ᐅ Recirculation or Exhaust Ventilation

Hello everyone,

We had planned to install a vented exhaust system in our kitchen. However, after several discussions with different builders and kitchen installers, we were generally advised to choose a recirculation system instead.

The reasons given to us were:

1.) According to energy-saving regulations, making a hole in the wall for the exhaust system negatively affects achieving the required energy performance.
2.) Grease vapors accumulate on the exterior wall, causing discoloration.
3.) The noise levels are now very similar between the two systems.
4.) Recirculation systems are reportedly more efficient than vented exhaust systems.

What are your thoughts on this?

Hello home builders,

We were also told that having an exhaust vent in the kitchen, and the required hole in the wall for it, would contradict the energy-saving regulations. However, if you install a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, you can avoid this altogether, since the exhaust ducts are generally placed in the kitchen and bathroom. This way, the odors should dissipate very quickly.

The exhaust devices are said to be very effective, but any kitchen fitter will tell you that :-)

Best regards,
Klaus

Thank you

Hello Klaus,

thank you for your message. However, the costs for a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery will amount to a five-digit figure! Is that correct? Have you had good experiences with it?

Hello home builders,

The costs for an oil or gas heating system with underfloor heating and a controlled ventilation system are likely not significantly lower than those for a heat pump heating system. I don’t know the exact cost of the ventilation unit alone. However, if you have an airtight building envelope according to the energy-saving regulations, it might be worth considering, because how else would you ventilate? Opening windows wide is not always feasible, and you need air exchange.

But there is plenty of information available on this from a quick internet search :-)

We are also just starting to build and have already gathered quite a bit of information. Certainly, a conventional heating system (gas/oil) with radiators is cheaper to purchase initially. Whether that pays off in ongoing costs is another question...

Hopefully, you will make the right decision. We were advised to definitely install underfloor heating with a gas boiler, with the option to upgrade later to a heat pump. However, I think the decision about installing a mechanical ventilation system should be made from the beginning.

It is not mandatory according to the energy-saving regulations, even though it is often discussed.

Best regards,
Klaus