Ventilatsiooni

Ventilatsiooni is a term used to describe the process of air exchange within a building or space. It encompasses both natural and mechanical methods of introducing fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air. This exchange is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality, which directly impacts occupant health, comfort, and productivity.

Natural ventilation relies on passive forces like wind pressure and the stack effect (the tendency for warm air to rise) to move air. Operable windows, doors, and vents allow for natural air circulation. While simple and energy-efficient, natural ventilation can be inconsistent and may not provide adequate air exchange in all conditions or for specific building types.

Mechanical ventilation, on the other hand, uses fans and ductwork to actively control airflow. This can include exhaust ventilation, which removes air from specific areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or supply ventilation, which brings fresh air into the building. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are advanced mechanical systems that pre-condition incoming fresh air using the energy from outgoing stale air, thereby saving energy.

Effective ventilation helps to remove pollutants such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and moisture, preventing issues like condensation, mold growth, and the sick building syndrome. The design and implementation of ventilation systems are often governed by building codes and standards to ensure appropriate air change rates for different occupancy levels and building uses.