Mechanical Ventilation Systems in Ireland
Creating Healthier, Energy-Efficient Homes with Certified NZEB Ireland Solutions
Modern Irish homes are increasingly airtight — excellent for insulation, yet potentially harmful without proper ventilation. As a result, trapped humidity and indoor pollutants can quickly degrade air quality and building materials.
Eco Vent designs and installs mechanical ventilation systems that comply with TGD Part F (2019) and NZEB Ireland standards, ensuring cleaner air and verified energy efficiency under SAP Appendix Q.
Moreover, our systems help homeowners balance comfort and compliance with efficient renewables and proven air-quality performance.
✅ Ventilation Assessment | ✅ Certified Installers | ✅ Part F Compliant
Why Mechanical Ventilation Matters
While airtight construction prevents heat loss, it also restricts natural airflow. Without mechanical ventilation, you risk:
Therefore, Irish Building Regulations – TGD Part F (2019) – require adequate mechanical ventilation to control moisture and pollutants. By maintaining balanced airflow, our systems enhance occupant health and ensure NZEB compliance.
Types of Mechanical Ventilation Systems
| System Type | Efficiency | Best For | NZEB Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVHR (Heat Recovery Ventilation) | 85–95 % | Airtight new builds | NZEB & SAP Appendix Q / PCDB approved |
| MEV (Continuous Extract Ventilation) | 60–80 % | Apartments & retrofits | Fully Part F compliant |
| DCV (Demand Control Ventilation) | Variable | Retrofits & multi-occupancy | S.R. 54:2014 compliant |
| PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) | Moderate | Existing homes | Retrofit-specific compliance |
Each system is selected according to property type, airtightness, and energy goals — all aligned with efficient renewables and NZEB Ireland requirements.
Table of Contents
NZEB Ireland Compliance, Energy Efficiency & PCDB / SAP Appendix Q
Under TGD L (2022), all new dwellings must achieve Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards.
Mechanical ventilation systems contribute to these goals by improving indoor air quality, reducing heat loss, and supporting airtight building performance..
To meet TGD Part L (2022), dwellings must achieve:
- Airtightness ≤ 5 m³/h/m² @ 50 Pa, with values below 3 m³/h/m² recommended for optimal performance.
- When airtightness reaches < 3 m³/h/m², TGD Part F (2019) mandates controlled mechanical ventilation systems, which must be independently validated to ensure compliance.
- Verified heat-recovery performance
MVHR units can recover up to 95 % of extracted heat, significantly reducing heating loads. Meanwhile, MEV and DCV systems adjust extraction rates dynamically, ensuring energy efficiency and low electrical demand.
Consequently, each installation contributes to improved BER ratings and SAP Appendix Q / PCDB energy gains.
SAP Appendix Q / PCDB-Accredited Ventilation Systems
SAP Appendix Q-accredited systems are ventilation products tested and approved for their energy efficiency and performance. Because they’re independently verified, they give designers and homeowners confidence that the system will deliver the stated airflow and heat recovery efficiency. In Ireland, the PCDB (Product Characteristics Database) is the local version of this list. Using an Appendix Q or PCDB-accredited system can also improve a home’s BER rating, reduce energy costs, and help meet NZEB compliance more easily
Benefits of a Professionally Installed Ventilation System
Our Mechanical Ventilation Services
Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) Systems
Ideal for NZEB new builds with up to 95 % heat recovery.
We install Appendix Q-listed units from leading brands such as Zehnder, Vent-Axia, and Domus.
Mechanical Extract & Demand Control Ventilation
Energy-saving MEV/DCV solutions for apartments and retrofits.
All designs follow TGD F 2019 Table 5 extraction rates.
Commissioning & Airflow Testing
Compliance with I.S. EN 14134:2019 ensures that every system delivers the designed airflow rates.
Ventilation System Cleaning, Maintenance & Repair
Annual inspections and filter changes enhance efficiency and lifespan.
Custom Design & Documentation
Our engineers provide CAD layouts, airflow calculations, and DEAP inputs for Part F and L certification.
