Five tips for a properly functioning WTW ventilation system

A lot can go wrong when installing and adjusting ventilation systems with heat recovery. This is unfortunate, because then such a system does not function optimally. Here are five tips to ensure a properly functioning ventilation system.

1. Install silencers

Never forget to install silencers, and only then regulate the system. Regulations stipulate that the noise of a ventilation system in an occupied space must not exceed 30 dB. If you regulate a ventilation system without silencers, it is difficult to meet that standard.

Do make sure that the silencer sits nice and straight in the tube. If it is "stuck" in a bend, it creates air resistance and creates more noise than necessary.

2. Choose a dry siphon

Forget the standard siphon; opt for a dry siphon. Place it on the return air side and not near the supply air. This prevents any condensation water that is extracted with the air from the house from staying in the HRS unit. If you don't, leakage can occur. This usually happens in the winter, and it can take a while to figure out what's going on. A properly installed dry siphon prevents that from happening.

3. Start balancing at the ventilation unit

Adjusting the ventilation system should start at the ventilation unit. In doing so, open all the valves. Do you know in advance what the air volume of a home may be, but the measurement comes out higher? Then screw the flow rate back on the ventilation unit. This is pleasant for the resident/user and results in considerable energy savings.

Do not do this: close the air valves immediately after the measurement in order to arrive at the desired number. This will not reduce the flow rate. This method only creates a lot of noise and drafts, because the ventilation unit has to work very hard to blow the air through the choked valves.

4. Pay attention to air resistance

The higher the air resistance, the harder the ventilation unit has to run. This creates more noise than necessary, and also increases energy consumption. The number of turns affects air resistance: the more turns, the greater it is. So don't create more bends than necessary; always choose the shortest route for air intake and extraction. The bends that are still frequently used also cause high air resistance. Install smooth bends that allow air to flow smoothly.

5. Keep channels clean

Is a ventilation system properly installed and adjusted? Then periodic maintenance is necessary to keep the system clean. Dirt in the ducts causes air resistance, which lowers the flow rate. This is bad for the air quality in the room. After each maintenance, the ventilation system must be recalibrated.

Especially with a system with balanced ventilation, regular maintenance is important because the quality of that type of system is based on the correct balance of air flows.
Be sure to replace the valves in exactly the same position after cleaning. If necessary, apply a mark to determine the position.