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.
Air conditioning systems in hotels are definitely louder than a properly installed mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery in single-family homes. Some can also be programmed with a "sleep timer," if I remember correctly. You just have to fall asleep within 30 minutes.
We consciously decided against installing a ventilation system and were able to compare this well since our previous house (built in 2017) had a decentralized ventilation system. The comfort might be considered good if you see it as convenient to have “fresh air” without opening a window. For me, however, it was no replacement for the fresh air that comes in when you open the window. On the contrary, an open window and birdsong represent comfort to me, but everyone experiences this differently. Therefore, the energy savings effect was negligible for us.
The most important point, however, was hygiene. Of course, we regularly changed the filters. Still, after one year, you get a rough idea of what it probably looks like further down inside the ducts. After another two years, I recommend everyone remove the cover at the shaft and clean it with a long object. A real unpleasant experience if you’re prone to herpes.
I am now very happy that I no longer have to imagine through which ducts the air I breathe over several years is coming.
If you search online, you might almost think you HAVE to install a ventilation system. Why? Because those who have one like to share that fact. Those who don’t have one don’t miss it because there is simply no need to discuss the fresh air inside their home—it’s a given. And: negative opinions are always louder. You will find few posts where someone writes about how good the indoor climate is without one.
The most important point, however, was hygiene. Of course, we regularly changed the filters. Still, after one year, you get a rough idea of what it probably looks like further down inside the ducts. After another two years, I recommend everyone remove the cover at the shaft and clean it with a long object. A real unpleasant experience if you’re prone to herpes.
I am now very happy that I no longer have to imagine through which ducts the air I breathe over several years is coming.
If you search online, you might almost think you HAVE to install a ventilation system. Why? Because those who have one like to share that fact. Those who don’t have one don’t miss it because there is simply no need to discuss the fresh air inside their home—it’s a given. And: negative opinions are always louder. You will find few posts where someone writes about how good the indoor climate is without one.
You can't do anything about planning errors or poorly constructed systems.
Supply air vent in the living room. System is almost 10 years old. No additional cleaning. Only the necessary filter replacement and a heat exchanger cleaning every three years.
P.S. Decentralized is better than nothing, but in the end they are noticeably loud.
Supply air vent in the living room. System is almost 10 years old. No additional cleaning. Only the necessary filter replacement and a heat exchanger cleaning every three years.
P.S. Decentralized is better than nothing, but in the end they are noticeably loud.
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