beluchten

Beluchten is a Dutch verb meaning to ventilate or to aerate a space, i.e., to introduce fresh outdoor air and replace indoor air. The practice aims to improve indoor air quality, remove pollutants, moisture, odors and CO2, and contribute to occupant comfort and health. Beluchten can occur naturally or by means of mechanical systems.

Natural beluchten relies on openings such as windows, doors or vents, and on airflow driven by wind, temperature differences, or architectural features that create cross-ventilation or stack effects. Mechanical beluchten uses equipment like exhaust fans, supply fans, or balanced ventilation systems. In modern buildings, systems with heat recovery (often called WTW or HRV) are common to maintain air exchange while reducing energy loss.

In building practice, beluchten must balance air quality with energy efficiency. Inadequate beluchten can lead to dampness, mold growth, odors and stale air, while excessive or poorly controlled ventilation can cause drafts and wasted energy. Therefore building codes, standards and guidelines specify minimum ventilation rates and methods for assessing performance. In the Netherlands, beluchten is integrated into design and regulation, with emphasis on airtight construction paired with controlled ventilation to ensure adequate air exchange without unnecessary energy use.

Performance is typically described by metrics such as air changes per hour (ACH) or outdoor air flow per person or area. Rates are chosen based on occupancy, activity, climate, and contaminant sources, and are validated through testing or commissioning of the ventilation system.

See also: ventilation, indoor air quality, HVAC, heat recovery ventilation. Etymology: from lucht (air) plus -en, forming a verb meaning to air or ventilate.