Proper ventilation in the apartment is a guarantee of clean air, a friendly microclimate and the well-being of the tenants. That is why every HEPAC installer should be aware of the most common problems occurring in systems of this type and know effective ways to solve them. In our article, we will therefore focus on methods of improving home ventilation and the benefits of such action.
In this article you will learn:
- what types of ventilation are used in residential buildings,
- what are the most common problems with home ventilation,
- what are the best ways to improve ventilation.
Types of ventilation
The installation problems and the methods of solving them will of course depend on the type of ventilation. The following systems are used in residential buildings:
- Gravity ventilation (natural) - the simplest type of installation, using pressure difference to generate air flow,
- Mechanical ventilation - a system in which the air flow is created by the operation of a ventilation device,
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery - an installation enriched with a recuperator that recovers heat from the exhaust air,
- Hybrid ventilation – a system that can operate both naturally and mechanically depending on weather conditions,
- Displacement ventilation - a solution based on the creation of two zones: the lower one releases fresh air, and the upper one collects and removes the used air,
- Mixing (jet) ventilation - an installation that introduces fresh air into the room at high speed, which dilutes pollutants and quickly removes them outside the building.
Check out the fans at the Onninen wholesaler
In Poland, the most popular solutions are undoubtedly the gravity ventilation system and mechanical ventilation (also with heat recovery). When describing the most common problems, we will focus on these two types of installations and help you choose the right ways to deal with them.
How important is efficient ventilation in the home?
Lack of ventilation in a home or a system that does not function properly is a threat to the health and well-being of the building's residents. The negative impact also concerns the safety and condition of the building itself and its equipment. The most serious effects of ventilation deficiencies include:
- Polluted air - improperly ventilated air contains harmful compounds and smog components, such as exhaust fumes, suspended dust or cigarette smoke. They are also accompanied by mold spores, fungi, mites and pollen. All these elements accumulate in living spaces and negatively affect the well-being of residents - especially allergy sufferers,
- Improper humidity - this parameter is particularly dangerous for the building structure and its equipment. The optimal humidity level is 40-60%,
- Sick Building Syndrome — a combination of health ailments resulting from the use of a specific building. It is associated with toxins, volatile organic compounds, and mechanical pollutants present in the air. Symptoms include chronic muscle and joint pain, sinusitis, respiratory problems, skin infections, irritation of mucous membranes, nausea, fainting, fatigue symptoms, headaches and dizziness,
- Carbon monoxide poisoning - Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuel in the absence of sufficient oxygen. Properly functioning ventilation prevents this process and protects residents from possible poisoning.
HEPAC installers should constantly warn their customers about the dangers of improper ventilation or lack thereof. Regular inspection and maintenance of the system can protect them from many dangers.
Choosing the right ventilation
Most ventilation problems can be avoided by replacing the gravity system with a mechanical installation. Although it will be more expensive for the investor to install and operate, it will eliminate such disadvantages as:
- dependence on atmospheric conditions,
- heat loss,
- no control over ventilation,
- problems with mold, fungus and moisture,
- reverse thrust phenomenon.
Ventilation devices that force a controlled air flow can therefore be considered the most effective solution to the problems described earlier. However, not every customer will be interested in such an investment, so it is worth considering other ways to improve ventilation in the home:
Cleaning the ventilation grilles
Before you propose a costly replacement of the entire installation to the customer, you can start by cleaning the ventilation grilles. This solution allows you to improve the airflow by up to 60%.
Chimney cowls
Gravity ventilation can be supplemented with chimney caps. In this way, you will not scare the investor with high costs or complicated assembly. The caps are fixed and rotatable (they use the force of the wind). They improve the stability of the draft in the ventilation chimney, maintain a constant level of air exchange and protect the ducts from bad weather conditions. Depending on the type of chimney, caps with a square base and a tubular base are used. They must also have an appropriately selected diameter. Only if the draft is too weak, mechanical support is used.
Window vents
This is a great solution if the building is well-insulated and has tight windows. The quickest way to improve air circulation will be to install window air vents, which should be installed in the upper part of the window, with a nozzle directing the flow of incoming air towards the ceiling. The holes should be made in accordance with the guidelines of the air vent manufacturers. Using a drill in the rebates will not guarantee effective operation. In this way, you will provide your client with an additional supply of outside air.
If proven methods of improving gravity ventilation are insufficient, it is worth considering installing and purchasing mechanical ventilation or even heat recovery. Onninen's offer provides many possibilities in this regard.
Check out the fans at the Onninen wholesaler
High-quality fans can be found in the Onninen offer!
When looking for the right solutions for your customers, check out the wide range of our online wholesale. Here you will find, among others, efficient fans from Awenta, Venture Industries, which will improve the air exchange process and allow you to solve the most important problems related to gravity ventilation. Onninen's offer includes, among others, the following models:
Awenta VEGA WGB125 ,- Awenta RING WWD100 ,
- Awenta RETIS WR150 ,
- Awenta WA120 ,
- Awenta TRAX WTI100H
Venture Industries RF/2 125- Venture Industries TD-160/100
Installing such devices in different rooms of the house will allow you to guarantee your customers that their ventilation is working properly!