The Relationship Between Indoor Air Quality and Natural Ventilation in Residential Buildings: A Critical Review and Future Research Agenda

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ABSTRACT: Natural ventilation is an important strategy for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in residential buildings because it can provide outdoor-air exchange with minimal mechanical energy. However, its effectiveness is highly variable and depends on climate, building design, outdoor air quality, pollutant generation, and occupant behavior. This review critically examines these interacting factors and compares natural ventilation with mechanical and hybrid approaches. Evidence indicates a substantial gap between designed and actual ventilation performance, primarily because window opening is intermittent and strongly influenced by thermal comfort, privacy, security, noise, weather, and outdoor pollution. Natural ventilation can effectively dilute indoor-generated pollutants, including CO₂ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), when adequate airflow is achieved. However, opening windows can increase indoor particulate matter when outdoor air is polluted. Mechanical ventilation generally provides more consistent airflow and pollutant control, but requires energy, installation, and maintenance. Recent advances in smart sensing, probabilistic occupant-behavior modeling, and data-driven ventilation-rate estimation provide opportunities to improve adaptive ventilation. The evidence supports hybrid systems that combine natural ventilation with low-energy mechanical backup and real-time IAQ monitoring. Future research should focus on multi-family and existing housing, health outcomes, outdoor–indoor pollution interactions, behavioral interventions, and real-world validation of smart ventilation systems. Keywords: Indoor air quality; natural ventilation; residential buildings; occupant behavior; ventilation rate; hybrid ventilation; smart ventilation