ᐅ Controlled Residential Ventilation – Yes or No?

Hello,

I'm back again.
Yesterday, we signed the purchase contract for a new build condominium.
The house will have a brine-to-water geothermal heat pump, and all apartments will be equipped with underfloor heating.
A controlled mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery was recommended to us. I’ve done some research, but aside from improved ventilation, is the heat recovery really that effective, and does it fit well with the geothermal heat pump?
I haven’t seen the cost estimate details yet, but the developer mentioned a price of 12,000 euros. I personally think that’s a bit high.
Is that a realistic price?

Best regards
sevenofnine

Why did you sign if not all of your wishes were clarified yet?

At first, I was advised against it, which is why I didn’t buy it initially, but I had a change of mind during the shell construction phase.
My heating installer wanted around 12-15 for it. Then I looked around locally, and someone installed it for me retroactively during the shell construction… for 6.5.

I don’t regret my decision! However, I would add a boost ventilation switch in the bathroom and kitchen… but now it’s too late.

The fair price depends on what is included.

Our system costs around 7,000 for a single-family house (the unit alone costs just under 4,000 online) including everything, that is installation and enthalpy exchanger. Keep in mind this is for 8 rooms across 2 floors. The 12,000 may sound like a lot, but it also depends on the capacity and which special features are included.
Personally, I wouldn’t build without one. You might want to get a similar quote from an external company to compare and estimate the price.

Perlenmann schrieb:
Why did you sign if not all your wishes had been clarified?

Because otherwise the apartment is perfect for us. It meets all my requirements: a private garden for my cat and my herbs, finally a larger living area, underfloor heating, and less dependence on oil and gas. It is also wheelchair accessible (which has become important for me after my doctor’s latest diagnosis), has two underground parking spaces, and not to forget, the location is much better as I live on the edge of fields but can still walk to everything: doctors, shopping, pharmacy, etc.

The only issue is the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. I had never heard of it until a colleague of my husband’s told us he wouldn’t want to do without such a system. I’ve heard many different opinions about it. So far, the positive ones seem to outweigh the negative.

Maybe a silly question: how is the tolerance regarding the airflows? (I’m thinking about my cat )

I will ask the builder to provide me with the offer including all data. He said he would take care of it. Yesterday, during the signing appointment, I already requested alternative offers. I will probably ask again myself.

Thanks for your answers!

Best regards
sevenofnine

I asked about the signature because it is more difficult to negotiate afterwards.

The airflow is not noticeable unless you hold your hand in front of the valve. My cats also lie in the corner of the living room where the valve is, and it doesn’t bother them.

We signed a purchase agreement that is conditionally postponable, meaning that as long as the developer does not meet the condition to start construction, both parties can terminate the contract. In our case, this means that two five-family houses will be built, and construction will only begin once five buyers have signed a contract. This will take some time, as only two have signed so far.

Thank you for the note about your cats.

Best regards
sevenofnine