Why use balanced ventilation?
4
1
Ventilation is necessary
In the past people built houses which were not
air-tight, which leaked air, for example, at the
connection point of the wall and the floor or roof.
Cracks were always visible around windows and
doors. All these openings ensured that large
volumes of air moved in and out of the buildings.
When the wind was blowing the complete air
content of the home was refreshed three to four
times an hour. This ensured very good ventilation
of the home, but a lot of energy was lost.
Construction methods have changed. Floors,
walls and roofs are, when possible, constructed
with a layer of insulation. The insulation ensures
that there are nearly no cracks and the air-
tightnes s is increased. It is a misconception to
think that there is still enough ventilation in a
home without some type of ventilation system.
Ventilation is absolutely necessary in an air-tight
home to prevent problems related to humidity,
mould and the health of the residents.
Moisture content of the home
Incorrect use of the ventilation system by the
resident in combination with today’s well-
insulated homes gives humidity an open field.
The moisture content in the homes increases and
can cause health, humidity and mould problems.
A family of four persons produces 14 to 20 litres
of moisture per day just by breathing, sleeping,
cooking, washing, dishwashing, bathing, wate-
ring plants, etc. Many products, such as textile,
carpets, parquet, newspapers and cigarettes,
contain substances that harm the health of the
residents. All the moisture such as water vapour
and aromatic substances should be removed
from the homes.