Ventilation regulations and occupant practices: Undetectable pollution and invisible extraction

This sociotechnical investigation examines the use of ventilation systems in homes in London, UK. These homes were built with ventilation systems as described by guidance in the UK Building Regulations Approved Document F. These systems are assumed to provide adequate ventilation rates. However, previous measurements in these homes show that ventilation rates are inadequate. Using social practice theory as a framework to analyse the qualitative data, the intended use of the ventilation systems is compared to participants' actual practices of manipulating the indoor air, revealing discrepancies between the two. Occupants had limited knowledge of indoor pollutants but were highly motivated to control and interact with the smells and air in their homes. They primarily used technologies that were not part of the planned system, because the latter’s functioning was opaque to occupants and not well connected to their other practices. The highlighted discrepancies in four case study homes between planned and actual ventilation system operation help to identify how future systems could be improved to ensure adequate ventilation rates and good indoor air quality in airtight homes.