A background ventilator, often referred to as a trickle vent, is a small, controllable ventilation opening integrated into windows, doors, or walls. It is designed to provide continuous, low-level ventilation to maintain indoor air quality by allowing fresh air to enter and stale air to exit a dwelling. This type of ventilation is particularly important in modern, energy-efficient homes where airtightness can lead to poor indoor air quality if not properly managed.
In the UK, background ventilators are a key component of compliance with Part F of the Building Regulations (Ventilation), which sets out requirements for ventilation in residential buildings. They are commonly used in conjunction with other ventilation systems, such as extractor fans or mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), to ensure adequate airflow.
Synonyms:
- Trickle vent
- Background vent
- Passive vent
Related Terms:
- Part F of the Building Regulations: The section of UK Building Regulations that outlines ventilation requirements for dwellings, including the use of background ventilators.
- Airtightness: The measure of how well a building prevents uncontrolled air leakage, which can impact the effectiveness of background ventilation.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): A system that provides controlled ventilation while recovering heat from outgoing air, often used alongside background ventilators.
- Extractor Fan: A mechanical device used to remove moisture and pollutants from specific rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Whole Dwelling Ventilation: A ventilation strategy that ensures consistent airflow throughout an entire dwelling, often achieved through a combination of background ventilators and other systems.
Practical Examples:
- In a newly built UK home, background ventilators are installed in windows to meet Part F requirements, ensuring that occupants have access to fresh air even when windows are closed.
- During a residential retrofit, trickle vents are added to existing windows to improve ventilation without compromising the building’s thermal performance.