He therefore regrets that moisture recovery still plays no major role in practice, although the technology has been available for some time. According to Müller, there are three technological approaches to moisture recovery: rotary heat exchangers recover not only heat but also moisture. Another possibility is ventilation units with heat pumps, and the third finally devices with an enthalpy heat exchanger.
Schnieders recommends ventilation units with moisture recovery only for large residential buildings with low occupancy. They could also make sense if heating is done via the supply air. Basically, one has to look closely: how many people occupy the building, how much moisture is produced. "It often turns out that moisture recovery is not needed. Usually it is enough to reduce the air volume flow somewhat to keep the humidity in the living area within reasonable limits," says the passive house expert.
Without proper maintenance and care, ventilation systems can become germ carriers instead of fresh air sources. Especially good filters, which are regularly changed, are important. ... Furthermore, it is often forgotten that in certain systems not only the supply air can cause health problems. This applies, for example, to moisture recovery systems. These transfer moisture from the exhaust air to the supply air to prevent the air in the apartment from becoming too dry in winter. However, germs can also be transferred from one air stream to the other – that is, from the exhaust air to the supply air – in this way. Therefore, filters should also clean the exhaust air. Schaaf even recommends using higher-quality filters for this purpose. "Most manufacturers still overlook this point," says Schaaf. The separation of supply and exhaust air also plays a role in heat recovery for hygienic reasons. Experts like Professor Ulrich Pfeiffenberger from the eponymous engineering company see the advantages of closed-loop systems (KVS) not only in the fact that these are basically the most effective solutions for heat recovery. Because supply and exhaust air streams are separated, no germs, pollutants or odors are transmitted either.
In the meantime, I have also read something about enthalpy heat exchangers. There are people who have problems with odor nuisance. Can anyone confirm this? Especially when cooking heavily, it spreads throughout the whole house. Even in the room with closed doors.
Are there any experiences with this here?