Luftvekslinger

Luftvekslinger, often translated as air exchange or ventilation, refers to the process of replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This exchange is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. It helps to remove pollutants such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), moisture, and odors that accumulate over time.

There are several ways luftvekslinger can occur. Natural ventilation relies on passive processes like opening windows and doors, or through infiltration, where air leaks through unintentional gaps in the building envelope. Mechanical ventilation, on the other hand, uses fans and ductwork to actively control the flow of air. This can include exhaust ventilation, which removes air from specific areas like bathrooms and kitchens, or supply ventilation, which brings fresh air into the building. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are advanced systems that provide mechanical ventilation while also transferring heat or both heat and moisture between the outgoing and incoming air streams, thus improving energy efficiency.

Adequate luftvekslinger is vital for preventing issues like mold growth, condensation, and the buildup of harmful gases, contributing to a more comfortable and healthy living or working environment. Building codes and standards often specify minimum requirements for air exchange rates to ensure adequate indoor air quality.