Why Ubbink Air Excellent Is the Best Semi-Rigid Duct for Passivhaus & High-Performance Homes
If you are designing or building to Passivhaus standards, ducting is not a secondary component — it is fundamental to performance. While HRV/ERV units can be upgraded over time, ductwork is locked into the fabric of the building and must perform reliably for the entire life of the home.
This is why Ubbink Air Excellent has become the benchmark semi-rigid duct system for Passivhaus, low-energy, and airtight construction worldwide.
Ducting Matters More Than the HRV Unit
In high-performance homes, ducting is expected to remain airtight for decades, support hygienic airflow, and maintain system efficiency at very low pressures — all without needing replacement once the home is complete.
Unlike a HRV unit (which can be replaced or upgraded), ductwork is embedded in slabs, walls, and ceilings. Removing it later is disruptive, expensive, and often impossible. Choosing the right ducting from day one is one of the most important decisions in a Passivhaus project.
The Only Semi-Rigid Ductwork Certified to ATC1 Airtightness (Tested at 1,000 Pa)
Airtightness is non-negotiable in Passivhaus buildings. Ubbink Air Excellent is the only semi-rigid HRV duct on the market certified to ATC1 airtightness, the highest airtightness class available.
This performance was verified under testing at 1,000 Pa — far beyond real-world residential operating pressures.
- Extremely low leakage rates
- Stable airflow balance
- Reduced fan energy demand
- Maximum heat recovery efficiency
- Confidence during airtightness testing
Independently Certified: TÜV SÜD, ISEGA & REACH Compliant
Air Excellent is the only semi-rigid ductwork system tested and certified by both TÜV SÜD and ISEGA, two of Europe’s most respected independent testing authorities.
In addition, Air Excellent is fully REACH compliant, ensuring strict European chemical safety standards and protecting indoor air quality for the life of the home.
Manufactured in the Netherlands from Virgin Resin
Air Excellent ducting is manufactured in the Netherlands using high-quality virgin resin, not recycled plastics. This ensures consistent geometry, predictable mechanical performance, and long-term resistance to cracking and fatigue — essential in airtight construction.
Anti-static & Anti-microbial for Long-Term Indoor Air Quality
Air Excellent ducts incorporate anti-static and anti-microbial properties, helping to reduce dust build-up, inhibit microbial growth, and maintain clean airflow paths over decades.
Click-Together Mechanical Fittings That Stay Airtight
Air Excellent uses positive, click-together mechanical fittings that lock securely into place without relying on tape.
- Will not crack or break during installation
- Will not loosen or disconnect over time
- Maintains airtightness for the life of the system
One Distribution Box, Total System Flexibility
A single distribution box platform is compatible across all Air Excellent duct sizes, simplifying design, reducing ordering errors, and allowing flexible layouts without compromising airtightness.
A Complete, Engineered HRV Ducting System
Air Excellent is a fully engineered system, not just a duct. We stock the complete range, including:
- Multiple sizes of circular and semi-circular duct
- Distribution boxes
- Bends and crossings
- Connectors and couplings
- Adaptors and accessories
The Gold Standard for Passivhaus HRV Ducting
- ATC1 airtightness, tested to 1,000 Pa
- TÜV SÜD & ISEGA certified
- REACH-compliant materials
- Manufactured in Europe using virgin resin
- Hygienic, durable, long-life ducting
- Secure mechanical click-fit connections
When the goal is lifetime airtightness, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality, Air Excellent is not just the best semi-rigid duct — it is the reference standard.
Designing a Passivhaus or high-performance home?
Explore our full range of Ubbink Air Excellent ducting, distribution boxes, and fittings — all engineered to work together.
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