Hello everyone,
We are currently starting to deal with the technical aspects of our single-family home.
I haven’t found a thread discussing whether a ventilation system generally makes sense or not. So here is a general discussion thread on the topic:
At first, we looked into various timber frame construction providers, which made us quite sensitive in this area. Naturally, a ventilation system is quite important due to the tighter building envelope, which I can completely understand. However, everything is also marketed accordingly...
Since we have now decided to go with a regional solid construction company, completely different questions arise:
I currently have a detailed offer from a solid construction company:
- $10,000 additional cost for thermal insulation measures
- $13,000 additional cost for a central ventilation system or $9,000 additional cost for a decentralized ventilation system
--> So the repayment subsidy of $18,000 is of little use to me; on the contrary, I am even paying extra for this (of course, I get a “better” house in return).
Key Data:
- Single-family home city villa, 150m² (1,615 ft²) with basement
- Air-to-water heat pump
- Building material: brick
The questions I am now asking myself:
1. Is a ventilation system even necessary to achieve KfW 55 standard?
2. If yes, would it maybe make more sense to go for KfW 70 and forget about the subsidy?
3. Is a ventilation system really that great? There are many reports about noise, high maintenance, etc.
4. If yes, in our building project would a decentralized or central system be better? I have read a lot of positive things about decentralized systems, so central ones might not be an option? Is that correct or not?
5. Is it even possible to reach KfW 55 standard otherwise? Do you really have to ventilate every 2 hours? Are there any experiences?
6. Is the additional $10,000 cost for KfW 55 without a ventilation system justified? Are the prices for the ventilation systems justified?
I know this is an endless debate and there are clearly two opinions here. However, we find it really difficult to make a decision. Maybe a few discussions and information here will help us make up our minds.
We are currently starting to deal with the technical aspects of our single-family home.
I haven’t found a thread discussing whether a ventilation system generally makes sense or not. So here is a general discussion thread on the topic:
At first, we looked into various timber frame construction providers, which made us quite sensitive in this area. Naturally, a ventilation system is quite important due to the tighter building envelope, which I can completely understand. However, everything is also marketed accordingly...
Since we have now decided to go with a regional solid construction company, completely different questions arise:
I currently have a detailed offer from a solid construction company:
- $10,000 additional cost for thermal insulation measures
- $13,000 additional cost for a central ventilation system or $9,000 additional cost for a decentralized ventilation system
--> So the repayment subsidy of $18,000 is of little use to me; on the contrary, I am even paying extra for this (of course, I get a “better” house in return).
Key Data:
- Single-family home city villa, 150m² (1,615 ft²) with basement
- Air-to-water heat pump
- Building material: brick
The questions I am now asking myself:
1. Is a ventilation system even necessary to achieve KfW 55 standard?
2. If yes, would it maybe make more sense to go for KfW 70 and forget about the subsidy?
3. Is a ventilation system really that great? There are many reports about noise, high maintenance, etc.
4. If yes, in our building project would a decentralized or central system be better? I have read a lot of positive things about decentralized systems, so central ones might not be an option? Is that correct or not?
5. Is it even possible to reach KfW 55 standard otherwise? Do you really have to ventilate every 2 hours? Are there any experiences?
6. Is the additional $10,000 cost for KfW 55 without a ventilation system justified? Are the prices for the ventilation systems justified?
I know this is an endless debate and there are clearly two opinions here. However, we find it really difficult to make a decision. Maybe a few discussions and information here will help us make up our minds.
W
WilderSueden11 Apr 2021 11:09Hardi88 schrieb:
The moment you realize after reading the thread that the construction contract was signed without controlled residential ventilation.
Is it still possible to make changes? Sure. Just call the general contractor. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a central ventilation system; a decentralized system can also bring fresh air in and involves much less effort in planning and installation.
P
pagoni202011 Apr 2021 12:49Hardi88 schrieb:
After some internal back and forth, I came to the decision to install decentralized units.
It’s not because I’m not convinced by a central system, but due to the limited construction budget. =( I haven’t had a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery before, but I plan to install one in the new house.
In a different context, I often worked with an architect whom I consider very good and forward-thinking. He mentioned to me, by the way, that he has lately tended to prefer decentralized ventilation systems.
We didn’t discuss it in depth since it wasn’t the main topic at the time, but for that reason, I would feel just as comfortable with this choice—even if some others here might find that opinion a bit surprising.
Go for it!
Hardi88 schrieb:
After some internal back and forth, I decided to retrofit decentralized units. First of all, congratulations on your ventilation system!
However, with the decentralized version, you absolutely have to consider that it unfortunately has quite a few visual disadvantages. Before deciding on the decentralized option, it’s a good idea to do a Google image search for “house decentralized ventilation photos” to understand what you’re getting into. Also, the fans are noticeably louder than in the central version—something to keep in mind especially regarding “nighttime quietness”…
Thank you very much for the feedback! It definitely encourages me. =)
After reading all the other posts, you kind of got the feeling that without a central system, you were practically the Antichrist in person or building a construction ruin. =D
You’ll find me soon in the threads about decentralized systems. =)
After reading all the other posts, you kind of got the feeling that without a central system, you were practically the Antichrist in person or building a construction ruin. =D
You’ll find me soon in the threads about decentralized systems. =)
Hardi88 schrieb:
You'll probably find me soon in the threads about decentralized systems. =)Isn’t that the same thread where you often read things like, "... I built myself a nice new house and then drilled holes all over the facade like Swiss cheese so it buzzes and hums around the clock ..."? 😉Similar topics