Retrofitting decentralised domestic ventilation

In the modern construction and renovation industry, decentralized residential ventilation has become a preferred solution for improving indoor air quality, especially in existing and older buildings. Decentralized ventilation systems offer a cost-effective and easy-to-install way to optimize air circulation and increase occupant comfort. In this article, you will learn everything that professional designers and installers need to know about decentralized ventilation systems, retrofitting them, and best installation practices.

What is decentralized residential ventilation?

Decentralized residential ventilation systems provide targeted ventilation for individual rooms, unlike central systems that supply the entire building with a single pipe network. These systems are particularly advantageous in existing buildings, as they do not require extensive renovation or expensive installations. Each unit operates independently and can be individually tailored to the needs of a room.

How decentralized ventilation systems work

A decentralized ventilation unit works by extracting stale indoor air and supplying fresh outdoor air. Many modern units are equipped with a heat recovery unit that uses the heat from the exhaust air to preheat the incoming cold air. This provides an energy-saving solution and helps to reduce heating costs.

Another advantage of decentralized systems is the ability to control ventilation in different rooms independently of each other. This is particularly advantageous in apartments or houses where different rooms have different ventilation requirements.

Why does it make sense to retrofit a decentralized residential ventilation system?

Retrofitting decentralized residential ventilation: a cost-effective and efficient way to improve air quality in existing buildings. The decentralized solution offers many advantages, especially in modernized old buildings or renovated houses where central ventilation cannot be installed or does not make sense for cost reasons.

Advantages of retrofitting

• Easy installation without major alterations: Unlike central systems, which require extensive piping, decentralized residential ventilation can be quickly and easily integrated into existing walls or windows.
• Energy efficiency: The heat recovery unit reduces heating costs by preheating the fresh air. This saves energy and improves the overall energy efficiency of the building.
• Improved air quality: The continuous supply of fresh air prevents moisture accumulation, which avoids mold growth and unpleasant odors.

Options for retrofitting decentralized ventilation

If you decide to retrofit decentralized ventilation, there are several options available to you. You can install passive outdoor air vents and partition wall ventilators to implement decentralized ventilation. These systems enable controlled air circulation and fresh air supply in rooms without having to open windows. Passive solutions offer an energy-efficient and low-noise way to optimize your indoor climate. Ventomaxx outdoor air vents offer architects and specialist planners a combination of design, functionality, energy efficiency, and flexibility to optimally meet the requirements of modern construction projects and maximize comfort for residents. With Ventomaxx, you can rely on quality, innovation, and aesthetic perfection for an improved ventilation solution in your construction projects. Learn more about the advantages of Ventomaxx outdoor air vent solutions and get helpful installation tips here.

Another approach to retrofitting decentralized ventilation is to integrate active fans with heat recovery. These ventilation systems not only provide fresh air, but also recover energy, contributing to efficient and environmentally friendly ventilation. Intelligent control allows the ventilation to be adjusted to individual needs, creating a comfortable indoor climate. Decentralized ventilation units from Ventomaxx with heat recovery are available in the WRG RONDO, WRG PLUS, and WRG MAKANI® R / Q series. They stand for high-quality, decentralized ventilation comfort with extremely energy-efficient heat recovery and above-average protection against outside noise.

Another option would be to install a mechanical ventilation system without heat recovery. Ventomaxx offers high-quality and durable ventilation systems that can be individually adapted to the specific requirements of a project. Ventomaxx’s many years of experience and comprehensive expertise in the field of central and decentralized ventilation concepts make us a reliable partner for the planning and implementation of ventilation solutions.

The selection of ventilation units and the positioning of air outlets must meet the specific requirements of the building. We are happy to support you right from the initial phase of the planning process to work with you to ensure that the ideal individual ventilation solution can be implemented. Provide us with your planning documents and we will accompany you from the start of your project to handover and deliver the required solutions in the form of your customized Ventomaxx fan.

Technical aspects of retrofitting decentralized ventilation

Retrofitting decentralized ventilation systems is a simple process if you follow the right steps and use the necessary technology. Specialist planners and installers should take the following aspects into account:

1. Air flow calculation and planning

Before installation begins, you must calculate the air flow rates and requirements for each room. This takes into account the size of the room, its use, and the number of occupants. Based on this, the required ventilation capacity and the number of units needed to ensure optimal air quality are determined.

