ᐅ Experiences with a Central Mechanical Ventilation System for Residential Buildings
Created on: 5 Dec 2012 23:32
E
EarlGreyHello everyone,
So far, I have gathered detailed information from older posts in this forum about the necessity of a central ventilation system for living spaces. Especially in well-insulated houses up to passive houses, controlled ventilation is indispensable.
Despite this, I wonder how this complex duct system can be properly maintained over the years, and of course, at what cost? Obviously, the supply air from outside must be filtered, and this filter needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly. But what about the duct system itself? How does it get affected by dirt buildup?
I find the idea quite worrying: clean air is drawn in from outside, the filter is new, but then the duct system is dirty and full of germs. In the end, poor air is continuously distributed to all rooms. Or is it impossible for such a level of contamination to occur?
Best regards,
Earl
So far, I have gathered detailed information from older posts in this forum about the necessity of a central ventilation system for living spaces. Especially in well-insulated houses up to passive houses, controlled ventilation is indispensable.
Despite this, I wonder how this complex duct system can be properly maintained over the years, and of course, at what cost? Obviously, the supply air from outside must be filtered, and this filter needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly. But what about the duct system itself? How does it get affected by dirt buildup?
I find the idea quite worrying: clean air is drawn in from outside, the filter is new, but then the duct system is dirty and full of germs. In the end, poor air is continuously distributed to all rooms. Or is it impossible for such a level of contamination to occur?
Best regards,
Earl
K
karliseppel6 Dec 2012 07:01Hi!
Cleaning should be considered during the planning phase so that after a certain number of years, you can easily "thoroughly clean" the system.
The alarming images often shown in the media—especially those featuring a particular gentleman who frequently appears as an "expert" and critic of modern construction—surprisingly depict dirty exhaust air ducts. Honestly, I don't really mind whether the exhaust air carrying dust is released outside....
The supply air, as you correctly mention, is sufficiently filtered and therefore does not introduce any significant dirt into the system.
However, it is important to be aware that this technology requires regular maintenance. It’s not complicated, and anyone can do it themselves—with a bit of technical understanding. Changing the filters is really not difficult, and occasionally keeping an eye on the display doesn’t hurt.
For maintenance, make sure to plan for inspection hatches during the construction phase; otherwise, you can only clean the ducts through the outlet vents, which can become difficult behind the first silencer.
Your concern about germs is rather unfounded. Studies have shown that the number of germs, bacteria, and spores in the outdoor air is significantly reduced by the ventilation system.
Source can be provided via private message since linking here is not allowed.
Cleaning should be considered during the planning phase so that after a certain number of years, you can easily "thoroughly clean" the system.
The alarming images often shown in the media—especially those featuring a particular gentleman who frequently appears as an "expert" and critic of modern construction—surprisingly depict dirty exhaust air ducts. Honestly, I don't really mind whether the exhaust air carrying dust is released outside....
The supply air, as you correctly mention, is sufficiently filtered and therefore does not introduce any significant dirt into the system.
However, it is important to be aware that this technology requires regular maintenance. It’s not complicated, and anyone can do it themselves—with a bit of technical understanding. Changing the filters is really not difficult, and occasionally keeping an eye on the display doesn’t hurt.
For maintenance, make sure to plan for inspection hatches during the construction phase; otherwise, you can only clean the ducts through the outlet vents, which can become difficult behind the first silencer.
Your concern about germs is rather unfounded. Studies have shown that the number of germs, bacteria, and spores in the outdoor air is significantly reduced by the ventilation system.
Source can be provided via private message since linking here is not allowed.
K
karliseppel6 Dec 2012 15:00But you do know how a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system is basically set up, right?
Generally, exhaust zones and supply zones are defined.
Bathrooms, utility rooms, storage areas, and hallways are exhaust zones.
These were the rooms referred to in the post when talking about ventilation.
What is so wrong about dust collecting in an exhaust duct?
Furthermore, I would like Mr. Fischer to explain how moist air is supposed to remain permanently inside these ducts in a normally used bathroom. This happens cyclically. Also, I completely fail to see why alleged microbial growth in an exhaust duct should be a problem...
Again: the introduction of germs/spores/bacteria from the OUTSIDE air is demonstrably REDUCED by the filters of the standard filter classes in a normal mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system!!!
And besides... I wouldn’t want to miss the comfort anymore.
Air is the number one essential. Having fresh air in the house at all times is firstly wonderful, and secondly the time saved by not having to manually ventilate is enormous.
Moreover, the house is always properly ventilated – even when I’m not there.
Generally, exhaust zones and supply zones are defined.
Bathrooms, utility rooms, storage areas, and hallways are exhaust zones.
These were the rooms referred to in the post when talking about ventilation.
What is so wrong about dust collecting in an exhaust duct?
Furthermore, I would like Mr. Fischer to explain how moist air is supposed to remain permanently inside these ducts in a normally used bathroom. This happens cyclically. Also, I completely fail to see why alleged microbial growth in an exhaust duct should be a problem...
Again: the introduction of germs/spores/bacteria from the OUTSIDE air is demonstrably REDUCED by the filters of the standard filter classes in a normal mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system!!!
And besides... I wouldn’t want to miss the comfort anymore.
Air is the number one essential. Having fresh air in the house at all times is firstly wonderful, and secondly the time saved by not having to manually ventilate is enormous.
Moreover, the house is always properly ventilated – even when I’m not there.
D
Dieter-HH19 Dec 2012 17:25Hello EarlGrey,
I completely share your concerns. Just because something is modern and many companies offer it, or it might become mandatory under a new energy regulation, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good!
So far, no one has been able to answer your questions except to say it is state of the art (according to a solid construction company)! When something enters the market under the label of "state of the art" but maintenance and care are not clarified, it doesn’t seem fully developed to me. Maybe we’ll get some answers here in the forum, or at least confirmation of my suspicions.
Best regards
I completely share your concerns. Just because something is modern and many companies offer it, or it might become mandatory under a new energy regulation, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good!
So far, no one has been able to answer your questions except to say it is state of the art (according to a solid construction company)! When something enters the market under the label of "state of the art" but maintenance and care are not clarified, it doesn’t seem fully developed to me. Maybe we’ll get some answers here in the forum, or at least confirmation of my suspicions.
Best regards
EarlGrey schrieb:
Despite everything, I wonder how this complex system of pipes can be properly maintained over the years, and of course, at what cost? Can anyone say approximately how much it costs to have air ducts cleaned by a professional cleaning company?
I also saw this post on the Third channel, and they mention about €500 (around $540)!
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