How to build energy-efficient homes 

Rising living costs across the UK -including energy prices- are driving more eco-conscious choices in home construction. For those building new homes, energy-efficient solutions now represent a crucial consideration, balancing upfront investment against long-term comfort and value. But how much of a difference can these solutions make for self-builders? And does the initial cost of effective residential ventilation truly benefit homeowners over time? Read on to find out.  

Why energy efficiency matters in self-build homes 

 Energy-efficient design in self-build homes delivers tangible benefits beyond environmental impact.  The challenge lies in balancing airtight construction with adequate ventilation, but when achieved, the results are compelling:

•  Lower energy costs: Energy-efficient systems maximise heat retention whilst boosting indoor air quality and reducing energy bills.
•  Improved comfort: Advanced ventilation solutions like MVHR provide consistent thermal comfort - keeping homes warm and comfortable during cold winter months and cool and ventilated throughout the year. 

Residential ventilation for energy-efficient new build homes

Modern energy-efficient homes are built to be airtight, and whilst this helps homes to retain heat during cold winter months, it can also trap moisture and pollutants indoors. Residential continuous ventilation systems ensure a steady flow of fresh air, improving comfort and health. Unlike traditional intermittent fans, continuous systems maintain balanced, consistent ventilation for optimal indoor air quality and efficiency, making them the perfect choice for airtight homes.

What are the different types of residential ventilation? 

There are several residential ventilation options to suit different self-build projects. 

• For standard self-build homes, the Adroit MVHR system provides balanced heat recovery (2-3 bed) ventilation, efficiently supplying fresh air while recovering warmth from exhaust air. 
• Larger (4+ bedroom) new build properties would benefit from the DUPLEXbase, which is designed for high airflow rates and superior energy recovery. 
• For budget-conscious projects, the Entro-V range offers reliable mechanical ventilation at a more accessible price point- ideal for those that want to prioritise efficiency and air quality without compromising on affordability. 

Building energy-efficient homes in London

Building in the UK’s largest cities presents distinct challenges. In London, limited space and high building density directly impact ventilation requirements, making standard solutions impractical for many projects. 

Airflow’s residential ventilation solutions are designed to meet the unique specifications of compact new builds, providing effective ventilation without taking up too much space. Continuous-running extractor fans can be discreetly installed on walls or ceilings, delivering efficient, energy-saving ventilation while remaining exceptionally quiet. From single-room units to complete solutions that meet Passive House standards, these systems dramatically enhance indoor air quality, ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment throughout the home.

How to build a passive house and why

A Passive House is designed to use minimal energy for heating and cooling by focusing on airtight construction, high insulation, and advanced glazing. These homes prevent unwanted heat loss and drafts, maintaining a stable indoor temperature year-round. Effective ventilation ensures continuous fresh air without wasting energy. For passive house occupants, this means lower bills, improved comfort, and healthier living environments. 

Passive House standards at a glance: 

• Exceptional airtightness

• High insulation levels

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

• Low primary energy demand

• Consistent indoor comfort

Whilst meeting all Passive House standards is not always practical or possible for self-builders, keeping these standards in mind when designing your build is a great way to ensure that energy-efficient solutions remain a top priority. 

Partner with Airflow to build an energy-efficient home

Partnering with Airflow makes building an energy-efficient home easier and more effective. With extensive expertise in residential ventilation solutions, our systems provide the perfect balance of fresh air, thermal comfort, and low energy use. Whatever the property type or size, Airflow ensures healthy, comfortable living spaces while maximising energy efficiency. 

Get in touch today to explore the right ventilation solutions for your home.