Session · Mechanicals and ventilation · Designers and consultants · Builders and trades

Ventilation Control in Extreme Climates

Szabi Fekete, Zehnder America · June 9, 2026 · Chapter · MWPH (Midwest Passive House)

Ventilation design for the Midwest's long, dry winters and hot, humid summers, using Zehnder as a case study: balanced ERVs, airflow balancing, sizing and controls, dehumidification, and filtration for smoke events.

Key points

• How balanced ERVs support Passive House airtightness strategies.
• Balancing ERV airflow to meet code and PHI ventilation targets.
• Midwest climate loads and their effect on balanced ventilation.
• ERV sizing and controls that reduce HVAC energy demand.
• Latent recovery, dehumidification, and added filtration in the mechanical design.

Learning objectives

• Explain how balanced ERVs support Passive House airtightness strategies.
• Evaluate ERV airflow balancing to achieve code and PHI ventilation targets.
• Analyze Midwest climate loads affecting balanced ventilation performance.
• Apply ERV sizing and control strategies to reduce HVAC energy demand.
• Integrate latent recovery, dehumidification, and additional filtration into the mechanical design.
• The future of the residential ventilation - Demand controlled ventilation strategy

Topics: Ventilation