Hello everyone,
we are currently planning our solid-built house without insulation. However, we are unsure whether to install a central ventilation system. The general opinion, for example in forums, is that such a system should definitely be included in a new build. Reasons given are comfort, continuous air circulation, and so on—well known points. It is also understood that it may not be energy-efficient.
BUT: I have already spoken to one or two architects who say: definitely build without it. Their reason is that everything works fine initially, but after 5 to 6 years hygienic problems can occur despite maintenance. Based on their experience, most installed systems are eventually turned off and no longer used. Some doctors also confirm this and would not install such systems themselves. Their argument is: for prefabricated houses, yes, because necessary. For solid-built houses without insulation, no.
I am torn. On one hand, I want to stay up to date with what makes sense; on the other hand, I don’t want to install something that will be switched off after a few years anyway.
I am completely unsure now whether to choose it or not and hope to get some opinions from you!
Thank you very much in advance!
we are currently planning our solid-built house without insulation. However, we are unsure whether to install a central ventilation system. The general opinion, for example in forums, is that such a system should definitely be included in a new build. Reasons given are comfort, continuous air circulation, and so on—well known points. It is also understood that it may not be energy-efficient.
BUT: I have already spoken to one or two architects who say: definitely build without it. Their reason is that everything works fine initially, but after 5 to 6 years hygienic problems can occur despite maintenance. Based on their experience, most installed systems are eventually turned off and no longer used. Some doctors also confirm this and would not install such systems themselves. Their argument is: for prefabricated houses, yes, because necessary. For solid-built houses without insulation, no.
I am torn. On one hand, I want to stay up to date with what makes sense; on the other hand, I don’t want to install something that will be switched off after a few years anyway.
I am completely unsure now whether to choose it or not and hope to get some opinions from you!
Thank you very much in advance!
EveundGerd17 Feb 2015 10:12Our electrician says that in a few years, ventilation systems will only be allowed if they include heat recovery.
Ours is decentralized. I would also say it's purely a matter of personal preference regarding this topic.
Ours is decentralized. I would also say it's purely a matter of personal preference regarding this topic.
Häuslebau3r schrieb:
From what I’ve read in other threads, the central ventilation system is only available with heat recovery, while the decentralized system is available with or without it, depending on preference? Is that correct? For the subsidy through KfW, for example with a KfW 55 house, you basically can't avoid using the central system with heat recovery, at least from what I have found out so far.Well – as far as I know, decentralized ventilation systems only come with heat recovery. The other systems are simply exhaust fans – they only remove used or humid air (e.g., from bathrooms) from the house. Such exhaust fans can also be used for general ventilation, with fresh air entering the house through underpressure, for example via window frame air vents or similar. In that case, only cold outside air is drawn in. Personally, I do not consider this a ventilation system.
Decentralized ventilation units are basically fans that alternate airflow in cycles (for example, 75 seconds of fresh air intake followed by 75 seconds of exhaust). These fans usually work in pairs (one exhausts air while the other supplies fresh air). The outgoing air passes through a heat storage element, which stores a significant portion of the heat and then releases it back when fresh air is drawn in. Each fan has a dust filter (optionally a pollen filter), which should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Ten dust filters cost around 30 euros. In humid rooms, it makes sense to install a few exhaust fans that activate when humidity rises and switch off again after a few minutes once the humidity decreases. These operate independently of the decentralized units.
Häuslebau3r17 Feb 2015 15:15f-pNo schrieb:
Well – as far as I know, decentralized ventilation systems only come with heat recovery. The other type are simply exhaust fans – they only remove used/moist air (e.g., from bathrooms) from the house. Such exhaust fans can also be used for overall house ventilation. In that case, fresh air enters due to negative pressure through, for example, window frame vents or similar. This means only cold air would be drawn in. Personally, I don’t consider this a ventilation system.
Decentralized ventilation systems basically consist of fans that alternate the airflow direction in cycles (e.g., 75 seconds of drawing in fresh air, then 75 seconds of exhausting air). Usually, the fans work in pairs (one extracts air while the other supplies fresh air). The outgoing air passes through a heat storage element that retains a significant portion of the heat and then releases it back when fresh air is drawn in. Each fan has a dust filter (optionally a pollen filter), which should be cleaned or replaced regularly. 10 dust filters cost about 30 euros.
In humid rooms, it makes sense to also install some exhaust fans that activate as needed (when humidity is high) and shut off after a few minutes (once humidity decreases). These operate independently from the decentralized system.Ah, okay. I thought there were only central systems with heat recovery. From that perspective, decentralized systems sound very interesting.
With central systems, as mentioned, you have one central unit, while with decentralized systems, the fans are located in each individual room. It often comes down to personal preference, whether it’s visually disturbing from outside or inside. For me, and something I’m not yet sure about, the noise level is a key factor when choosing between central or decentralized systems if heat recovery is not required. From a maintenance standpoint, decentralized systems are definitely simpler and easier.
S
Sebastian7917 Feb 2015 18:25More likely the central system, where you only need to replace two filters—at most, an additional paper filter in the exhaust ducts.
For new construction, I would always choose the central system—mainly because of continuous air exchange, lower energy costs, noise levels, and aesthetics (including the exterior).
For new construction, I would always choose the central system—mainly because of continuous air exchange, lower energy costs, noise levels, and aesthetics (including the exterior).
EveundGerd17 Feb 2015 19:36I was not aware that electricity costs are lower with a centralized system or that they operate more quietly.
You also have continuous air exchange with a decentralized system.
I cannot say how high the maintenance costs are for each option. Maybe someone here has been living in their house for at least three years and can share their experience.
Like the type of heating system, the choice between centralized or decentralized solutions is, in my opinion, a matter of personal preference.
You also have continuous air exchange with a decentralized system.
I cannot say how high the maintenance costs are for each option. Maybe someone here has been living in their house for at least three years and can share their experience.
Like the type of heating system, the choice between centralized or decentralized solutions is, in my opinion, a matter of personal preference.
S
Sebastian7917 Feb 2015 19:59I currently change both filters every 6 months – it costs me 30 euros per change. I would say it operates quietly, since the ventilation unit is located away from living areas and you can’t hear it at all (assuming it is set up correctly). With decentralized ventilation systems, the fan is right in the room – it’s probably not extremely noisy, but I doubt you wouldn’t hear it at all.
It’s less about preference and more about budget or how much you want to spend (also regarding the heating system).
It’s less about preference and more about budget or how much you want to spend (also regarding the heating system).
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