ᐅ Is it true that you are no longer allowed to open the windows when using a ventilation system?
Created on: 5 Sep 2019 13:27
H
Heidi1965H
Heidi19655 Sep 2019 13:27We are planning a new build with standard insulation, without any KfW standards since we do not need any loans.
Now we are quite uncertain:
One HVAC installer says that a ventilation system is absolutely necessary; otherwise, we will get mold. After all, no one ventilates by fully opening windows five times a day, and we won’t either. Also, leaving the bathroom window on tilt for 10 minutes after showering does not help.
Another installer says that a ventilation system is unnecessary because we are not building according to KfW standards. According to him, then we should never open windows again, as the ventilation system will immediately shut down and get confused. So, never sleep with the window open, never smell freshly cut grass, or hear the birds singing? That simply can’t be right.
What should we do? Who is correct?
Now we are quite uncertain:
One HVAC installer says that a ventilation system is absolutely necessary; otherwise, we will get mold. After all, no one ventilates by fully opening windows five times a day, and we won’t either. Also, leaving the bathroom window on tilt for 10 minutes after showering does not help.
Another installer says that a ventilation system is unnecessary because we are not building according to KfW standards. According to him, then we should never open windows again, as the ventilation system will immediately shut down and get confused. So, never sleep with the window open, never smell freshly cut grass, or hear the birds singing? That simply can’t be right.
What should we do? Who is correct?
B
boxandroof5 Sep 2019 13:32Heidi1965 schrieb:
Who is right? Neither. A ventilation system (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) is not absolutely necessary (Plumber 1) but, in my opinion, useful for the reasons mentioned. Plumber 2 has no expertise and therefore advises against mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Even with such a system, of course, you are free to open the windows as you like.
Heidi1965 schrieb:
What to do? Consider whether you want a ventilation system for comfort reasons. The ongoing costs roughly balance out the heating savings. There are initial purchase costs and potential repair or replacement costs later on.
New buildings are really very airtight, so ventilation is naturally important. Personally, I would no longer build without mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, but it is not absolutely necessary.
H
Heidi19655 Sep 2019 13:39Since patio doors are installed in the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, I assume they are opened more often for a few minutes at a time. We currently live in a house without patio doors, and all the window sills are fully cluttered. That’s why the windows are only opened on tilt occasionally.
B
boxandroof5 Sep 2019 13:53It should be possible to air out the home several times a day with window ventilation without a mechanical ventilation system. A new building is very airtight, and moisture needs to be removed, especially right after construction. A ventilation system is a matter of time and comfort. Window frame vents are also an option, each with their pros and cons.
Whether you go out to the terrace a few times more or less doesn’t have much to do with this. An older building is less airtight.
Whether you go out to the terrace a few times more or less doesn’t have much to do with this. An older building is less airtight.
Foreword: Even if you don’t need a loan, low-energy or even passive houses are a great, very sensible, and desirable option.
Otherwise: When building new homes today with common modern materials, the house ends up being very airtight, with almost no air exchange with the outside when the windows are closed. (Unlike older houses, where some exchange happened more or less continuously through walls, roofs, and windows.)
If you yourself write that you won’t manage to ventilate actively enough (yes, 10 minutes of tilted-window ventilation in the bathroom is definitely not enough after showering; and then there’s the kitchen, the bedroom…), then there is really only one answer: install a ventilation system. There are many types available, so it’s worth spending time to find out exactly what you want and what suits you… But: send installer number 2 home! (Of course, with a proper system you can still open windows; and the door to leave the house )
Otherwise: When building new homes today with common modern materials, the house ends up being very airtight, with almost no air exchange with the outside when the windows are closed. (Unlike older houses, where some exchange happened more or less continuously through walls, roofs, and windows.)
If you yourself write that you won’t manage to ventilate actively enough (yes, 10 minutes of tilted-window ventilation in the bathroom is definitely not enough after showering; and then there’s the kitchen, the bedroom…), then there is really only one answer: install a ventilation system. There are many types available, so it’s worth spending time to find out exactly what you want and what suits you… But: send installer number 2 home! (Of course, with a proper system you can still open windows; and the door to leave the house )
A ventilation system is useful, and I wouldn’t do without it.
Since a ventilation system contains no more technology than a modern toaster, it is less likely to malfunction or notice if a window is open. The main point is that when a window is opened, the pressure conditions inside the house change, and the calculated airflow no longer circulates—but that doesn’t really matter.
Since a ventilation system contains no more technology than a modern toaster, it is less likely to malfunction or notice if a window is open. The main point is that when a window is opened, the pressure conditions inside the house change, and the calculated airflow no longer circulates—but that doesn’t really matter.
Similar topics