ᐅ In a central heat recovery ventilation system, is it possible or advisable to swap the supply and exhaust air connections?

Hello experts,

I have a question and hope someone might have experience with this.
In our planned new build, a central enthalpy ventilation system will be used. Typically, 2 exhaust air vents are installed in the bathroom and 2 supply air vents in the bedroom. However, I am concerned that the required door undercuts might cause noise disturbances, especially in the bedroom. Therefore, I am considering installing both supply and exhaust vents in each of these two rooms, of course with sufficient distance between them. This would allow the door undercut to remain normal.
Has anyone had experience with something like this?
Is it possible to simply reverse the airflows if any issues occur?

Thank you very much for your answers.

What exactly do you mean by door clearances?

Bathrooms, kitchen, utility room exhaust air.
All other living areas supply air.
Additionally, we have exhaust air in the upper floor hallway to also capture the warm air there.

In hindsight, I also think this is a good idea. Of course, it doesn’t make the whole process cheaper and it needs to be well planned (have a professional do it).
Usually, you install one vent in the floor (e.g., supply air) and one in the ceiling (e.g., exhaust air).

Reversing this or repurposing ducts isn’t easy (I wouldn’t say impossible, but it is quite complex).

To reduce noise, it is also possible to add transfer grilles in the door frame (either pre-made or purchased and installed—this requires trimming the frame). Because the duct then bends twice around corners, the noise is at least partially dampened.

Ok, so shortening doors…

I had considered this too until someone asked me, “Do you always close your doors completely, 100% of the time?”

I have never noticed any noise under the door when they are closed, nor have I experienced a door being difficult to open due to over- or under-pressure in the room.

If necessary, door panels can also be shortened later—after moving in.
I should mention that I planned and installed my own controlled ventilation system and came across this issue during the process. In the end, however, I had the doors installed in a conventional way.

Both options are possible. Ultimately, it depends on the specific situation.

If it involves the usual round ducts (75/63mm (3/2.5 inches)), you would probably need to plan for 2 exhaust vents and 2 supply vents in the rooms.