ᐅ House with 180 m² => RecoVair VAR 260/4 or better 360/4?

Created on: 7 Jul 2018 12:01
C
Christian NW
Hello everyone.

Our new build will have exactly 181 m² (1,950 sq ft) of living space.

According to the specifications, the Vaillant recoVair VAR 260/4 (up to 190 m² / 2,045 sq ft) should be sufficient. However, we are wondering if it might still make sense to choose the larger model (RecoVair VAR 360/4, up to 290 m² / 3,120 sq ft)?

1. Would the larger unit possibly operate more quietly because it would run under less load?

2. What about the electricity consumption?

... What do you think?
OWLer17 Nov 2020 08:21
Yaso2.0 schrieb:

I would need to ask about that specifically 🙂 I’ll provide that information later

That 🙂
Mycraft schrieb:

Why the hassle? Just have it installed properly from the start. Why pay twice? It can only recover a certain amount of moisture anyway. Any excess will be ventilated out, so you might as well install it right away.

Hmm, there’s nothing about that in the datasheet. All I can see is that moisture recovery (enthalpy) is less efficient. So, is my concern unfounded that humidity might be particularly high after moving in, for example due to residual moisture in the screed?
OWLer17 Nov 2020 08:33
Since the process of moisture recovery through an enthalpy exchanger cannot be regulated, in a house where a lot of moisture is generated, the humidity level might become too high. This can lead to issues such as mold growth, especially if moisture condenses on thermal bridges or through air leakage (exfiltration). To counteract this, the air exchange rate can be significantly increased or ventilation can be done through the windows. Ventilation systems with moisture recovery are recommended only for large residential buildings with low occupancy. They might also make sense if the incoming air is heated. Therefore, during planning, it is important to consider how many people will occupy the building and how much moisture they will produce. However, reducing the airflow volume does not help, as this would prevent achieving a low CO2 concentration and reduce hygienic comfort.

What I wanted to point out is that if this mainly concerns indoor pools or similar facilities rather than “normal” houses, I would feel more reassured.

Just came to mind: The enthalpy heat exchanger costs about just over 1000€ (manufacturer’s recommended retail price). Online, it is around 600€. The difference found quickly online is about 400€. So that would mean only a 200€ additional cost for me, and I could switch. @Mycraft
Mycraft17 Nov 2020 08:49
Simply explained:

The surface area of the heat exchanger (regardless of the type) is not unlimited. Therefore, only a certain amount X of heat/moisture, etc., can be recovered over a period Y. The rest is ventilated out.

If you have a damp house, only the amount X will be recovered, and the excess amount Z will leave your house.

Yes, with an enthalpy exchanger, it will take somewhat longer for the construction moisture to be removed and your house to become "dry," but since the ventilation will run continuously, this is not a concern.
Yaso2.017 Nov 2020 09:32
OWLer schrieb:

that 🙂

Oh, right, I haven’t made any progress there yet. The general contractor had to cancel our appointment because one of his employees was suspected of having COVID-19. And I didn’t want to bother him with such a “minor issue.”

But I have it on my list 🙂
T
T_im_Norden
17 Nov 2020 13:16
If you have the choice between two devices and the price is right, I would choose the device that only needs to run at level 1. Slow fans are usually quieter fans as well.
OWLer19 Nov 2020 09:49
T_im_Norden schrieb:

If you have the choice between two units and the price is right, I would go for the one that only needs to run at level 1.
Slower fans are usually quieter fans.


That’s exactly how it will be for us as well. We’re getting the 360 model with the enthalpy fan coil. It seems the offer was more likely a typo. The heating technician was quite confused when we spoke on the phone because he always assumed the larger unit.

We have over 200 m² (2150 sq ft) of ventilated area (not all living space), but he wouldn’t choose the smaller unit just based on that. So all good, and a lot of fuss on my part for nothing. 🙂