Hello dear forum,
My question is mainly about experiences, but also about knowledgeable assessments.
Our central ventilation system (valiant) has been running for 6 months. New build KFW55 standard. Heat exchanger.
The fresh air supply comes through a 25-meter (82 feet) long earth tube/air well, and the exhaust air goes outside.
At the beginning of the supply air line, there is a “metal mushroom with an additional filter.”
In October, we noticed that the supply and exhaust air were reversed. Water was dripping from the bottom of the system. After swapping the hoses, the problem was resolved.
However, water regularly dripped from the supply air duct at the joint where it connects to the wall. A condensate trap is supposed to help here (a 90-degree PVC bend with a hose and a hole at the bottom, leading to a lifting station). It has not been installed yet.
Today I carefully removed the pipe from the wall and about 200 liters (53 gallons) of water shot out. The pipe was quickly put back in place (there is probably the same amount still in the earth tube), and the water was soaked up. A construction dryer was turned on again.
So, now to the actual question: We have been constantly catching colds for about 6 weeks. As one ends, another begins. Does anyone have experience with whether a ventilation system in these conditions can actually cause illness or had a similar experience? The earth tube pipe creates a very humid and musty environment. That can’t be healthy.
The ventilation system is turned off for now.
My question is mainly about experiences, but also about knowledgeable assessments.
Our central ventilation system (valiant) has been running for 6 months. New build KFW55 standard. Heat exchanger.
The fresh air supply comes through a 25-meter (82 feet) long earth tube/air well, and the exhaust air goes outside.
At the beginning of the supply air line, there is a “metal mushroom with an additional filter.”
In October, we noticed that the supply and exhaust air were reversed. Water was dripping from the bottom of the system. After swapping the hoses, the problem was resolved.
However, water regularly dripped from the supply air duct at the joint where it connects to the wall. A condensate trap is supposed to help here (a 90-degree PVC bend with a hose and a hole at the bottom, leading to a lifting station). It has not been installed yet.
Today I carefully removed the pipe from the wall and about 200 liters (53 gallons) of water shot out. The pipe was quickly put back in place (there is probably the same amount still in the earth tube), and the water was soaked up. A construction dryer was turned on again.
So, now to the actual question: We have been constantly catching colds for about 6 weeks. As one ends, another begins. Does anyone have experience with whether a ventilation system in these conditions can actually cause illness or had a similar experience? The earth tube pipe creates a very humid and musty environment. That can’t be healthy.
The ventilation system is turned off for now.
K
k-man202127 Feb 2024 19:15There is a study by ETH Zurich (link not possible here) which found that in properly installed mechanical ventilation systems with preheating through ground collectors, no bacterial or fungal contamination was detected. Proper installation, in my opinion, includes at least a fine filter at the intake, suitable duct materials, drainage, and regular cleaning.
However, your experience does not sound very reassuring to me.
However, your experience does not sound very reassuring to me.
OWLer schrieb:
A photo of the situation would be helpful.
Was the soil pipe ever actually dry, or is all the rainwater running in there?
Is the supply/exhaust air duct insulated, or is there condensation on the outside? I actually believe that the end pipe has never been properly dry since it started operating.
I spoke again with three acquaintances, and they said their systems are completely dry.
Rain could definitely be an issue. The air intake is on the west side, where there is often quite a bit of wind that might be pushing rainwater underneath the louvers.
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