Correct installation of the ventilation system, what do we need?

A ventilation system can be natural or mechanical, depending on the needs of the homes, but what is essential is that the rooms of our buildings can be properly ventilated. Nowadays, modern construction has improved a lot in airtightness, which means that temperature changes are less affected. However, ventilation is more necessary than ever, and a correct installation of the system is what can provide the comfort and healthiness we need at home.

Having proper ventilation where we live or work is essential, whether achieved through mechanical ventilation systems or thanks to a natural installation that takes advantage of outside air. In any case, a situation must be guaranteed that avoids the problems of insufficient ventilation:

• Health problems due to low airflow.
• Indoor pollution from fumes or chemical products used at home and stale air.
• High humidity concentration due to inefficient ventilation.
• Need for increased air conditioning costs due to inefficient room ventilation.
• Lower comfort due to poorer breathable air, higher likelihood of respiratory illness, and decreased work productivity.

Low-quality ventilation can even affect our mood since the air we breathe is very important. For new buildings, construction must adapt to the requirements of the Technical Building Code and the basic document DB HS 3. In this way, we will be achieving a correct installation of ventilation. However, it is somewhat different in older buildings.

If we want to take advantage of natural ventilation, what should we consider when installing a system to ventilate a home?

Static or natural ventilation does not have mechanical elements. In this case, the idea is to install ventilation grilles at various strategically selected points in the home. These air entries will be connected to the outside, allowing outside air to enter.

The ventilation grilles should be installed in what are called dry areas, such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, or galleries. For air extraction, it needs to be done through damp areas: the bathroom and kitchen. This way, we avoid bad odors and smoke buildup.

These grilles should be placed at the top of the windows if there are no ventilation ducts. If installed in single-family homes, one option is to have a direct outlet to the roof. The doors should also have a gap of at least 1.5 centimeters between their surface and the floor, allowing air to pass as well as not touching. And care must be taken with the maintenance of the ventilation grilles to prevent obstructions and a loss of ventilation.

However, natural ventilation can never compete in efficiency with mechanical ventilation systems, and while opening windows and airing can be a solution in some homes, to improve health and comfort, we need more advanced and efficient solutions.

A correct installation of mechanical ventilation

In the buildings of the future, and almost the present, mechanical ventilation will be the necessary solution. In Spain, starting in 2020, all new buildings must be nearly zero energy consumption. For this to be possible, mechanical ventilation will be necessary.

However, when choosing a mechanical ventilation system, whether it is a double flow -the most efficient and recommended- or single flow, it is advisable to treat the installation in a personalized manner based on the area to be ventilated. Every building and home is different and has specific needs. To optimize mechanical ventilation systems and ensure their correct installation, it is ideal to have professionals measure the exact requirements of each project. Because it is possible to ventilate according to environmental conditions, saving on energy and gaining comfort.

One of the main advantages of mechanical ventilation systems is that they use air filters, so the air we receive from outside is clean. Many times we think that outside air is of higher quality, but it can have many pollutants. With a double-flow mechanical system, it is possible to:

• Forget about outdoor pollution caused by cars. With the filters of a mechanical system, the air comes in clean.
• No mosquitoes and other insects come in from the street. With the windows closed and renewing air, a double-flow system prevents this.
• Dust, pollen, and other remnants of street pollution stay outside.
• We sleep better and produce more since we breathe better air.

For all this to be possible, if dealing with a mechanical ventilation system, it is much better that we have the correct installation that professionals can offer us.