Controlled ventilation of living spaces – systems for new buildings

You have from normal Stoßlüften until air purification systems I’ve tried everything imaginable and still have one bad indoor climate fight? Then you might want to consider one controlled ventilation of living spaces (KWL) fall back. These are systems that guarantee regular air exchange and therefore consistently good air quality. On the one hand, the system constantly supplies fresh air to the living spaces. On the other hand, stale air and therefore excessive humidity are sucked out. The use of controlled ventilation of living spaces is particularly widespread in new buildings. After all, they apply after all §6 of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) strict standards for new houses and apartments regarding energy efficiency. But what are the different systems? And what are the main advantages and disadvantages of controlled ventilation of living spaces? We have an overview of the most important information.

Controlled ventilation of the living room: central or decentralized

First, controlled ventilation of the living space is carried out central OR decentralized systems differentiated. Both variants ensure regular air exchange, which is usually supported by fans. There are different functional types for both systems, such as air exhaust systems, air supply systems, or a combination of both. These can in turn be equipped with or without heat recovery. The main difference between centralized and decentralized living room ventilation mainly lies in the Installation of systems:

Central ventilation of the living room

In central room ventilation, the individual rooms are connected via a duct system to the ventilation device, so that there is regular air exchange in all rooms. With a combination of Air supply and exhaust systemfor example, exhaust air is taken in from exhaust rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom, and supply air is introduced into supply rooms such as the living room or bedroom. Central ventilation of living spaces is mainly used in new buildings, as subsequent installation requires a relatively high effort.

Decentralized living room ventilation

The decentralized system is only installed in certain living environments such as the kitchen or bathroom, where regular air exchange is particularly important. The installation is much less complicated than the central variant. For this reason, decentralized ventilation of living spaces is also suitable for the use or renovation of existing buildings. New buildings are also equipped with the system.

Apartment ventilation with heat recovery

This exists for both central and decentralized ventilation of the living room Possibility of heat recovery. Here the heated outside air is channeled into the respective living spaces. In a combined system a heat exchanger removes heat from the exhaust air and passes it on to the incoming outside air. In this way heat is recovered and energy loss through ventilation is significantly reduced. Controlled room ventilation with heat recovery has the following advantages:

• Protection against mold formation
• low levels of pollutants in the air
• Reduction of heating costs
• pleasant room climate
• Possibility of pollen filter for allergy sufferers
• energy saving

Controlled ventilation of living spaces: what are the disadvantages?

The advantages of controlled ventilation of living spaces are obvious. To evaluate a purchase decision, you should also know the disadvantages. A point of criticism is often one reduced air humidity called. Because some models remove moisture from the air in addition to heat. There is the possibility of an integrated humidifier, but this must be replaced regularly to avoid the formation of germs. You can find an overview of further disadvantages here:

• Regular maintenance and cleaning
• Costs for initial purchase, installation, maintenance and electricity
• Noise pollution
• Maybe low humidity
• visual impairments

On the Alex Garden you can also read what humidity should be in living spaces. You can also find out about shock ventilation to prevent the formation of mold and about air purification systems.