Introduction and Company Information

This document is published by profine GmbH, TROCAL Profilsysteme, a company specializing in window profile systems. It highlights the importance of fresh air and ventilation in modern, well-insulated buildings and introduces TROCAL's ventilation solutions.

1. Importance of Air and Ventilation

Modern buildings are highly insulated and sealed to minimize heat loss, which reduces natural ventilation. This can lead to increased indoor humidity, promoting mold growth and damaging building fabric. Proper ventilation balances fresh air supply with minimal heat loss, ensuring a healthy indoor climate and sustainable energy consumption.

2. Healthy Quantity of Fresh Air

Effective ventilation is essential for maintaining indoor air quality. The optimal air exchange depends on factors such as weather, window position, and building design. The document provides basic rules and tips aligned with current standards to achieve ecological and cost-effective ventilation.

3. Challenges of Cooling and Humidity

When indoor temperatures drop, especially during heating periods or when radiators are turned down, air holds less moisture, causing condensation. Modern airtight windows prevent moisture escape, increasing the risk of dampness. For example, air at 20 °C can hold 17.3 g/m³ of water vapor, but at 0 °C only 5 g/m³, causing condensation of 12.3 g/m³ when cooled.

4. Indoor Climate Comfort Parameters

Comfortable indoor relative humidity ranges from 40% to 65%. Everyday activities increase humidity through water vapor from appliances, human and animal respiration, and plants. The document includes a graph showing water content of air at various temperatures and highlights the comfort zone.

5. Ventilation Tips and Technologies

Ventilation must supply fresh air and reduce humidity without wasting energy. TROCAL recommends using window rebate ventilators integrated invisibly into window frames. These ventilators regulate airflow automatically, preventing drafts and adjusting to wind pressure.

It is noted that to match the heat loss of old windows, a modern window would need a hole the size of a tennis ball, illustrating the importance of controlled ventilation.

6. Types of Ventilation Systems

• Free Ventilation: Natural airflow through open windows or ventilation elements, driven by pressure differences and shaft ventilation.
• Forced Ventilation: Mechanical extraction of indoor air combined with fresh air supply through window-integrated elements, often used in passive houses with heat recovery.

7. Prevention of Condensation and Mold

The document explains the dew point concept: the temperature at which air reaches 100% relative humidity and moisture condenses. For example, at 20 °C and 50% humidity, the dew point is 9.3 °C. If indoor surfaces fall below 12.6 °C, mold risk increases. Proper ventilation stages per DIN 1946-6 standard are described:

• Ventilation for moisture protection: User-independent mode to protect building fabric during absences.
• Minimum ventilation: Maintains fresh air supply during short absences.
• Basic ventilation: Ensures hygiene and building integrity during absence.
• Intensive ventilation: Used during peak load times (e.g., after gatherings).

8. Relevant Standards and Regulations

DIN 1946-6 applies to free and forced ventilation in residential and similar buildings. A ventilation concept is required when more than one-third of windows or roof area are replaced or sealed. DIN 18017-3 covers ventilation of windowless rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

9. Indoor Air Constituents Beyond Humidity

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Indicator of indoor air quality; normal occupancy does not require ventilation solely for CO2 reduction.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Dangerous in rooms with open hearths due to incomplete combustion; odorless and hazardous.
• Oxygen: Normal air contains ~20%; deficiency causes fatigue and concentration loss, requiring periodic ventilation.
• Odors and Suspended Particles: Detectable indicators of poor air quality prompting ventilation.

10. Meteorological Factors Affecting Ventilation

Wind direction and pressure differences around buildings influence ventilation effectiveness. Opening windows on windward and leeward sides can optimize airflow. Proper combustion air supply is mandatory for open hearths, complying with legal regulations.

11. TROCAL Ventilation Systems

TROCAL offers advanced ventilation solutions such as the AirMatic system, suitable for homes with infrequent occupancy (e.g., holiday homes). These systems provide continuous fresh air supply without active ventilation, preventing drafts and energy loss. The AirMatic elements are integrated invisibly into window frames and automatically adjust to wind pressure, sealing when necessary. They are also suitable for retrofitting existing windows.

Summary of Critical Information and Best Practices

• Maintain indoor relative humidity between 40-65% to ensure comfort and prevent mold.
• Adapt ventilation behavior when upgrading to airtight, energy-efficient windows to avoid moisture buildup.
• Use integrated window ventilation elements to balance fresh air supply and energy efficiency.
• Follow DIN 1946-6 and DIN 18017-3 standards for ventilation design and implementation.
• Consider meteorological conditions and building layout to optimize natural ventilation.
• Ensure adequate combustion air supply for open hearths to prevent carbon monoxide hazards.
• Utilize TROCAL AirMatic systems for continuous, controlled ventilation without energy waste or drafts.