Raumluftwechsel

Raumluftwechsel, also known as air exchange or ventilation, refers to the process of replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. The primary purpose of Raumluftwechsel is to remove pollutants such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), moisture, and odors that accumulate within a building. Insufficient Raumluftwechsel can lead to poor air quality, contributing to health issues like headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems.

There are two main types of Raumluftwechsel: natural and mechanical. Natural Raumluftwechsel occurs through unintentional air leakage through cracks and openings in the building envelope, as well as through intentional ventilation via open windows and doors. This method is often less controlled and can be affected by weather conditions. Mechanical Raumluftwechsel, on the other hand, utilizes fans and ventilation systems to actively exchange indoor and outdoor air. This can range from simple exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to more complex whole-house ventilation systems, including heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which pre-condition the incoming fresh air using the energy from the outgoing stale air. The rate of Raumluftwechsel is typically measured in air changes per hour (ACH). Building codes and standards often specify minimum requirements for Raumluftwechsel to ensure adequate indoor air quality and occupant comfort.