Hello everyone,
We are currently starting to deal with the technical aspects of our single-family home.
I haven’t found a thread discussing whether a ventilation system generally makes sense or not. So here is a general discussion thread on the topic:
At first, we looked into various timber frame construction providers, which made us quite sensitive in this area. Naturally, a ventilation system is quite important due to the tighter building envelope, which I can completely understand. However, everything is also marketed accordingly...
Since we have now decided to go with a regional solid construction company, completely different questions arise:
I currently have a detailed offer from a solid construction company:
- $10,000 additional cost for thermal insulation measures
- $13,000 additional cost for a central ventilation system or $9,000 additional cost for a decentralized ventilation system
--> So the repayment subsidy of $18,000 is of little use to me; on the contrary, I am even paying extra for this (of course, I get a “better” house in return).
Key Data:
- Single-family home city villa, 150m² (1,615 ft²) with basement
- Air-to-water heat pump
- Building material: brick
The questions I am now asking myself:
1. Is a ventilation system even necessary to achieve KfW 55 standard?
2. If yes, would it maybe make more sense to go for KfW 70 and forget about the subsidy?
3. Is a ventilation system really that great? There are many reports about noise, high maintenance, etc.
4. If yes, in our building project would a decentralized or central system be better? I have read a lot of positive things about decentralized systems, so central ones might not be an option? Is that correct or not?
5. Is it even possible to reach KfW 55 standard otherwise? Do you really have to ventilate every 2 hours? Are there any experiences?
6. Is the additional $10,000 cost for KfW 55 without a ventilation system justified? Are the prices for the ventilation systems justified?
I know this is an endless debate and there are clearly two opinions here. However, we find it really difficult to make a decision. Maybe a few discussions and information here will help us make up our minds.
We are currently starting to deal with the technical aspects of our single-family home.
I haven’t found a thread discussing whether a ventilation system generally makes sense or not. So here is a general discussion thread on the topic:
At first, we looked into various timber frame construction providers, which made us quite sensitive in this area. Naturally, a ventilation system is quite important due to the tighter building envelope, which I can completely understand. However, everything is also marketed accordingly...
Since we have now decided to go with a regional solid construction company, completely different questions arise:
I currently have a detailed offer from a solid construction company:
- $10,000 additional cost for thermal insulation measures
- $13,000 additional cost for a central ventilation system or $9,000 additional cost for a decentralized ventilation system
--> So the repayment subsidy of $18,000 is of little use to me; on the contrary, I am even paying extra for this (of course, I get a “better” house in return).
Key Data:
- Single-family home city villa, 150m² (1,615 ft²) with basement
- Air-to-water heat pump
- Building material: brick
The questions I am now asking myself:
1. Is a ventilation system even necessary to achieve KfW 55 standard?
2. If yes, would it maybe make more sense to go for KfW 70 and forget about the subsidy?
3. Is a ventilation system really that great? There are many reports about noise, high maintenance, etc.
4. If yes, in our building project would a decentralized or central system be better? I have read a lot of positive things about decentralized systems, so central ones might not be an option? Is that correct or not?
5. Is it even possible to reach KfW 55 standard otherwise? Do you really have to ventilate every 2 hours? Are there any experiences?
6. Is the additional $10,000 cost for KfW 55 without a ventilation system justified? Are the prices for the ventilation systems justified?
I know this is an endless debate and there are clearly two opinions here. However, we find it really difficult to make a decision. Maybe a few discussions and information here will help us make up our minds.
Mycraft schrieb:
It depends on the system. The technical specifications are listed, and it also depends on which filters are used.Okay.. I can only find limited information online on this topic. Of course, it always depends on the system, but I would be interested in a rough guideline.
I’ve read that filters cost between 50€ and 300€. Is it possible to replace them yourself? Are there other maintenance tasks that need to be done? One filter change every six months? That would be about 150€ per year. Then possibly additional cleanings?
exto1791 schrieb:
Follow-up costs of a centralized ventilation system Electricity consumption and filters. The filter needs to be changed every six months, which you can do yourself and it doesn’t cost much. We were told that after 10 years something needs to be cleaned—I forgot the name—but that’s why we need an inspection hatch.
exto1791 schrieb:
Heat pump, ventilation system, and possibly photovoltaic panels? Three technically maintenance-heavy devices. What’s maintenance-heavy about that? There’s hardly anything you need to do for the ventilation system. As for photovoltaic panels, I don’t really know what maintenance they require (maybe just cleaning the modules from time to time). I have no experience with heat pumps yet, but from what I’ve read, they don’t need much maintenance either.
You have no costs except for the filter and electricity. Both together total about 150 euros. However, you easily save this amount on heating costs, so it balances out. The investment remains around 10,000 euros.
Therefore, it is not cost-effective, but offers a significant increase in comfort.
Therefore, it is not cost-effective, but offers a significant increase in comfort.
Bookstar schrieb:
You only have costs for the filter and electricity. Both add up to about 150 euros (165 USD). But you save that easily on heating costs. So overall, it’s cost-neutral. The investment remains around 10,000 euros (11,000 USD).
So it’s not economical, but there is a significant gain in comfort.Okay. Do you really save around 150 euros (165 USD) on heating costs? I find that hard to believe.
I have some doubts in this regard… Maybe it’s because this is still relatively new and is becoming more talked about now due to the plastic bags that are currently being built.
But of course, if I don’t pay more than 18,000 euros (19,800 USD) for the central system plus thermal insulation measures for KFW 55 standard, then it’s basically a must-have…
I was just unsure whether such a system might lead to very high costs later on.
What is the lifespan of such a central system? What happens if it breaks down? How quickly can you get a technician? A quick 2,000 euros (2,200 USD) for a repair, in case something does not work, cannot be ruled out either.
I just have the thought in this area: If it’s not necessary, then it’s not necessary, especially if it causes unnecessary costs.
A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery is not a must; there are other options such as trickle vents in window frames (though I’m not sure what energy efficiency rating can be achieved with those). A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery is very convenient and, in my opinion, well worth every cent. But you need to decide that for yourself.
I wouldn’t call this a "new" approach.
I wouldn’t call this a "new" approach.
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