Fresh air for smart buildings: supply and exhaust systems are the key to energy efficiency

Fresh air for smart buildings: in today's world, where energy efficiency and healthy indoor air quality are becoming increasingly important, ventilation and air extraction systems play a crucial role. But what do these technological systems actually do? Ventilation and air extraction systems ensure that stale air is removed from the building and fresh air is supplied from outside at the same time.

This process not only helps to improve the indoor climate, but can also significantly contribute to a building's energy efficiency. Installing a professional ventilation and air extraction system can bring many benefits. From maintaining constant air quality to preventing mould growth, the positive effects are manifold. With a ventilation system, you can ensure that there is always fresh and clean air in your home or workplace, which can have a positive effect on your health and well-being. In the following article, you will learn more about how ventilation systems work, their advantages and important factors to consider when installing them.

Find out why a ventilation system with heat recovery is a particularly energy-efficient solution and what options are available for retrofitting such a system. Immerse yourself in the world of modern ventilation technology and discover how a ventilation system can transform your home into a smart and healthy building.  

What is a supply and exhaust system?

A supply and exhaust system ensures that stale air is replaced with fresh air from outside in a controlled manner. This involves extracting exhaust air (stale air) from the rooms and supplying fresh air to ensure optimal air quality. Such systems are particularly important in buildings with a high level of airtightness, where natural air exchange through leaks no longer takes place. In essence, the system acts as a ventilation system that is able to efficiently circulate the air in the building. It consists of ventilation ducts, fans, filters and, if necessary, a heat recovery system. Regular ventilation removes pollutants, humidity and CO2 from the air, while at the same time fresh air enters the room from outside. Modern systems have intelligent control systems that enable demand-based ventilation and thus save energy. In addition, some models offer the option of heat recovery, whereby the incoming fresh air is pre-conditioned and less energy is needed for heating.  

Supply and exhaust systems : pros and cons

Supply and exhaust ventilation systems have become indispensable in many modern buildings today. They provide a continuous supply of fresh air and ensure a comfortable indoor climate. It is crucial for architects and planners to know the pros and cons of supply and exhaust ventilation systems in order to make informed decisions during the design and installation.

Advantages of a supply and exhaust system: Controlled ventilation: A supply and exhaust system ensures a consistent and controlled exchange of air, regardless of weather conditions. This is particularly important in modern, airtight houses.

Energy efficiency: Supply and exhaust systems contribute to the energy efficiency of a building by controlling the exchange of air and making it more efficient. In particular, heat recovery systems are able to use the heat from the exhaust air to preheat the supply air, which results in a reduction in heating energy demand.

Improved air quality: The continuous exchange of indoor and outdoor air reduces the concentration of pollutants, humidity and CO₂ in rooms, contributing to a healthier indoor climate.

Saving on heating costs: Many supply and exhaust ventilation systems are equipped with heat recovery. This uses the heat from the exhaust air to preheat the incoming fresh air, significantly reducing the heating requirement and thus energy costs.

Protection against mould: Thanks to effective humidity control, supply and exhaust ventilation systems help to prevent mould caused by high humidity.

Noise reduction: They also offer the possibility of effectively reducing outside noise, thus ensuring a quieter living or working environment.

Durability: Professional supply and exhaust systems are usually of high quality and durable. With regular maintenance and servicing, they can ensure optimal air quality in the building for years to come.

Disadvantages of a supply and exhaust system Initial costs: Installing such a system can be costly at first, but it pays off in the long term through energy savings. Decentralised systems often offer a more cost-effective alternative here.

Space requirements: Central ventilation systems often require extensive piping and space for the central unit. This can be a challenge when planning new buildings or renovating existing ones.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance and cleaning are, of course, necessary to ensure the functionality of the system. In this case, individual factors are often crucial to determining the system's maintenance or cleaning requirements. For example, the level of pollution is typically higher in large cities or on busy roads than in rural areas. It is important to weigh up all the aspects to decide whether a supply and exhaust system is the right choice for a construction project. However, the advantages in terms of air quality, energy efficiency and comfort clearly outweigh the disadvantages in most cases.  

