ᐅ Window opening options with controlled residential ventilation – planning ideas
Created on: 1 Nov 2020 14:22
P
pagoni2020
After deciding to install a controlled residential ventilation system, my mindset regarding the possibility of opening windows has perhaps changed. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences on this topic.
We plan to design the larger glass areas in the so-called open space with a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio, meaning each would have one hinged door (no tilt-and-turn function); the large window by the dining table would even be fixed glass, while the individual rooms would have at least part of the window as an opening casement.
Originally, I wanted everything to be fully openable, at least to be able to bring in larger items if needed, and especially to ventilate at 150% capacity since I am a fresh air enthusiast. However, with controlled ventilation, fresh air is already supplied throughout the house, so I would essentially just have to change my mindset that used to tell me to open all the windows wide.
This way, I could install significantly more fixed glass, for example in the loft area where I had actually planned an automatic opening for ventilation.
Somehow, I still feel that I should be able to open everything, but that seems to be just a feeling rather than a real necessity.
For example, in the bathroom or even more so in the kitchen, I could install a very wide strip of uninterrupted glass—but then I wouldn’t be able to open the window.
What am I overlooking in my considerations, or what suggestions do you have on this topic?
We plan to design the larger glass areas in the so-called open space with a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio, meaning each would have one hinged door (no tilt-and-turn function); the large window by the dining table would even be fixed glass, while the individual rooms would have at least part of the window as an opening casement.
Originally, I wanted everything to be fully openable, at least to be able to bring in larger items if needed, and especially to ventilate at 150% capacity since I am a fresh air enthusiast. However, with controlled ventilation, fresh air is already supplied throughout the house, so I would essentially just have to change my mindset that used to tell me to open all the windows wide.
This way, I could install significantly more fixed glass, for example in the loft area where I had actually planned an automatic opening for ventilation.
Somehow, I still feel that I should be able to open everything, but that seems to be just a feeling rather than a real necessity.
For example, in the bathroom or even more so in the kitchen, I could install a very wide strip of uninterrupted glass—but then I wouldn’t be able to open the window.
What am I overlooking in my considerations, or what suggestions do you have on this topic?
pagoni2020 schrieb:
I understand that you also have “just” casement doors?Exactly, without a mullion as well. In a 1-meter or 2-meter (3.3 or 6.6 feet) grid. I don’t like lift-and-slide doors; they are heavy and not very practical for quickly opening the door. My parents still have the traditional sliding doors, over 6 meters (20 feet) wide, with three panels. But I prefer it the way it is. That way, I have more space without feeling cramped, where the door leaves have room to open. Feel free to make your own choices!
Aim for a middle ground. Where it seems practical to you, use fixed glass, but make sure that in every room there are still enough windows with opening sashes so you can ventilate crosswise. Personally, I’ve rarely felt the need to ventilate. Instead, I have to remind myself that we should still do it occasionally to remove moisture from the house (although the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery also helps with that).
The only time ventilation becomes necessary is in the office when we both play games together in the evening. However, this is more because of heat buildup than air quality. If two gaming PCs are running under load for two hours, the room temperature can rise to 28°C (82°F), and that’s with the heat recovery ventilation completely turned off. 😀
Do you happen to know anyone who already has a house with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery and rarely ventilates manually? Maybe you could visit them on a Sunday and ask them to keep the windows closed beforehand, so you can get an impression of the indoor air quality with mechanical ventilation.
The effects that hampshire describes, like the fresh air after a summer rain, are something I’m familiar with too. But only when I’m outside. I can’t say that opening the windows has ever brought that post-rain freshness into the house.
The only time ventilation becomes necessary is in the office when we both play games together in the evening. However, this is more because of heat buildup than air quality. If two gaming PCs are running under load for two hours, the room temperature can rise to 28°C (82°F), and that’s with the heat recovery ventilation completely turned off. 😀
Do you happen to know anyone who already has a house with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery and rarely ventilates manually? Maybe you could visit them on a Sunday and ask them to keep the windows closed beforehand, so you can get an impression of the indoor air quality with mechanical ventilation.
The effects that hampshire describes, like the fresh air after a summer rain, are something I’m familiar with too. But only when I’m outside. I can’t say that opening the windows has ever brought that post-rain freshness into the house.
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