System selection guide

How to select a ventilation solution for multi-apartment buildings?

See different options below.

Centralized mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

In centrally placed ventilation system one air handling unit serves supply and extract air for multiple apartments via a duct network. The heat recovery exchanger transfers energy from exhaust air to incoming fresh air. System can consist of one air handling unit covering all the apartments in a building or several units each serving several apartments in the same floor/corridor.

Advantages

High energy efficiency
Often most cost efficient installation in large buildings
Easy to maintain in one location and therefore creates less maintenance costs over lifetime
Quiet operation when designed correctly

To consider

Requires significant duct space
Higher installation complexity
Not as indivually adjustable - adjustments affect multiple apartments if not zoned properly
May require fire sections
Risk of transferral between flat

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CENTRAL SYSTEMS

Complete system for Central ventilation, heating and cooling

Centrally placed apartment specific ventilation

A unique residential solution that combines the best qualities of central and decentral ventilation.

Advantages

A gapless continuous isolation of building and heat exchangers
Higher energy efficiency for the building
Roof placed unit saves space in the living area
Maintenance and repair is possible without accesing the appartment
Quick installation
Lower investment costs due to quick mounting and less ducting required

Disadvantages

Optimal for lower buildings (up to 5 stories)

Wall placed ventilation without ducts

Wall mounted heat recovery ventilation without incoming air ducts is ideal for renovation.

Advantages:

Minimises the number of ventilation ducts and hence the amount of planning and construction work.
Ecodesign energyclass A+
Passive House certified product
EN 13141-8 and EN 13141-7 certified
Demanand controlled ventilation with 8 sensors (RH, CO2, C)
Automatic service e-mails and smart phone control

To consider:

Limited airflow
Larger apartments may require several units to meet airlow requiremenets

How to choose a system?

The choice will essentially be based on three factors: comfort, energy efficiency and investement cost. In practice highest quality is impossible to achive with the lowest investent. Therefore the final selection is often something in between depending on the unique requirements of the project and building.

Each project is unique and a great many factors determine the ideal ventilation system for a residential building.

See below the key factors to be considered when selecting a ventilation system.

Key factors to consider

1. Building size & layout

2. Local regulations and standards

3. Energy efficiency

Ventilation can account for up to 50% of heating energy losses if heat recovery is not used.
Efficient heat recovery (HRV/ERV) significantly reduces heating demand.

Heat recovery efficiency % illustrates how much heat energy can be recycled
Defrosting ensures continuous heat recovery in cold climates
Demand control can furher decrease energy consumption by 10-30%

4. Installation constraints

5. Noise requirements

Comparing options

	Central	Apartment-specific	Ductless wall placed	Exhaust only
Energy Efficiency				-
Air Quality control
Installation cost	High-medium	High-Medium	Medium-Low	Low

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System selection guide

Centralized mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

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Air handling unit for each apartment

Advantages

To consider