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.
W
WilderSueden28 Feb 2024 18:47Neubau31 schrieb:
Rain could of course be an issue. The air intake is on the west side, where there is often wind that might push rain under the louvers.I think that’s rather unlikely to be a problem. A bit of rain blown in through the louvers will dry quickly due to the airflow. There’s no way 200 liters of water would accumulate. My first guess would be that the pipe is damaged and allows groundwater to build up and seep in. Or (this sounds a bit far-fetched, but who knows…) someone might have connected a downspout to it. I would suggest inspecting it with a camera.Neubau31 schrieb:
Now to the main question: we have been catching colds constantly for about 6 weeks. As soon as one is gone, another one starts.I’m sure many are experiencing the same right now. However, it definitely isn’t healthy.Neubau31 schrieb:
Would you like another photo (showing a larger section) or a description of the system?The entire system, not just the section with the pipe. I am interested in how the condensate drainage is designed.Regarding the air well: Are there any exterior photos of the construction before it was backfilled? Is it confirmed that the excavator operator did not drive over it while filling? Are the connections between the pipe and the intake properly executed?