How To Improve Poor Ventilation and Thermal Bridges

Our homes are a paramount part of our lives. Given that we spend around 90% of our time indoors (often more in the unpredictable UK weather), the condition of our homes influences our health, comfort, and overall well-being. It’s surprising, then, how many of us are unaware of the hidden issues that can compromise our homes' energy efficiency and comfort. 

Here we'll take a closer look at some of these common problems, such as poor ventilation and thermal bridges and see what steps can be taken to address them. We’ll also explore the gold standards in sustainable home design, such as Passivhaus, and how to future-proof your home economically. 

By the end, you'll have a better understanding of what makes a home truly "good" in terms of comfort and sustainability, and some of the steps to achieve it. 

Signs of Poor Ventilation 

Proper ventilation is essential for a healthy home. It ensures good indoor air quality by removing pollutants, moisture, and odours. Poor ventilation, on the other hand, can lead to a variety of problems. 

• Condensation on windows or walls is a common sign of high humidity levels due to inadequate ventilation.
• Mould or mildew are also signs of poor ventilation in house and hinders moisture control, as mould thrives in damp environments. 
• If smells from cooking, cleaning, or other activities linger, or if your home always feels stuffy, even with open windows, it could be a sign of poor air circulation.
• Allergies and respiratory problems could be due to the accumulation of dust, pollen, and other allergens. 

Detecting and Locating Thermal Bridges 

Thermal bridges are areas in a building's structure where heat can escape more easily. They occur due to differences in material conductivity or insulation thickness, leading to colder surfaces and potential condensation problems. Here's how you can detect them. 

Temperature variations can be found using a thermal imaging camera to find colder areas on walls, floors, or ceilings. Surface condensation can be seen on interior surfaces, especially in corners, around windows, and where walls meet floors or ceilings. Mould growth in specific areas can also show thermal bridges, as cold surfaces are more likely to attract condensation. 

Steps to Eliminate Poor Ventilation and Thermal Bridges 

Addressing poor ventilation and thermal bridges is crucial for a healthy, energy-efficient home. Here are some of the steps to take. 

Improving Ventilation 

To improve ventilation, install low energy continuous running fans in areas with high moisture production, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to remove humid air. If your windows don't have them, consider installing trickle vents to allow for continuous background ventilation. 

For whole-house ventilation, consider a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. MVHR systems provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from the outgoing stale air, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Even in colder months, opening windows for short periods can help to refresh the air in your home. 

Cutting Thermal Bridges 

To cut thermal bridges, ensure your home is insulated to a good standard, paying special attention to areas where thermal bridges are common, such as wall junctions, windows, and doors. Install thermal breaks in the building structure to reduce heat flow between varied materials. You could also upgrade to high-quality, ultra energy-efficient windows and doors with insulated frames to minimise heat loss. 

How to Improve the Ventilation in Your Home

Beyond technical upgrades, simple lifestyle adjustments contribute significantly to a comfortable and sustainable home. Conscious habits like keeping internal doors closed during heating periods, using heavy curtains to reduce heat loss through windows, even cooking with lids on pans all minimise energy waste. 

Equally, ensure good airflow by opening windows periodically for fresh air, but avoid prolonged opening that leads to overcooling. These small behavioural changes demonstrate that sustainable living is as much about daily choices as it is about advanced home technology. 

Gold Standards in Passivhaus 

When it comes to energy efficiency, Passivhaus stands out as a gold standard. 

Passivhaus is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. Passivhaus buildings are designed to keep a comfortable indoor temperature all year round without active heating or cooling systems, significantly reducing energy consumption. 

The key principles of Passivhaus include the correct insulation, airtightness, high-performance windows, ventilation with heat recovery, managed thermal bridge construction. 

Passivhaus buildings feature better levels of insulation to minimise heat loss. Airtight construction prevents uncontrolled draughts and heat loss. Passivhaus windows have excellent thermal performance to reduce heat loss and gain. MVHR systems provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from the outgoing stale air. Careful design and construction minimise thermal bridges to reduce heat loss. 

How to Future-proof Your Home Economically 

Future-proofing your home means making changes now that will help you overall, increasing its value, comfort, and sustainability. Here are some cost-effective strategies. 

To future-proof your home economically, start with insulation. Improving your home's insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase energy efficiency. Focus on insulating lofts, walls, and floors. You could also upgrade doors and windows by replacing old, inefficient ones with modern, energy-efficient ones to significantly reduce heat loss. 

Installing a smart thermostat can also help optimise your heating and cooling usage, reducing energy consumption, and saving money. Switching to LED lighting is another simple and affordable way to reduce your electricity bill. Finally, consider renewable energy. While the first investment can be higher, renewable energy systems like solar panels can significantly reduce your long-term energy costs and environmental impact. 

What Does a "Good" Home Look Like in Terms of Sustainability? 

A "good" home, in terms of sustainability, is one that minimises its environmental impact while maximising the health, comfort, and well-being of its occupants. Here are some key characteristics. 

A sustainable home is energy-efficient, using minimal energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or heat pumps, further reduces the environmental impact of a home. A healthy indoor environment includes good ventilation, natural light, and the use of non-toxic materials. Sustainable homes also incorporate water-saving fixtures and practices to minimise water consumption. Finally, a sustainable home is built to last, using durable materials and designs that can adapt to changing needs. 

Understanding your home and taking steps to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability is not only good for the environment but also enhances your comfort and well-being. 

When to Call in the Experts 

While simple steps improve home comfort, some issues require professional assessment. Persistent mould growth despite improved ventilation, consistently high energy bills without obvious cause, or planning significant changes like a retrofit or extension are signs you may need expert help. Professionals can diagnose complex problems like thermal bridging or inadequate insulation. 

For specialised services such as MVHR system servicing, or more information on Passivhaus, contact 21 Degrees.