From the beginning of 2021, changes to the Technical Conditions are in force, which aim at low energy consumption in all newly built houses. They concern virtually all elements of the house - from floors, through doors, windows, to ceilings and the roof. Zehnder pays particular attention to the huge role of proper ventilation in this respect - in new buildings, heat recovery becomes an essential element. It increases the comfort of residents and reduces maintenance costs.
The primary energy coefficient (EP) set at < 70 kWh/(m² per year) established in the new Technical Conditions is a determinant of the construction of ecological and cheap-to-use houses with high thermal comfort. An energy-efficient house is not only about proper insulation or carefully selected building materials. It is worth paying attention to ventilation already at the planning stage. If done incorrectly, it can itself generate huge heat losses. However, if we plan it in the form of heat recovery, we will avoid this problem and gain a modern, comfortable and healthy solution for years. Because a modern energy-efficient house is not only a requirement of new regulations, but also an investment in comfort and health with lower operating costs.
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Recuperation is necessary in new houses
Ventilation is to provide fresh air in rooms and remove stale and polluted air - this is the basis of the health and well-being of residents. At the same time, this solution can be innovative and modern enough to increase the value of the property and be energy-efficient. Recuperation is therefore a key element of construction for every investor.
Zehnder was a pioneer of recuperation in Poland, having many years of experience in Western markets. Heat recovery is considered the most effective form of ventilation, which eliminates the need to build ventilation chimneys, necessary for gravity ventilation. With the Zehnder ComfoAir Q series of air handling units, it has set the highest standards in energy efficiency and design combined with ease of operation. The reduction in energy consumption begins with lower fan power demand, thanks to the optimization of the use of the AHU interior and the air flow in the exchanger. The display will educate even reluctant users about energy consumption, comfort and environmental impact through important operational data. Modulated bypass controls air volume through an adaptive comfort temperature profile that takes into account people's different temperature sensations. The modulated pre-heater optimizes the operation of the device in winter.
The key role in terms of proper heat and moisture management is played by the cross-countercurrent ERV (enthalpic) exchanger . It enables the transfer of heat energy and moisture between two air streams.
In winter, the exchanger will allow for the recovery of up to 70% of moisture from the exhaust air, increasing comfort in living rooms, resulting in a real increase in humidity in rooms by approximately 10%. However, in the summer, moisture is exchanged from the supply air to the exhaust air, which reduces the humidity in the rooms and significantly increases the comfort of staying indoors.
Savings despite higher construction costs
Building an energy-efficient house is certainly a higher expense than in older buildings. However, it is important to note the benefits that residents will gain after moving in. Maintenance costs will certainly be much lower, and heating will be more effective and economical. The comfort of your home will be higher thanks to fresh air, appropriate humidity and temperature adjusted to individual requirements. The new regulations are not just a tedious chore. It is also the use of modern, efficient solutions. In the case of heat recovery, it is comfort combined with healthy conditions at home. Importantly, they are also beneficial to the environment. If we add savings for many years, the prospects are really favorable. Heat recovery, which has been increasingly boldly and frequently installed in many homes for many years, is now becoming an indispensable element.