ᐅ Window opening options with controlled residential ventilation – planning ideas
Created on: 1 Nov 2020 14:22
P
pagoni2020
After deciding to install a controlled residential ventilation system, my mindset regarding the possibility of opening windows has perhaps changed. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences on this topic.
We plan to design the larger glass areas in the so-called open space with a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio, meaning each would have one hinged door (no tilt-and-turn function); the large window by the dining table would even be fixed glass, while the individual rooms would have at least part of the window as an opening casement.
Originally, I wanted everything to be fully openable, at least to be able to bring in larger items if needed, and especially to ventilate at 150% capacity since I am a fresh air enthusiast. However, with controlled ventilation, fresh air is already supplied throughout the house, so I would essentially just have to change my mindset that used to tell me to open all the windows wide.
This way, I could install significantly more fixed glass, for example in the loft area where I had actually planned an automatic opening for ventilation.
Somehow, I still feel that I should be able to open everything, but that seems to be just a feeling rather than a real necessity.
For example, in the bathroom or even more so in the kitchen, I could install a very wide strip of uninterrupted glass—but then I wouldn’t be able to open the window.
What am I overlooking in my considerations, or what suggestions do you have on this topic?
We plan to design the larger glass areas in the so-called open space with a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio, meaning each would have one hinged door (no tilt-and-turn function); the large window by the dining table would even be fixed glass, while the individual rooms would have at least part of the window as an opening casement.
Originally, I wanted everything to be fully openable, at least to be able to bring in larger items if needed, and especially to ventilate at 150% capacity since I am a fresh air enthusiast. However, with controlled ventilation, fresh air is already supplied throughout the house, so I would essentially just have to change my mindset that used to tell me to open all the windows wide.
This way, I could install significantly more fixed glass, for example in the loft area where I had actually planned an automatic opening for ventilation.
Somehow, I still feel that I should be able to open everything, but that seems to be just a feeling rather than a real necessity.
For example, in the bathroom or even more so in the kitchen, I could install a very wide strip of uninterrupted glass—but then I wouldn’t be able to open the window.
What am I overlooking in my considerations, or what suggestions do you have on this topic?
We have been opening the windows much less frequently since installing the ventilation system. It’s simply rarely necessary.
In summer, windows are typically tilted open at the bottom and top overnight for cross-ventilation. Aside from that, they’re only opened when
- the kitchen smells bad
- I want to enjoy fresh spring air (usually briefly and rarely, because the controlled ventilation system has a pollen filter in spring, so it’s better to keep the windows closed; otherwise, the filter would be pointless).
Overall, I’m very satisfied with this, as I hardly ever ventilate when it’s cold – my partner used to complain when coming home from work because the air was so bad 😉 Now, that’s no longer an issue, and even with two people working from home, the windows can stay closed.
Of course, when there’s a party or visitors staying for a while, the windows need to be opened, as the system alone can’t handle that. But that’s not what it’s designed for.
In summer, windows are typically tilted open at the bottom and top overnight for cross-ventilation. Aside from that, they’re only opened when
- the kitchen smells bad
- I want to enjoy fresh spring air (usually briefly and rarely, because the controlled ventilation system has a pollen filter in spring, so it’s better to keep the windows closed; otherwise, the filter would be pointless).
Overall, I’m very satisfied with this, as I hardly ever ventilate when it’s cold – my partner used to complain when coming home from work because the air was so bad 😉 Now, that’s no longer an issue, and even with two people working from home, the windows can stay closed.
Of course, when there’s a party or visitors staying for a while, the windows need to be opened, as the system alone can’t handle that. But that’s not what it’s designed for.
It also always depends on the ventilation system and its design.
In theory, you could fully glaze everything and then install a large mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.
However, in a typical single-family house, this does not make much sense. Therefore, as others have already mentioned, windows that can be opened still make sense.
We only open windows/doors when we go outside. However, our system is designed differently.
In theory, you could fully glaze everything and then install a large mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.
However, in a typical single-family house, this does not make much sense. Therefore, as others have already mentioned, windows that can be opened still make sense.
We only open windows/doors when we go outside. However, our system is designed differently.
pagoni2020 schrieb:
Ah, youth... back then, we used to call it something different than "gaming," as far as I can faintly remember. And "gaming computer" is a clever way to put it... 😀
Even though my life is quite different now, it’s still really interesting to read thoughts like these; I know my own experiences well enough. I think there’s a misunderstanding here. We call gaming “gaming” and sex “sex.” We enjoy both often and willingly, if that’s what you meant. 😉
P
pagoni20203 Nov 2020 12:41kati1337 schrieb:
I think there is a misunderstanding. We call gaming "gaming" and sex "sex." We enjoy both often, in case that’s what you meant. 😉 Yuck, of course, as a longtime altar server, I definitely did NOT mean something like that. 😎 Not to mention my more advanced age; considering the generational gap, misunderstandings happen more often—at least that’s what my kids from your generation say.
Although I find it hard to believe that my PC could heat up the room, I still appreciate you stating it so plainly and describing the experience. Whether I decide to apply it is up to me, but in general, I like ideas and impressions beyond my own imagination.
I’ll just say “strict fart” and you’ll be glad to be able to open the windows. Mechanical ventilation systems are not a life saver here. 😀 Likewise, a bit of sun and large glass windows quickly raise the temperature inside to 25°C (77°F) or more. It’s better to ventilate briefly than to keep the shading closed during autumn, winter, and spring.
P
pagoni20203 Nov 2020 13:21Bookstar schrieb:
I’ll just say a strong fart, and you’ll be glad to open the windows. The mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is not a life saver here. 😀 Likewise, some sunlight and large glass windows quickly raise the temperature inside to 25°C (77°F) or more. Better to air out briefly than to keep the shading closed all the time in autumn/winter/spring.Thanks. Definitely good window and patio door opening options are important. Right now, I’m just weighing whether to have a bit more “pure” glass area than I would if I didn’t have mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Do you have mechanical ventilation with heat recovery? In my previous house, I had external blinds and plenty of open glass area, which I liked. But every house is different, and houses are built differently nowadays, so I always like to examine “new” things carefully.
Currently, we have a somewhat modestly set-up underfloor heating system, and I can’t change that. So I end up opening the windows all the time because I feel the air could be better. I never had that feeling in my old house.
So I’m still struggling with some things… and I can still make some decisions.
My current question is more whether I will manage well if, on the two outer of the three 3m (10 ft) wide window sections, only a 1m (3 ft) wide casement door can be opened, plus one 1m (3 ft) window on each end wall of the open-plan area, and whether I should have the middle of the three 3m (10 ft) sections in front of the dining table completely fixed glass, a multi-pane casement door, or even a folding door fully openable.
So whether the dining table is placed in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling fixed glass wall with 1m (3 ft) doors set to the left and right, leading to kitchen and living area, or whether I design that dining area in three parts and possibly open it fully with a folding window there to effectively sit “outdoors.”
Ideally, I’d like to have all options depending on the situation — that’s the inner child in me.
What could be the potential problems…
Similar topics