How do the ventilation devices work and how can we manage them?

When talking about ventilation units many people first think of a regular fan. Although the fan is one of the main components of a ventilation unit, the latter comprises several other components that improve its operation.

The main tasks of a ventilation unit are to provide fresh indoor air, and to minimise heat losses that occur as a result of air exchange. To be able to meet both tasks the unit must include instruments, capable of measuring e.g. the content of dangerous particles, CO2, air temperature and humidity, as well as other parameters. This is why the units are often fitted with operational sensors and detectors that underpin the units’ protocols or “the brain” (i.e. instructions for unit’s operation). The most common sensors in ventilation units include temperature and humidity sensors, although they are not always included in standard equipment. Other sensors and detectors are usually optional (e.g. CO2, VOC (volatile organic compound), radon and other detectors). In accordance with its protocols, the unit automatically adjusts its operation based on the data received from sensors (in case of automatic operation mode), or warns the user about the changed level or, sometimes, content of specific substances that could pose a health risk.

There are several ways to control a ventilation unit. The control mode of central ventilation systems is usually not as important as that of local ventilation systems, where units are arranged around the premises for this very reason: to supply a specific volume of air with specific properties into each room, according to user’s needs. The various control options are definitely an advantage, as each individual unit can be controlled separately.

Some manufacturers provide a wall control interface. However, if the ventilation and control unit cannot communicate over Bluetooth, you need to install cables and wiring from the unit to the location of the control interface, ultimately incurring additional costs. On the other hand, you can control the ventilation unit by remote control via an IR (infrared) sensor – in this case no cables or wiring are needed, as you can remotely control the ventilation unit from the comfort of your couch. The control modes of the future include control via a WiFi connection, smart interfaces or voice control, when these features become integrated in central smart home applications.