In high-performance homes, two concepts come up again and again: airtightness and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). On their own, each offers benefits — but together, they form the backbone of a truly efficient, comfortable, and healthy home.
This post explores how airtightness and MVHR complement each other, and why you should think of them as a pair rather than separate features.
Airtightness: Controlling the Building Envelope
Airtightness ensures that unwanted air leakage through cracks, gaps, and junctions is minimised. It means:
Lower energy bills thanks to reduced heat loss or gain
No cold draughts or hot spots
Protection against condensation and moisture damage
But airtightness on its own doesn’t guarantee fresh air. Without planned ventilation, a very airtight home could feel stuffy, or worse, trap pollutants and moisture inside.
MVHR: Supplying Fresh, Filtered Air
MVHR systems solve this challenge by providing a controlled, balanced flow of air. They:
Supply filtered fresh air into living areas and bedrooms
Extract stale air from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries
Recover heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming air
The result is a home that stays fresh, healthy, and energy-efficient.
Why They Work Best Together
- Airtightness creates the foundation — without leaks, air movement can be properly controlled.
MVHR provides the control — ensuring fresh, clean air is continuously supplied and stale air is removed.
Together, they deliver comfort, efficiency, and durability that neither could achieve alone.
Think of airtightness as the thermos flask that keeps your home’s environment stable, and MVHR as the straw that lets you breathe easily without losing warmth.
The Benefits of Combining Airtightness and MVHR
Energy Efficiency – Less wasted energy from leaks or ventilation losses.
Healthier Air – Pollen, dust, and pollutants filtered out before they enter your home.
Moisture Control – Reduced risk of condensation and mould.
Year-Round Comfort – Even temperatures and no draughts.
Future-Proofing – Meeting the standards of tomorrow’s building codes today.
The Bottom Line
Airtightness and MVHR aren’t optional extras — together, they’re the foundation of modern, high-performance homes. They ensure your building is not just energy-efficient, but also healthier, more comfortable, and built to last.
At HiPer Haus, we help homeowners, builders, and designers integrate airtightness and MVHR into their projects from the very beginning. Whether it’s testing, system design, or supply and installation, we’re here to make sure the two work in harmony.
📞 Call us today or 📧 get in touch to learn how airtightness and MVHR can future-proof your home.