You’re definitely onto something with the idea that we might be overcomplicating things. I’ve seen so many homes where people have spent a small fortune on mechanical ventilation and still end up complaining about stuffy air or weird smells. Sometimes it really is as simple as opening a window or adding a few plants—plus, houseplants look good and do double duty for air quality.
I do think HRVs have their place, especially in super tight builds or in climates where you just can’t open windows much. But for most folks, especially in milder weather, cross-ventilation and low-VOC finishes make a huge difference without the tech headaches. I always tell clients to try the basics first before investing in gadgets that might not suit their lifestyle.
Noise and drafts are real issues with some of those vent strips, too. I’ve had to patch up more than a few after people realized they just didn’t work for their space. Sometimes less really is more...
