Different types of ventilation
To ensure ventilation in a building, there are two main types of ventilation: natural draft and mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is in turn usually divided into three main groups: mechanical exhaust air, mechanical supply and exhaust air, and heat exchange (FTX).
- Self-draft - Self-draft ventilation (S)
- Mechanical exhaust air - Mechanical exhaust air ventilation (F)
- Mechanical supply air - Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation (FT)
- Heat exchange - Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery (FTX)
Self-draft - Self-draft ventilation (S)
Self-draft ventilation is the same as ventilation without fans, and the principle is based on the fact that air movement is created when warm air flows from the lower parts of the house via heated ducts to the outside air in the upper parts of the house. This is also called the chimney effect. The more floors the air flows through, the greater the chimney effect.
Fix ventilation in self-contained houses
Do you need to improve your ventilation in a self-ventilated house? Click on and read more about how you can easily get fresh and clean air in your house. Read more about self-ventilated ventilation (S)
Mechanical exhaust air - Mechanical exhaust air ventilation (F)
The ventilation system sucks the air out of the house. This creates a negative pressure and the outside air automatically finds its way into the house via valves and other leaks. If you have replaced windows or added insulation, it is very important that you make sure to have fresh air valves installed.
Fix deficiencies in exhaust air systems
One of the most common causes of problems is the lack of fresh air vents. Read more about how you can easily fix this. Read more about exhaust air systems »
Mechanical supply air - Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation (FT)
Here, fans handle both the incoming and outgoing air. The incoming air can be both filtered and preheated. In some cases, the outgoing air is recycled via a heat exchanger.
Heat exchange - Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery (FTX)
The principle is the same as for mechanical supply and exhaust air, but connected to a heat exchanger. It can recover as much as 60% of the heat content in the exhaust air. Today, this system is the most common in newly built houses. The advantage of this system is that it is energy-efficient, but the disadvantage is that it requires some maintenance.
For example, the filters need to be cleaned and checked a couple of times a year. If you have a house with natural draft, it can be an expensive investment to convert to this system. In summary, this is the obvious choice in newly built houses, but for existing houses there may be cheaper alternatives.
