Mechanical Ventilation: advantages over other ventilation systems

Do you know the disadvantages of traditional ventilation (natural ventilation) and hybrid ventilation compared to current mechanical ventilation systems? Next, we explain the advantages of controlled double-flow mechanical ventilation systems.

When there is a need to ventilate a space, we have three options: to ventilate it naturally (without mechanical means), hybrid (air is introduced naturally and extracted mechanically), and mechanically (both input and extraction are done mechanically). However, not all offer the same benefits for occupants and the environment.

Natural Ventilation

Within natural ventilation, we find three types: unilateral natural ventilation, cross unilateral natural ventilation, and natural ventilation by thermal draft. Since it is impossible to keep windows and doors open all the time necessary to renew the indoor air of the rooms (the occupants' schedules and the need for energy efficiency prevent it), unilateral natural ventilation does not fully function. Therefore, this ventilation system does not prevent the problems of mold and fungi that excessive relative humidity, as a result of poor ventilation, brings.

The third type, natural ventilation by thermal draft, due to being subject to external weather conditions, is also ineffective. The principle on which this ventilation by thermal draft (Venturi effect) is based does not occur when there is thermal inversion or when air currents are insufficient to suction the air from the interior from the outer end of the duct.

Hybrid Ventilation

Although it shows better results than natural ventilation, it is an inefficient system from the energy perspective (the air entering from outside cannot be tempered) and insufficient from the comfort perspective of people (the volume of air and its humidity conditions cannot be controlled).

Mechanical Ventilation

It is the best ventilation system. Being a controlled system, it ensures a constant air renewal. Furthermore, it guarantees that the extraction and supply volume is the same, to avoid the discomfort that a pressure difference can cause on people's well-being.

How do I benefit from energy savings by installing a mechanical ventilation system in my home?

Controlled double-flow mechanical ventilation systems incorporate a heat exchanger capable of recovering the thermal energy from the extraction air. Thanks to this process of energy exchange between the outgoing and incoming air flow (the airs do not come into contact at any time to avoid the transmission of odors), we ensure that the air is supplied at a temperature of 21ºC, so no extra energy input is necessary to adapt it to the interior temperature. Additionally, due to the existence of probes responsible for adjusting the air humidity, the air supplied to the interior has the recommended relative humidity percentage (50-60%), regardless of the humidity of the outside air and whether or not there is thermal inversion.

In addition to the advantages related to the indoor air quality of your home, it is worth noting that the necessary airtightness required by a controlled mechanical ventilation system, to avoid energy losses, increases the quality of the indoor environment, making it an environment free from annoying noises from outside.