• Calculation of air volume: A precise calculation of the required air volume ensures that the air exchange is efficient and in accordance with legal requirements (e.g., DIN 1946-6).
• Individual room planning: When planning ventilation units, you should also consider sound insulation, especially in quiet areas such as bedrooms.

2. Selecting the right system

For retrofitting, it is important to choose the right system that meets the specific requirements of the room. Modern decentralized ventilation units are usually equipped with humidity sensors and heat recovery units that optimally regulate humidity and temperature.

• Heat recovery: The heat recovery unit should work efficiently to minimize heating costs. Look for units with high heat recovery efficiency and low energy consumption.
• Humidity sensors: These sensors automatically adjust the ventilation to the current humidity level to prevent mold growth.

3. Installation of the system

Installing a decentralized ventilation system is easy if the right position for the unit is chosen. The unit is usually installed in the exterior wall or window. Ensure precise positioning to distribute the air flow optimally while ensuring sound insulation.

• Power connection: The installation of a power connection should be carried out by a qualified electrician to meet safety requirements.
• Air ducts: When choosing the right system, the air ducts for supply and exhaust air as well as the ventilation of the device should also be taken into account.

Cost aspects and funding opportunities

Ventilation systems can be a great investment for any building to improve indoor air quality and create a healthy indoor climate. However, when planning a ventilation system, it is important to keep the cost aspects in mind. The initial costs for ventilation systems can vary depending on the type and size of the system.

To ease the financial burden of purchasing a ventilation system, there are various government subsidies available. Subsidy programs often aim to support the use of energy-efficient technologies and promote the environmental friendliness of buildings. This can include both financial incentives and tax benefits.

It is advisable to check the regional subsidy options for ventilation systems, as these can vary from state to state. Find out about government subsidy programs, regional grants, and tax breaks to reduce the cost of installing a ventilation system and benefit from the advantages of energy-efficient solutions.

Find out everything you need to know about KFW subsidies in 2024 here.

What are KFW subsidies for renovations?

Is your house or apartment getting on in years? Or have you just bought an old property? Then it may be worth carrying out comprehensive renovations, modernizing, and using renewable energies. You can now apply for subsidies for this.

KFW subsidies for renovations are a program offered by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW) that provides financial support to owners for energy-efficient renovations to their properties. Targeted subsidies are intended to promote energy-efficient renovations and increase the energy efficiency of buildings. This is not only good for the environment, but can also save costs in the long term and increase living comfort.

Various measures are eligible for funding under the KFW subsidy program for renovations, including the installation of ventilation systems. Effective ventilation is an important part of energy-efficient renovation, as it helps to reduce energy consumption and creates a healthy indoor climate.

The KFW subsidy provides owners of existing properties with financial incentives to invest in energy-efficient ventilation systems. These subsidies help to reduce investment costs and shorten the payback period for renovation measures. This creates an incentive to use sustainable and efficient technologies such as Ventomaxx ventilation systems.

Installers and planners can use KFW subsidies to help their customers implement cost-effective and sustainable renovation measures. The installation of modern ventilation systems plays a crucial role in this context, as ventilation and insulation contribute significantly to reducing energy losses. Decentralized ventilation systems, such as those offered by Ventomaxx, can help meet KFW’s requirements for energy-efficient buildings.

Residential buildings – loan

Energy-efficient renovation of houses and apartments

The most important information at a glance:

• Subsidized loan from 1.22% effective annual interest rate for renovation and purchase
• Up to €150,000 loan per residential unit for an energy-efficient house
• Pay back less: between 5% and 45% repayment subsidy
• Additional subsidies possible, e.g., for construction supervision

The subsidy is subject to available budget funds. There is no legal entitlement to this.

Decentralized residential ventilation as a sustainable solution for existing buildings

Retrofitting decentralized ventilation systems is an excellent solution for ventilating existing buildings. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and improves both air quality and energy efficiency. Specialist planners and installers should pay attention to correct air flow calculation, system selection, and maintenance during planning and installation in order to achieve the best results.

Call to action: If you are a specialist planner or installer, you should consider decentralized ventilation systems as one of the best solutions for existing buildings and old buildings. With the right installation and maintenance, you will not only help improve air quality, but also make an important contribution to energy savings and a healthy indoor climate.

Are you ready to take the next step? We look forward to hearing from you!

Whether you have questions, need more information, or simply want to share your thoughts, don’t hesitate to contact us. Send us an email at info@ventomaxx.de or call us at +49 (0) 871 – 95 34 06 – 0. Our team is here for you and will support you every step of the way.