ᐅ Ventilation in Prefabricated Houses (Timber Frame with External Thermal Insulation Composite System) — Is It Also Needed in Solid Construction Homes?
Created on: 27 Aug 2014 19:54
G
Grym
Hello,
We have now visited quite a few model homes. We have looked at both prefabricated houses (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) and solid construction houses with an open mind. As far as we inquired, solid construction houses were always without a ventilation system, while prefabricated houses always had one.
In terms of indoor climate, we consistently preferred the solid construction houses, while I found the prefabricated houses somewhat “musty” (even though the ventilation system was on when asked). How can that be, or what causes this?
Has anyone built a solid construction house without external thermal insulation composite system (so monolithic) and without a ventilation system, and experienced problems with the indoor climate?
Has anyone had experience with a prefabricated house (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) without a ventilation system?
We have now visited quite a few model homes. We have looked at both prefabricated houses (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) and solid construction houses with an open mind. As far as we inquired, solid construction houses were always without a ventilation system, while prefabricated houses always had one.
In terms of indoor climate, we consistently preferred the solid construction houses, while I found the prefabricated houses somewhat “musty” (even though the ventilation system was on when asked). How can that be, or what causes this?
Has anyone built a solid construction house without external thermal insulation composite system (so monolithic) and without a ventilation system, and experienced problems with the indoor climate?
Has anyone had experience with a prefabricated house (timber frame with external thermal insulation composite system) without a ventilation system?
M
merlin66716 Sep 2014 14:46The basic component of the ventilation system is a noise source, varying in intensity depending on the settings and sizing. Especially when operating at the upper end of the system’s capacity, it becomes noticeably louder. However, with adequate sound insulation on the supply and exhaust air ducts, there is usually no noticeable noise in the bedrooms during normal operation.
It’s a different situation in the utility or technical room.
In our system design, we have about a 2-3°C (4-5°F) temperature difference between the exhaust and supply air spaces (living room and kitchen with dining area currently around 24°C (75°F), bedrooms correspondingly cooler). We installed a large solar pre-heater with an approximately 70 m² (750 sq ft) collector area that cools the air down to about 20°C (68°F) before it reaches the heat exchanger, even when outside temperature is 35°C (95°F).
Dry air is definitely a topic for discussion. Almost every manufacturer offers an enthalpy heat exchanger, but the additional cost can be significant. If someone is extremely sensitive to humidity levels, they should consider adding a humidifier after the ventilation unit.
Regarding the annual filter change: these are industry estimates and can be far too long or too short depending on the conditions. Larger systems for apartments often include a filter pressure monitoring feature to measure the actual dirt load. When the filter is clogged, most systems try to compensate by increasing the fan speed, which significantly raises the device’s noise level. This increase in speed over the filter’s lifetime can also be clearly observed in the system’s control software.
For us, in a solidly built house, the ventilation system is a great comfort improvement; dust is also not an issue inside the house.
To prevent odor bypass, the connections should be as far apart as possible, and the prevailing wind direction should be taken into account. If the system is installed on the street side (as in our case), pay attention to the direction of traffic right next to the house.
It’s a different situation in the utility or technical room.
In our system design, we have about a 2-3°C (4-5°F) temperature difference between the exhaust and supply air spaces (living room and kitchen with dining area currently around 24°C (75°F), bedrooms correspondingly cooler). We installed a large solar pre-heater with an approximately 70 m² (750 sq ft) collector area that cools the air down to about 20°C (68°F) before it reaches the heat exchanger, even when outside temperature is 35°C (95°F).
Dry air is definitely a topic for discussion. Almost every manufacturer offers an enthalpy heat exchanger, but the additional cost can be significant. If someone is extremely sensitive to humidity levels, they should consider adding a humidifier after the ventilation unit.
Regarding the annual filter change: these are industry estimates and can be far too long or too short depending on the conditions. Larger systems for apartments often include a filter pressure monitoring feature to measure the actual dirt load. When the filter is clogged, most systems try to compensate by increasing the fan speed, which significantly raises the device’s noise level. This increase in speed over the filter’s lifetime can also be clearly observed in the system’s control software.
For us, in a solidly built house, the ventilation system is a great comfort improvement; dust is also not an issue inside the house.
To prevent odor bypass, the connections should be as far apart as possible, and the prevailing wind direction should be taken into account. If the system is installed on the street side (as in our case), pay attention to the direction of traffic right next to the house.
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