ᐅ Ventilation in Prefabricated Houses (Timber Frame with External Thermal Insulation Composite System) — Is It Also Needed in Solid Construction Homes?
Created on: 27 Aug 2014 19:54
G
Grym
Hello,
We have now visited quite a few model homes. We have looked at both prefabricated houses (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) and solid construction houses with an open mind. As far as we inquired, solid construction houses were always without a ventilation system, while prefabricated houses always had one.
In terms of indoor climate, we consistently preferred the solid construction houses, while I found the prefabricated houses somewhat “musty” (even though the ventilation system was on when asked). How can that be, or what causes this?
Has anyone built a solid construction house without external thermal insulation composite system (so monolithic) and without a ventilation system, and experienced problems with the indoor climate?
Has anyone had experience with a prefabricated house (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) without a ventilation system?
We have now visited quite a few model homes. We have looked at both prefabricated houses (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) and solid construction houses with an open mind. As far as we inquired, solid construction houses were always without a ventilation system, while prefabricated houses always had one.
In terms of indoor climate, we consistently preferred the solid construction houses, while I found the prefabricated houses somewhat “musty” (even though the ventilation system was on when asked). How can that be, or what causes this?
Has anyone built a solid construction house without external thermal insulation composite system (so monolithic) and without a ventilation system, and experienced problems with the indoor climate?
Has anyone had experience with a prefabricated house (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) without a ventilation system?
*ahem*
Without quoting anything or rereading the thread I initially went through, I want to say:
The balanced and consistent climate in all rooms is probably thanks to the underfloor heating.
Not a controlled mechanical ventilation system!
I can’t judge the stuffy feeling: my experienced comparisons don’t really match.
If @Manu1976 decided for themselves and their family that a controlled mechanical ventilation system is no longer an option, that’s okay. I can understand that.
We have a solid construction with external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS / continuous insulation) and immediately decided on a controlled mechanical ventilation system (for about 11,000 ) because a) we don’t want to worry about mold (we’re not home during the day to ventilate manually @Home) and b) we would also enjoy the benefits in winter of not having to open windows, thus saving energy.
The house is airtight — at least that’s what our blower door test tells us — previously, in an older property, we had “natural” drafts through wooden windows. The air inside the house was clear, but there were drafts near the windows.
We have some disadvantages: no exhaust air—only recirculated air (although so far I haven’t noticed a difference), our dryer had to be replaced by a condenser dryer, and for example, in the bedroom there is some draft, so you need to pay attention to sleeping habits. Sometimes there is noise.
The filter removal is still due after half a year — we’ll see what’s hidden in there.
Without quoting anything or rereading the thread I initially went through, I want to say:
The balanced and consistent climate in all rooms is probably thanks to the underfloor heating.
Not a controlled mechanical ventilation system!
I can’t judge the stuffy feeling: my experienced comparisons don’t really match.
If @Manu1976 decided for themselves and their family that a controlled mechanical ventilation system is no longer an option, that’s okay. I can understand that.
We have a solid construction with external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS / continuous insulation) and immediately decided on a controlled mechanical ventilation system (for about 11,000 ) because a) we don’t want to worry about mold (we’re not home during the day to ventilate manually @Home) and b) we would also enjoy the benefits in winter of not having to open windows, thus saving energy.
The house is airtight — at least that’s what our blower door test tells us — previously, in an older property, we had “natural” drafts through wooden windows. The air inside the house was clear, but there were drafts near the windows.
We have some disadvantages: no exhaust air—only recirculated air (although so far I haven’t noticed a difference), our dryer had to be replaced by a condenser dryer, and for example, in the bedroom there is some draft, so you need to pay attention to sleeping habits. Sometimes there is noise.
The filter removal is still due after half a year — we’ll see what’s hidden in there.
We also decided to install a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. We are building a solid structure over 2 1/2 floors. The costs amount to about 8000€.
At the moment, we have far fewer windows/rooms, but airing out the rooms in the morning is very unpleasant and time-consuming. The children sit at the breakfast table and feel cold (how will it be again in winter!). Ventilating later usually isn’t possible because I have to leave the house. And airing rooms midday/evening when the children are back… it’s cold again. Additionally, we (the parents) only sleep with the window open, even in winter, because we can’t sleep with stale air. In winter and during heavy rain or similar weather, this isn’t ideal either, but you do what you have to for a good night’s sleep.
We have two direct experiences with mechanical ventilation systems in our circle of acquaintances: one in a solid build and one in a prefabricated house. One family (solid build) has had their system since around 2000, so long-term, and they would install it again without hesitation. So far, the only downside for us is the recirculation hood instead of exhaust, but maybe we have chosen a good model that does what it promises.
Of course, everyone has to decide for themselves whether they need a mechanical ventilation system or not. For us, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages so far, and we are happy to invest in a mechanical ventilation system.
milkie
At the moment, we have far fewer windows/rooms, but airing out the rooms in the morning is very unpleasant and time-consuming. The children sit at the breakfast table and feel cold (how will it be again in winter!). Ventilating later usually isn’t possible because I have to leave the house. And airing rooms midday/evening when the children are back… it’s cold again. Additionally, we (the parents) only sleep with the window open, even in winter, because we can’t sleep with stale air. In winter and during heavy rain or similar weather, this isn’t ideal either, but you do what you have to for a good night’s sleep.
We have two direct experiences with mechanical ventilation systems in our circle of acquaintances: one in a solid build and one in a prefabricated house. One family (solid build) has had their system since around 2000, so long-term, and they would install it again without hesitation. So far, the only downside for us is the recirculation hood instead of exhaust, but maybe we have chosen a good model that does what it promises.
Of course, everyone has to decide for themselves whether they need a mechanical ventilation system or not. For us, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages so far, and we are happy to invest in a mechanical ventilation system.
milkie
ypg schrieb:
*clears throat*
Without naming any quotes or rereading the thread I initially absorbed, I want to say:
The balanced and consistent climate in all rooms is probably thanks to underfloor heating.
Not a mechanical ventilation system! ...uhmm – that is simply incorrect. Whether it’s radiators or underfloor heating, you can regulate the temperature individually in every room – of course, only if each room with underfloor heating has its own heating circuit. And this should (or must?) be the case.
In my experience, with mechanical ventilation systems, temperature differences are still possible but within a limited range. The reason: there are supply and exhaust rooms. Air exchange takes place between rooms through these passages even when doors are closed (e.g., shortened doors, air vents). And no – it does not cause drafts.
So, there is draft-free air exchange in all rooms, which results in a relatively uniform temperature level throughout the house.
Without mechanical ventilation, this permanent air exchange does not occur, and you can achieve larger temperature differences between individual rooms. Whether that is sensible or not is another question, since in modern airtight houses, "cold" rooms are heated through adjacent "warm" ones.
Best regards
C
chaosandi14 Sep 2014 19:25No, I initially planned to, but after spending a holiday in a new house with ventilation and a wood-burning stove, I decided against it.
We definitely wanted to have a vented range hood. It was already planned. However, the heating technician advised us several times against it due to the airtight building envelope and other factors. Hopefully, it was the right decision, and we have chosen a good recirculating range hood.
milkie
milkie
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