A Heat Recovery Ventilation system (HRV) or an Energy Recovery system (ERV) is vital in Passive Houses. It ensures a constant supply of fresh air by expelling stale indoor air and bringing in fresh outdoor air—all while filtering out pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture. For cooler days, an ERV system recovers heat from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming fresh air, keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient during winter.

We already explained why Passive Houses are built to be extremely airtight. However, this airtightness limits natural ventilation, which could lead to stale air and moisture buildup if not addressed. That’s where the HRV system comes in—continuously circulating fresh, filtered air to ensure a healthy indoor environment. 

In bushfire-prone areas like we have in Australia, there is the option of installing HRVs that have advanced filters that can filter out smoke particles, providing crucial protection for your indoor air quality. The bushfires of 2019 severely impacted air quality across the country, both outdoors and indoors, highlighting the importance of an effective ventilation system.

An HRV is more than just a ventilation system—it’s a key element that works holistically with the other essential criteria of a Passive House. Imagine, clean air, in a dust free and comfortable home!