Important factors to consider when installing a supply and exhaust system

Careful installation of a supply and exhaust system is crucial to its efficiency and performance. There are several important factors to consider when planning and implementing it to ensure an optimal indoor environment. One key aspect is the correct placement of the ventilation openings. Both the supply air and the exhaust air should be strategically placed to ensure effective air circulation in the room. This helps to efficiently remove pollutants and humidity and to optimally distribute fresh air. Furthermore, the dimensioning of the system is crucial. The size of the supply and exhaust system should be tailored to the size of the room, the type of use and the number of people in the room. A system that is too small will result in insufficient air exchange, while a system that is too large can cause unnecessary energy consumption. Another important factor is the consideration of sound insulation measures. Modern supply and exhaust systems are usually quiet, but attention should still be paid to sound insulation during installation, especially in sound-critical environments such as bedrooms or work spaces. Selecting the right filter system is also important. High-quality filters contribute significantly to air purity and the reduction of allergens. The choice of the right filter depends on individual needs and environmental factors. Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the system should not be neglected. Supply and exhaust systems with heat recovery are particularly energy efficient, which can reduce energy consumption and lower heating costs.  

Supply and exhaust system with heat recovery: energy-efficient solution

A supply and exhaust system with heat recovery is an extremely energy-efficient way to improve indoor air quality in a building. The stale air is continuously extracted and fresh air is supplied from outside, while the heat from the exhaust air is used to temper the incoming fresh air. This minimises heat loss and increases the energy efficiency of the building. Heat recovery enables supply and exhaust systems to operate at a high level of efficiency. Particularly in modern, well-insulated buildings, controlled ventilation with heat recovery is essential to ensure a comfortable indoor climate and to prevent mould growth. Installing a supply and exhaust system with heat recovery requires careful planning to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency. It is important to plan and dimension the airflow, the positioning of the ventilation units and the heat recovery units according to the individual requirements of the building. With a supply and exhaust system with heat recovery, building owners are not only investing in their energy efficiency, but also in the well-being and health of the residents. These modern ventilation systems make a significant contribution to the sustainable and future-oriented equipping of buildings.  

Retrofitting supply and exhaust systems: options and advantages Architects and planners who are involved in the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings are very interested in the option of retrofitting a supply and exhaust system. In particular, decentralised ventilation systems offer an attractive solution here.

Advantages of retrofitting with decentralised ventilation systems:

Easy installation: decentralised ventilation systems can be retrofitted relatively easily and without major structural changes. They do not require extensive duct systems and can be integrated directly into the exterior walls of the rooms to be ventilated.

Cost efficiency: compared to centralised systems, the costs for retrofitting with decentralised systems are lower because fewer structural measures are required.

Flexibility: decentralised systems can be installed individually in the rooms where they are most needed. This enables decentralised ventilation systems that meet the specific requirements of individual rooms.

Preservation of the building fabric: since decentralised systems do not require extensive interventions in the existing building fabric, the integrity of the building is preserved. This is particularly advantageous in the case of listed buildings.

Supply and exhaust air systems play a crucial role in indoor air quality and energy efficiency in smart buildings. With an effective supply and exhaust air system, you can not only ensure fresh air, but also save energy and create a pleasant indoor climate. The advantages of a supply and exhaust air system are manifold: it contributes to health, minimises energy losses, reduces pollutants in the air and ensures a pleasant living or working environment. If you are planning to install or retrofit a supply and exhaust system, it is important to consider energy efficiency and heat recovery. This will help you to reduce your energy costs and protect the environment. Remember that installing a supply and exhaust system is a worthwhile investment that contributes to a healthier and more energy-efficient building in the long term.