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Winter 'Burp' Explained: Energy Efficiency's Unintended Consequence

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/2 .. -energy-efficiency-s-unintended-consequence.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 13:59 GMT by The Independent
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

Why is this happening now? While ventilation systems have existed for some time, the increased energy efficiency standards implemented over the last decade, while beneficial for reducing energy bills, have inadvertently exacerbated the problem. Tighter building envelopes - designed to minimize heat loss - also restrict airflow, making the pressure imbalances more pronounced when ventilation systems are engaged.

Addressing the "Burp": Practical Solutions for Homeowners

The good news is that several strategies can be employed to mitigate or eliminate the winter home burp. Solutions range from simple adjustments to more complex system overhauls:

• Ventilation Control: The most immediate and often effective solution involves adjusting ventilation settings. Reducing the speed of extractor fans, or temporarily closing trickle vents during periods of extreme cold, can significantly lessen the pressure differential. This isn't a permanent fix, as it can compromise air quality, but provides temporary relief.
• Extractor Fan Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial. Dust and debris can impede extractor fan performance, leading to increased strain and amplifying the pressure release. Periodic cleaning and inspection are recommended.
• Balanced Ventilation Systems - The MVHR Advantage: For a more comprehensive and long-term solution, homeowners are increasingly turning to Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems. MVHR systems, while representing a more significant upfront investment, offer a radically different approach. They actively and continuously circulate air throughout the home, extracting stale air and introducing fresh air while simultaneously recovering heat from the exhaust air - vastly improving energy efficiency in addition to addressing pressure imbalances. "An MVHR system provides a balanced, controlled ventilation environment," explains Ramirez. "It minimizes pressure fluctuations by constantly managing airflow, creating a much more comfortable and consistent internal environment."
• Professional Assessment: Given the complexity of building physics and ventilation systems, a professional assessment is highly recommended. A qualified building engineer or energy consultant can accurately diagnose the underlying causes of the 'burping' and recommend the most appropriate solutions for a specific home's configuration and climate.

Addressing the winter home 'burp' requires understanding the interplay of temperature, pressure, and ventilation. By implementing the appropriate solutions, homeowners can regain a sense of comfort and control over their indoor environment, and enjoy a quieter, more pleasant winter season.