Luftningar

Luftningar, or ventilation, refers to the deliberate exchange of indoor and outdoor air to control indoor air quality, humidity, and odors. The term covers both natural and mechanical methods of air movement and is used in building science, architecture, and occupational settings. Proper luftningar aims to maintain comfortable conditions while reducing the concentration of pollutants, moisture, and CO2.

Natural luftningar rely on pressure differences created by wind and thermal buoyancy to move air through openings such as windows, vents, and architectural gaps. Their effectiveness depends on weather, building layout, and occupancy patterns, and they can be intermittent or irregular in rate.

Mechanical luftningar use equipment to regulate air flow and quality more predictably. They are categorized as exhaust ventilation (removing indoor air and allowing some outdoor air to infiltrate), supply ventilation (bringing outdoor air in), and balanced ventilation (providing both supply and exhaust). Many modern systems include heat recovery or energy recovery facilities that transfer heat between incoming and outgoing air, improving energy efficiency while maintaining air exchange.

Applications span homes, offices, schools, and industrial facilities. Proper luftningar helps control humidity to prevent mold, reduces buildup of volatile organic compounds and other pollutants, and supports thermal comfort. Design choices consider space type, occupancy, climate, energy use, and maintenance requirements. Standards and guidance for ventilation design and performance vary by country and region, but common goals include ensuring adequate air exchanges, preventing stagnation, and sustaining indoor air quality without excessive energy loss.

In everyday Swedish usage, luftning also describes airing out a room or removing smells, such as opening windows or placing items outside to refresh indoor air.