Ilmanvaihtolämmitys

Ilmanvaihtolämmitys is a Finnish term referring to a heating system that utilizes ventilation air. In this system, the fresh air brought into a building for ventilation purposes is also used as a medium for heating. This means that the incoming outdoor air is preheated before being distributed throughout the building. The primary purpose is to provide both ventilation and heating simultaneously using the same air stream.

The concept relies on recovering heat from exhaust air or using a separate heat source to warm the fresh intake air. This can be achieved through various heat exchangers, such as rotary heat exchangers or plate heat exchangers, which transfer heat from the outgoing stale air to the incoming fresh air. In some cases, the ventilation air may be further heated by a supplementary heating coil if the recovered heat is insufficient to meet the desired indoor temperature.

Ilmanvaihtolämmitys systems are often integrated into mechanical ventilation units, commonly found in modern residential and commercial buildings. They contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for separate heating systems and by utilizing waste heat. The efficiency of the system is dependent on factors like the effectiveness of the heat recovery unit, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air, and the building's insulation. Proper design and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and to prevent issues like drafts or inadequate heating.