Controlled residential ventilation in winter, dry air, what can be done about it

Note: the enthalpy heat exchanger can usually not be added to the old (mostly crossflow) heat exchanger, but the existing one is replaced by this one. So you save money if you install it right from the start. Anyone who retrofits later buys 2 heat exchangers...

Well, as I said, at the moment I am rather disappointed with the controlled ventilation system; actually, it only works reasonably well during the transitional seasons so far.

Well, you know, it’s not just about the technology, but also how you use it! It’s generally known that controlled ventilation systems often produce (too) dry air in winter. That’s why you can retrofit an enthalpy heat exchanger. Or better yet, as mentioned here already, install one right away.

And who, pray tell, keeps the windows open all summer? Nobody! Because otherwise warm air gets inside the house. And that’s exactly what happens if your controlled ventilation system is running continuously. So use it intelligently and only run it at night in summer. You’re usually not at home much during the day in summer anyway. So you don’t need fresh air constantly. And if you are at home for a longer time, you just open a window the old-fashioned way.

Sorry for the harsh words. But the technology is not necessarily to blame for the problems. It always depends on how you use it.

In summer, the heat exchanger causes the house to warm up more slowly through ventilation than would be the case with window ventilation. And indeed, our house feels cooler than comparable properties without [Kontrollierte-Wohnraumlüftung] (of course, this only applies to our limited experience). And naturally, there is a limit: if it is very hot for weeks and remains warm at night, then with or without [Kontrollierte-Wohnraumlüftung], the house becomes as warm as outside. Then only active cooling helps (e.g., using an air conditioner).

From the beginning, we have had an "enthalpy heat exchanger" and currently (winter) relative humidity of about 45%.

After all, with controlled residential ventilation you even have the POSSIBILITY to use something like an enthalpy heat exchanger. Without controlled residential ventilation, we now also have between 27% and 32% humidity.

In the past (30 years ago) we had water containers on the radiators (google: "radiator humidifier evaporator ceramic"). Dry air is therefore not a new phenomenon, so your statement about [Kontrollierte-Wohnraumlüftung] is already correct.

Have an enthalpy heat exchanger and never below 40% humidity, meaning very comfortable. But also bought it right from the start. At 30% humidity, I would immediately bite the bullet and retrofit, even if it costs €1000. It is simply so much more pleasant....