Ventilation – a prerequisite for healthy buildings and a healthy indoor climate
The health of building materials and buildings, as well as the indoor climate for the people who reside there, is directly connected to the ventilation in the building. Inadequate ventilation results in poor indoor air quality, which can lead to many subsequent problems.
The most obvious issues are related to:
- Moisture
- RADON
- CO2
- Viruses
- Emissions from building materials and interior
- Problems with bad odors
- People and animals living in the buildings
Effects from bad odors, emissions, viruses, CO2, and RADON impact people, while moisture affects both people and buildings. The most effective way to reduce these issues is through constant ventilation.
Ventilation is about replacing the "used" air in the building with new air from outside. According to the Building Regulations, the air must be replaced at least once every two hours. In kitchens and bathrooms, the requirements for air exchange are higher.
A common advice for ventilation is to open a window in every room for 10-15 minutes 4-6 times a day. This does refresh the air, but most of the heat is lost, requiring additional heating. A solution for effective ventilation with minimal heat loss is constant mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
How to ventilate older buildings and apartments?
One solution is to install fresh air vents in every room combined with mechanical fans that extract air through another vent. A more effective solution is ventilation units with heat recovery, such as Klimair® UNOKLIMA in all living and bedroom spaces.
Bathrooms/wet rooms
In wet rooms, there should only be exhaust or neutral intake/exhaust. If constant air is blown in, it can create overpressure that pushes moisture into building materials and interior, which can damage both the building and health. Install a fresh air vent and mechanical exhaust, which activates as needed. Alternatively, a UNOKLIMA Bathroom Special unit with constant humidity monitoring can be used.
Moisture
Moisture is an issue in all buildings and can lead to damage and health risks. Common sources include bathrooms, kitchens, houseplants, leaky buildings, and renovated tight homes without proper ventilation.
RADON
RADON is a radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground. High concentrations can lead to cancer. Read more at Radonguiden.dk.
CO2
CO2 is a harmful gas that arises during cooking and from the exhaled air of humans and animals. Constant ventilation, for example with a Klimair® UNOKLIMA unit, is an effective solution.
Emissions from materials and interior – and people
The release of gases from building materials, furniture, and even people can worsen indoor air quality. Constant ventilation can reduce these issues.
What is Klimair®?
Klimair® is a series of ventilation accessories that includes single-room heat recovery units, UNOKLIMA. The units ensure constant ventilation with heat recovery and are suitable for both private and professional use.
UNOKLIMA is available in several series:
- UNOKLIMA 2.0 - BASE, 100mm and 160mm
- UNOKLIMA 2.0 - REMOTE, 100mm and 160mm
- UNOKLIMA 2.0 - Bathroom Special, 100mm and 160mm
- UNOKLIMA XT - REMOTE, 100mm and 160mm
How to choose between model 160mm or model 100mm?
Always choose a 160mm model as it has greater capacity and lower noise levels. The 100mm model is best for upgrading existing air ducts, but 160mm is recommended if possible.
When to choose model 2.0 BASE?
Model BASE is ideal for constant ventilation at one of 3 speeds and is suitable for living spaces.
When to choose model 2.0 REMOTE?
Model REMOTE has additional features and can be connected in series with multiple units. It is perfect if you need more than just constant ventilation.
When to choose model Bathroom Special?
This model is suitable for bathrooms where constant humidity monitoring is necessary.
When to choose model XT160-REMOTE?
XT160-REMOTE has a larger heat exchanger that provides higher capacity and the ability for advanced functions.
What to do in larger rooms?
In larger rooms, multiple units are recommended, preferably REMOTE models that can be connected in series for synchronized operation.
Installation
Klimair® UNOKLIMA units must always be installed in an exterior wall and are easy to install.
Maintenance
All models require maintenance after 3,000 hours of operation. REMOTE models have an indicator light. Filters can be washed at 30 degrees.
Research project from DTU
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has demonstrated that good ventilation improves cognitive performance. Klimair® UNOKLIMA with heat recovery ensures both a healthy indoor climate and lower heating costs.
Read more about the research project at Berlingske.dk or Klimair.dk.