Ventilation in Apartments
Boverket's Building Regulations (BBR) section 6:2, Planning and Building Ordinance Ch. 5 (OVK)
What does it mean?
Ventilation is crucial for indoor climate in homes. In Sweden, there are three main types of ventilation systems: natural draft (S-system) relying on temperature differences and wind, mechanical exhaust (F-system) with fans extracting air, and supply and exhaust with heat recovery (HRV/FTX-system), which is the most energy-efficient option.
Natural draft is common in older buildings (pre-1960) and works best during winter months. Mechanical exhaust dominates in buildings from the 1960s-1990s and requires regular filter maintenance. HRV systems with heat recovery are installed in new construction and can recover 80-90% of the heat from exhaust air. Regardless of system, it's important that ventilation isn't blocked — supply air vents should be open and exhaust vents in kitchens and bathrooms kept clean.
Key Points
- Three main types: natural draft (S), mechanical exhaust (F), and HRV/FTX with heat recovery
- Natural draft common in older buildings, HRV in new construction
- HRV systems recover 80-90% of heat from exhaust air
- Supply air vents should be kept open and exhaust vents clean
- Mandatory ventilation inspection (OVK) must be performed at regular intervals
Practical Tip
Never block ventilation openings — it causes moisture and poor air quality. In apartments with natural draft, ventilation works worst in summer — use cross-ventilation instead. With mechanical ventilation, ensure filters are cleaned or replaced regularly. If you suspect poor ventilation, do a simple test: hold a piece of paper against the exhaust vent — it should be pulled in.
Legal Basis: Boverket's Building Regulations (BBR) section 6:2, Planning and Building Ordinance Ch. 5 (OVK)
Based on content from Bofrid's Knowledge Bank