEV system, or decentralized Mechanical Extract Ventilation system, is a low-energy, continuous ventilation solution designed to efficiently remove moisture-laden air from wet rooms such as bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens.

Unlike intermittent fans that operate sporadically, d-MEV systems run continuously, providing a more consistent and effective method of ventilation. This continuous operation helps to prevent the build up of humidity and condensation, which can lead to mould growth and other moisture-related issues.

One of the standout features of d-MEV systems is their quiet operation. These fans are designed to be much quieter than their intermittent counterparts, making them a more pleasant option for maintaining indoor air quality without the noise disturbance. Additionally, they are more cost-effective to run, consuming less energy over time due to their efficient design.

By continuously extracting stale air and replacing it with fresh air, d-MEV systems ensure that indoor air quality remains high. This constant air exchange helps to remove pollutants, allergens, and odours, creating a healthier living environment. Overall, d-MEV systems offer a reliable and energy-efficient solution for maintaining good air quality and preventing moisture problems in homes.

The Building Regulations Approved Document F gives examples of four main methods of ventilation. System 3, Continuous mechanical extract ventilation can be achieved using a single centralised extract unit such as the Lo-Carbon Response in the ‘wet’ rooms. 

The key features:

Quiet Operation: The d-MEV system runs silently, ensuring a peaceful environment.

Energy Efficiency: Fitted with low-watt DC motors, it minimizes energy consumption.

Condensation Prevention: By removing moist air, it helps prevent condensation and mould growth.

Versatility: Install it in walls or ceilings for flexibility.

Sleek Design: Stylish and unobtrusive.

Compliance: Meets Building Regulations (Part F) for System 3 – Continuous Mechanical Extract.

Why is ventilation a significant component in meeting the Future Homes Standard?

Did you know that human beings can create two litres of water vapour each day just by moving and breathing? Adding washing machines, showers and the steam generated by cooking means that there is an excess of water vapour in the house that needs to escape. 

The updated Approved Document F sets out ventilation standards to be implemented for both domestic and non-domestic buildings and provides simplified guidance on ventilation along with new measures to mitigate the risk of transmission of infection via aerosols.

Download the Government's Ventilation: Approved Document F, last updated 15 June 2022  Approved Document F: Volume 1 applies to dwellings