Transform your home with smarter ventilation

When improving energy efficiency, many homeowners focus on keeping heat in to reduce wasted energy. However, proper ventilation is equally important.

Without controlled ventilation, poor air circulation can lead to problems such as condensation, damp, and mould. Proper ventilation resolves these issues while keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Why ventilation matters

Ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient home. Poor ventilation traps moisture, causing damp and mould. In contrast, controlled ventilation removes stale air, reduces excess moisture, and introduces fresh air when needed, ensuring a balanced and comfortable environment.

How does ventilation work?

There are several ways to introduce ventilation into a home, including:

• Extractor fans: Installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, these fans remove moisture and should always be used when producing steam or condensation.
• Underfloor grilles or airbricks: Allow air circulation under wooden beams and floors, helping to keep them dry.
• Wall vents: Provide small amounts of fresh air to rooms.
• Trickle vents: Found above modern windows, these allow controlled amounts of fresh air to flow in.
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): A system that extracts stale air and replaces it with fresh air while retaining heat. Common in new builds but less so in older homes.

It’s essential to consider ventilation whenever undertaking energy efficiency measures. Insulation and draught-proofing, if not done correctly, can restrict airflow and lead to damp problems. Professional guidance ensures these measures work together effectively.

What types of homes benefit from ventilation?

Controlled ventilation is vital for all homes, but it’s particularly important in older properties. Homes with existing issues such as condensation, damp, or mould should prioritise ventilation improvements. If you’re considering energy efficiency upgrades, proper ventilation is a key part of the process to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

How we can help you

Engaging with a retrofit professional ensures that your home’s energy efficiency measures are effective and safe. At Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, we offer a comprehensive home assessment and Whole House Plan service to help homeowners identify and address ventilation needs as part of their retrofit journey.

Our Plan Builder tool is a great place to start—register your home and we’ll guide you through the process of improving energy efficiency and comfort.

Additional resources

For further reading, explore these resources:

• Existing home ventilation guide (gov.uk)
• Why adding these home ventilation systems could solve excess humidity in your home
• Home Ventilation: Creating a Well Ventilated and Healthy House
• Why is ventilation important?
• Looking at the bigger picture: your Whole House Plan

Take the next step

Ready to improve your home’s ventilation? Try our free advice tool to get started, call 0330 223 2742 today, or book a Whole House Plan with Cosy Homes Oxfordshire for expert, tailored recommendations.