Building Regulations & Irish Compliance
Every Eco Vent project adheres to:
- TGD Part F (2019) – Ventilation requirements
- TGD Part L (2022) – Energy & airtightness
- S.R. 54:2014/A2:2022 – Retrofit Code
- NSAI D-IAB-009 – Validation Scheme
- I.S. EN 14134:2019 – Airflow Testing Standard
These references confirm our alignment with Irish Building Regulations and NZEB Ireland benchmarks.
Choosing the Right System
| Property Type | Recommended System | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New Build (NZEB) | MVHR | Recovers up to 95% of heat loss, directly improves DEAP score to meet NZEB A2 standards (≤30 kWh/m²/yr). Essential for airtight properties (<3 m³/hr/m²). Filters incoming air for superior IAQ while reducing heating costs by 30%Maximises DEAP Score |
| Retrofit | MEV/DCV | No major structural work is required — the central unit fits neatly in a loft or cupboard with minimal ductwork. Moreover, it offers a cost-effective way to achieve Part F compliance without full renovation. In addition, DCV technology automatically adjusts airflow based on humidity, reducing energy waste in existing homes. |
| Apartment | Central MEV/DCV | Each dwelling includes a single extract point connected to a shared vertical riser, making it ideal for multi-storey buildings. Furthermore, the system fully complies with Part F ventilation requirements while eliminating the need for individual external penetrations. In addition, centralised maintenance significantly reduces ongoing costs for tenants. |
| Commercial | MVHR/MEV Hybrid | The hybrid system combines MVHR heat recovery with MEV extract zones to deliver flexible, multi-zone airflow control. Moreover, it is fully scalable for large floor areas and varying occupancy levels. As a result, it meets Part F airflow requirements while optimising energy use across different building sections. |
| Upgrade | Repair or Redesign | For ventilation system upgrades, a Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) or Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) setup is usually good choice. If future upgrades such as window or door replacements are planned, a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system is a smart long-term investment. It integrates seamlessly with improved airtightness, capturing up to 95% of heat from extracted air. Moreover, it supports NZEB and SAP Appendix Q compliance, ensuring maximum energy efficiency and comfort |
Why Choose Eco Vent
FAQ
What’s the difference between MVHR and MEV?
MVHR systems extract stale air while recovering heat from it, supplying fresh air back into the home with minimal energy loss.
MEV systems provide continuous extract ventilation but do not recover any heat from the outgoing air.
Do I need mechanical ventilation if I open windows?
At NZEB-level airtightness, natural ventilation is no longer sufficient. Even if windows are opened, airflow is inconsistent and cannot meet the requirements of Part F. Mechanical ventilation ensures consistent, controlled, and compliant air exchange at all times.
My home isn’t very airtight (BER C2). Will installing MVHR still provide real benefits?
Yes — it will.
Once an MVHR system is installed, background ventilators should be removed because they are no longer required. This immediately improves airtightness, preventing cold external air from entering through wall vents.
The main difference between a very airtight home and a C2-rated home is efficiency: in a tighter dwelling, recovered heat stays inside longer, whereas a less airtight home loses heat more quickly. Nevertheless, MVHR still delivers cleaner air, better comfort, and improved overall energy balance in any home.
If the installation quote is reasonable, MVHR is a worthwhile upgrade. Eco Vent offers competitive pricing and workmanship aligned with Irish regulations and industry best practice.
How does ventilation affect BER ratings?
Ventilation systems that are certified and listed in Sap Appendix Q / PCDB of the SEAI database contribute positively to the DEAP calculation. Their higher efficiency improves energy performance values, which leads to a better BER rating and stronger compliance with Part L.
Do you repair existing ventilation units?
Yes — absolutely.
We repair, service and recommission all major brands, including Vent-Axia, Zehnder, Domus, Nuaire and many others. Our goal is to restore full performance, proper balance, and full compliance with Irish ventilation requirements.
Related services and guides
- Ventilation System Design
- Mechanical Extract Ventilation solutions
- Heat Recovery Ventilation systems
- Ventilation Commissioning and Airflow Balancing
- Ventilation Cleaning and Maintenance
- Ventilation Repair
- See Eco Vent’s ductwork enclosuer solutions
- See Decorative Air Valves
- Ventilation project case studies
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