Comfort and well-being for homes, Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (VMC)

The air quality inside the home is an essential element for generating comfort and well-being in terms of health. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes more than 4 million premature deaths every year and is considered a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is also related to numerous ailments and diseases that worsen health overall.

Moreover, proper ventilation at home provides a sense of comfort and well-being with multiple benefits for the quality of life of its occupants. Living in a space where the air is fresh, clean, and free from odors and humidity results in better concentration, productivity, and sleep quality among other key aspects both objective and subjective.

What is Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (VMC) and how does it generate comfort and well-being?

The evolution of technological processes as well as improvements in construction processes for both large buildings and single-family or multi-family housing have led to a clear improvement in ventilation systems, which has occurred especially in recent decades. We have moved from something as simple as opening doors and windows to incorporating ventilation from an architectural standpoint and using complex and highly efficient ventilation systems. Among these last ones stand out controlled mechanical ventilation systems (VMC). In simple terms, they are characterized by the use of fans to renew the air in indoor spaces.

As we will see shortly, there are multiple VMC systems, from the simplest to the most complex which are equipped with high-tech equipment that allow optimizing the quality of the obtained air, thermal regulation, and the energy efficiency of the whole:

• Mechanical ventilation systems with admission. These are solutions where air is extracted naturally, usually through the use of grilles and infiltrations. The entrance of air from the outside is done through fans that push it into the rooms.
• Mechanical ventilation systems with extraction. In this case, the entrance of air is done from the outside naturally thanks to admission grilles that connect to each of the rooms. To extract the air we have controlled mechanical ventilation (VMC), which will remove the air that may be stored in homes or buildings, thus renewing it and eliminating its impurities.
• Mechanical ventilation systems with extraction and admission. These are better known as double flow mechanical ventilation systems. Both the air intake and extraction are done mechanically with fans. They are the safest and most advanced option, as they allow for complete air renewal regulation. The air enters filtered and of the highest quality, in addition to being the systems with the highest energy efficiency. In winter it is possible to heat the air entering the home and in summer cool it, thus avoiding the use of air conditioning systems.

It is worth noting that double flow systems are the most comprehensive in terms of ventilation and results obtained. In this sense, Siber offers different high-performance options tailored to the needs and characteristics of each type of home, with a service that ranges from advice to installation of the system.

Advantages of VMC over natural ventilation to ensure comfort and well-being

Although the objective of both systems is identical, that is, ventilation and renewal of the air in indoor spaces to guarantee comfort and well-being, the results of VMC in terms of air quality and thermal regulation are generally far superior. Moreover, depending on the installed system, these devices can currently generate more energy than they consume, being energy-efficient and with almost zero consumption.

That said, natural ventilation systems may be an interesting option in cases with specific characteristics. First of all, it is advisable in environments with temperate climates so that thermal variation does not pose a stress element or loss of comfort. Additionally, for it to be truly efficient, the home must be specifically designed for it. That is, it must be taken into account from the very initial moment of architectural design.

Lastly, if the home is located in an urban environment with high levels of air pollution, we will be introducing these elements directly into our house with the associated health risks they entail. If these characteristics are not met, it is very unlikely that natural ventilation will be the ideal modality to obtain quality air inside the home.

Returning to VMC, here are its main advantages summarized:

• Well-being. Prolonged air renewal positively influences people with allergies and asthma as well as reducing the transmissibility of viruses. It also prevents the proliferation of bacteria, mold, and dust and accumulation of CO2.

• Comfort. We can ventilate without the need to open windows, preventing outside noise. Decrease in kitchen odors and smoke. Increased concentration capacity and improved sleep quality.

• Efficiency. The best VMC systems today are highly energy efficient, achieving almost zero consumption thus reducing the need for heating in winter or cooling in summer.

• Regulatory compliance. To comply with the current regulations since 2020 requiring all new constructions to have almost zero consumption systems, VMC is an essential element. This is mandated by both state laws and European regulations.

• Property value. Given all the characteristics mentioned above, it is clear that homes equipped with advanced and quality VMC systems enhance their value in a sales or appraisal process.

Perhaps you would like to continue reading >> The Siber Ventilation System of my house vs the Coronavirus, questions and answers