Hygro-regulable ventilation systems are capable of improving humidity in our homes. How do their air inlets work?

The rehabilitation of housing thanks to the Next Generation funds from the European Union is an opportunity that has arisen after the COVID-19 pandemic

Forced ventilation has gained significant prominence in indoor spaces. It has been considered a fundamental tool to prevent COVID-19 transmission indoors. But why? Below, we will outline the reasons for its importance today, as they go far beyond this disease.

An ideal humidity level at home is essential to achieve maximum personal well-being. For this reason, it is important to know why it is so important, what the ideal humidity level is, and, above all, how we can achieve it.

Good advice to prevent respiratory diseases from home, Respiratory diseases have experienced an increase in recent years. What are the causes? Poor air quality in cities, the pandemic, or unhealthy lifestyle habits are among the main ones.

Offices are closed spaces where millions of people around the world spend a large part of their time. Therefore, air quality in offices must be taken care of for health and well-being reasons. When the environment is polluted, it must be renewed through mechanical ventilation systems.

With the arrival of summer and the new temperatures, concerns about keeping our homes in optimal conditions return. In recent years and although it remains the preferred solution for Spaniards, many consumers have started looking for alternatives beyond air conditioning. And this system, in addition to being unhealthy and not very environmentally friendly according to the conditions, is not efficient and consumes large amounts of energy. So, what are the best solutions for tempering a home in summer, beyond air conditioning? Types of ventilation for summer First of all, it is important to highlight that the specific conditions of the home we are in can greatly influence our sense of heat. Orientation, materials used, thermal insulation systems, or the architectural design itself among other factors determine a more or less favorable starting point depending on the conditions:

• Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems are characterized by the use of fans to renew the air in indoor spaces. There are multiple CMV systems, from the simplest to the most complex, which are equipped with high-tech equipment that allows optimizing the air quality obtained and the thermal regulation in indoor spaces. A home with a double flow mechanical ventilation system in summer can maintain an indoor temperature of 21 or 22 degrees, even when the outside temperature is up to 30 degrees.

• As we explained in another article on this blog, natural ventilation systems can be “an interesting option in cases with specific characteristics. First, it is advisable in environments with temperate climates so that the thermal variation does not constitute an element of stress or loss of comfort. Also, for it to be truly efficient, the home must be specifically designed for it. That is, it must be taken into account from the initial moment of architectural design.” In any case, in regions with high humidity or very high temperatures, the effects of natural ventilation are very reduced or practically nonexistent.

• Ventilate in the mornings. It is advisable to open doors and windows early in the morning, between 7 and 8, as this is the time with the lowest temperatures. During the hottest hours, it is recommended to close curtains or use awnings for the windows. Conversely, during the night we should allow the air to circulate as much as possible.

• Cool floors. Mopping the indoor and terrace floors with cold water is a quick and quite effective method to alleviate the feeling of high temperatures in your home.

• Fabrics. Before the arrival of high temperatures, we recommend removing as many curtains and rugs as possible. The clearer our floors and windows are, the fresher we will feel.

☑️  Cooking time. The morning will certainly be the best time to prepare your dishes during hot seasons. Avoid using the oven as much as you can and follow recipes that can be enjoyed at room temperature or do not need to be reheated.

• Appliances, better at night. Some devices like dishwashers or washing machines release a lot of energy in the form of heat, so their use is not advisable during the hottest hours. When they are running, it's better to do so with the door closed.

• Plants. They are a natural and visually pleasant way to combat high temperatures indoors, as they absorb heat naturally. If you can use climbing plants, they will create a natural barrier against the sun.

Air post-treatment in a home or any other type of building can be as important as the original treatment. In fact, thanks to it, we can maintain ideal humidity levels and provide cold or heat to the interior. This is the reason why we will dedicate this article to it.

Both thermal losses and condensation are two real problems in ventilation ducts. They can lead to a decrease in system efficiency and higher energy consumption, as well as lower comfort. Fortunately, there are several systems that can help minimize their effects.

Humidity in the home is a problem that affects the building, the environment, and the health of its inhabitants. It occurs particularly in old constructions. What is the best method to combat it?