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 21:41Of course, every builder will also consider the financial aspect. Still, I believe that especially on this topic, many will make decisions based on their feelings. No one will commit to something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Häuslebau3r18 Feb 2015 08:23Lexmaul79 schrieb:
More likely the central systems where you only replace two filters – at most an additional paper filter in the exhaust ducts.
For a new build, I would always choose the central option – mainly for continuous air exchange, lower energy costs, noise levels, and aesthetics (also on the outside).Yep, sorry, I made a typo or mistake there ^^
We’re visiting a show home park on Sunday, and I’m hoping to take a close look at both options then.
Lexmaul79 schrieb:
I currently change the two filters every six months – it costs me about 30 euros per change. I would say it operates more quietly since the ventilation unit is located away from living spaces, so you can’t hear it at all (assuming correct settings). With decentralized ventilation, you have the fan right in the room – it won’t be loud, but I doubt you won’t hear it whatsoever.
It’s less about personal preference and more about budget or what you are willing to spend (same applies to the heating system).What costs can be expected for maintenance? Because I don’t think you can do the maintenance yourself, except as you said, change the filters every six months at the central unit. Is yours installed in the attic, or how are your ducts laid out?
EveundGerd schrieb:
Of course, every homeowner will consider the financial side. Still, I believe especially with this topic, many will decide based on a feeling. No one wants to install something that makes them uncomfortable.Yes, that will really be the case in the end. I’m curious about Sunday.
I have mentioned this several times here and in other forums, but here it is again:
Decentralized systems are generally better suited for retrofitting during renovations, etc.
Central systems, on the other hand, are ideal for new builds.
But it ultimately comes down to your budget.
And! It’s definitely better to have a decentralized system than no system at all in a modern house made of plastic sheeting...
Decentralized systems are generally better suited for retrofitting during renovations, etc.
Central systems, on the other hand, are ideal for new builds.
But it ultimately comes down to your budget.
And! It’s definitely better to have a decentralized system than no system at all in a modern house made of plastic sheeting...
S
Sebastian7918 Feb 2015 08:46Häuslebau3r schrieb:
What kind of costs should be expected for maintenance? Because I think one wouldn’t be able to do the maintenance oneself, except—as you mentioned—changing the filters at the central unit every six months. Is yours installed in the attic, or how were your ducts installed?I told you – about 30 euros for a central system. It depends on where and which filters you buy, and of course also on the system itself. Besides changing the filters, the heat exchanger should also be cleaned every 2 (?) years. You can do that yourself as well; it’s described in the manual.
There isn’t much more maintenance required—if you regularly change all the filters, the ducts will still be clean after 10 years.
In our rented apartment, the unit is located in the guest bathroom, and in the planned house it will be placed in the attic space (despite having a basement).
Lexmaul79 schrieb:
In our rental apartment, the unit is installed in the guest bathroom, and in the planned house, it will be located in the attic (despite having a basement).Is additional insulation and/or heating of the ventilation ducts planned? Or will the attic be fully finished right away?
Lexmaul79 schrieb:
More likely the central ones, where you only replace two filters – maybe an additional paper filter in the exhaust ducts.
For new builds, I would always choose the central system – mainly for continuous air exchange, lower electricity costs, noise levels, and appearance (also on the outside).Lexmaul79 schrieb:
Currently, I replace 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 spaces, and you can barely hear it (assuming it is set up correctly). With decentralized ventilation, you have the fan directly in the room – it probably won’t be very loud, but I doubt you won’t hear it at all.
It’s less about preference and more about budget or what one wants to spend (also regarding heating).Well – I think this topic always divides opinions.
Continuous air exchange is guaranteed just as well with decentralized systems. Otherwise, the system would not make sense.
Two weeks ago, we received the filter change signal on our decentralized system for the first time. We removed the filters, cleaned them (washed and dried), and reinstalled them. I estimate that this can be done 4 times before new filters need to be installed. A pack of 10 filters costs 30 euros. We have six fans with heat recovery, so we keep a small stock.
About electricity costs – I can’t say much right now. During consultations, annual electricity costs for running the six fans were estimated at 20 to 25 euros (power consumption per fan between 0.18 and 0.37 W (m³/h)). I have no idea what the consumption is for a central system.
Noise level – that could be an argument. We usually run our system at 50%. It is very quiet at that level. At 100%, you can hear it (at least at night). It doesn’t bother us. If problems arise, our system has a hidden function – a kind of timer. Using a key combination, you can put the system on standby for one hour. After that, it restarts at the previously set airflow – so quiet falling asleep and air exchange during sleep are ensured.
One more note about noise: A friend of ours has tinnitus. When he visited, he asked us to turn off the system because he found the faint noise unpleasant. Of course, we respected his request.
Appearance – hmm, that can be a factor. On my avatar picture, you can see our stainless steel cover caps (if you look closely). Inside, the covers are white and generally not noticeable.[/QUOTE]
Mycraft schrieb:
I have written this quite often here and in other forums…but here again:
Decentralized systems are more suitable for retrofitting during renovations, etc.
Central systems are ideal for new builds.@Mycraft
We once had a nice, result-oriented discussion about the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of central versus decentralized systems.
And now there’s another generalization.
To each their own. Or: live and let live.
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