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Modern ventilation systems in energy-efficient houses

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One of the most important advantages of energy-saving technology when building a prefabricated house is the fact that it reduces the costs incurred for heating. In this case, the reduction of heat losses generated by each building is taken into account. How to do it? Many people believe that tight windows, doors, an efficient heating system and adequate insulation are enough. However, proper ventilation in an energy-efficient house is also important. It allows not only to maintain a healthy microclimate in rooms, but also to minimize heat losses.

Energy-efficient and passive buildings – what is the difference?

What does it mean that a house is energy-efficient? First of all, it is worth noting that energy-efficient buildings are also called low-energy buildings. Why? These are constructions in which the seasonal demand for heat does not exceed 30-40 kWh/m2/year, while traditional houses need up to 120 kWh/m2/year per year. In energy-efficient houses, this is mainly achieved by eliminating the so-called thermal bridges (walls, floors and roofs are well insulated and have no gaps), effective insulation of external partitions and windows and doors with an appropriate heat transfer coefficient.

Passive houses, on the other hand, need even lower heat demand, because it is about 15 kWh/m2/year. This type of house allows you to save energy, significantly reduce heat loss, and improve air quality. This is possible thanks to mechanical ventilation, hermetic structure, good insulation, or, as in the case of energy-efficient houses, the elimination of thermal bridges.

Mechanical ventilation in an energy-efficient house

Ventilation in an energy-efficient house

For every person who decides to build an energy-efficient house, the priority is to reduce heat losses as much as possible. Then ventilation plays a significant role.

Some may be surprised by the fact that gravitational ventilation, which is based on ventilation ducts led directly outside the house, will not work in an energy-efficient house. Why? Well, this type of ventilation can lead to heat loss of 30-50%. This is really a lot compared to other types, such as mechanical ventilation in an energy-efficient house, which is the most popular.

Mechanical ventilation in an energy-efficient house

As we have just mentioned, mechanical ventilation is the most frequently chosen option among people who have energy-efficient houses. At the moment, the most common mechanical ventilation in energy-efficient houses is supply and exhaust. This system is connected by a system in which used air and fresh air are circulated, which are the responsibility of fans located in the air handling unit. This allows the air volume to be precisely controlled at all times – regardless of the conditions. Because in this situation, temperature and pressure cease to matter.

It is worth noting that an additional element of this system can be a recuperator, thanks to which it is possible to recover heat from the removed air. How does it work? There is a heat exchanger in the air handling unit, through which both air streams flow (without mixing) – supply and exhaust. This removed air gives off its heat to the fresh air. Thanks to this, the heat that was paid for in the heating system is not wasted. In this way, the demand for heat is reduced, and thus the house becomes more energy-efficient.

Another important issue is that recuperation is beneficial both in winter and summer. In winter, when the house should be heated, the recuperator prevents heat loss. In summer, on the other hand, it can help cool the interiors, while the temperature outside is high.