The airtight construction of a modular house is an advantage that has one inevitable consequence - without efficient air exchange, the building begins to accumulate moisture and CO₂. Recuperation, i.e. mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, solves this problem in a controlled and energy-efficient manner. Unlike gravity ventilation, it operates independently of the weather and chimney draught - the air exchange is continuous and predictable rather than random.
At Wascovilla we design modular house as a coherent system of partitions and installations. We combine skeleton and modular technology, which allows for high manufacturing accuracy and repeatable performance. In such a design, recuperation is an integral part of the system. Thus, it is not just an option to be purchased, but standard in every Wascovilla house, planned already at the project stage.
How does recuperation work in practice?
Recuperation is based on forced air circulation. Used air is removed from the rooms and replaced by fresh air after filtration. Both processes take place simultaneously and continuously, maintaining a balanced airflow throughout the building.
The heart of the system is the heat exchanger in the air handling unit. It transfers energy from the exhaust air to the supply air without mixing the streams. Thanks to this, modern recuperators recover up to 90% of heat from exhaust air. In practice, this means a constant exchange of air without any noticeable cooling of the rooms and real savings on heating.
The selection of a recuperation system for a specific building is not universal. A system works differently in a house for two people and in a building used by a larger family. As manufacturer of modular homes, w Wascovilla we take into account the area of the house, the layout of the rooms and how they are used. Only then does the installation work as intended.
The most important components of a ventilation system - what affects comfort and noise
Recuperation is a system of several components working together. Each of these influences the efficiency, noise level and comfort of the covering system:
- air handling unit with recuperator, which is responsible for air exchange and heat recovery,
- supply and exhaust duct system, which must be designed to reduce flow resistance and noise,
- air vents and grilles, which distribute the air and allow the flow rate to be adjusted,
- air filters, which trap dust, pollen and some dirt,
- control system, to match the intensity of the work to actual needs.
Mistakes at the design stage, such as duct diameters that are too small or the ventilation system is not properly laid out, translate later into noise and uneven ventilation. Therefore, recuperation installation project we treat with the same care as a construction project.
Recuperation in a modular home and control of humidity and air quality
Constant air exchange reduces the accumulation of moisture. This is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or bedrooms, where most moisture vapour is generated. Excess moisture does not settle on cooler surfaces, reducing the risk of condensation.
The filters in the recuperation unit also reduce the amount of dust and pollen entering the interior. This has practical relevance for allergy sufferers, especially during dusty periods - a house with recuperation does not need to open windows to maintain air quality.
At Wascovilla, we treat mechanical ventilation as intended - as part of everyday use. In addition house with recuperation does not require continuous ventilation. Air parameters remain predictable regardless of the season and external conditions.
Impact of recuperation on the building structure
Recuperation in a modular house not only affects the comfort of the occupants, but also the durability of the structure itself. Controlled moisture levels limit the dampness of the wall and roof layers. This is particularly important in diffusion-open partitions (such as those used in our prefabricated buildings), where moisture should be discharged in a controlled manner.
Lack of proper ventilation leads to moisture accumulation in the partitions. In the long term, this affects the properties of the insulation and construction materials. Therefore, the recuperation installation should be considered as a component working together with the whole structure - not as a separate finishing decision.
Recuperation in a modular house, i.e. prefabrication and precision workmanship
In traditional construction ventilation system is often adapted to the conditions found on site. Ducts shortened, routes altered, penetrations through partitions improvised. Each such change represents a potential thermal bridge or leak in the vapour barrier. Prefabrication technology eliminates this problem.
The combination of modular and frame technology gives greater control over the execution. The routing of ventilation ducts, bulkhead penetrations and seals are planned at the design stage and made in the factory, before the modules are transported to the plot. In this way, as manufacturer of modular homes We ensure that the entire installation in the finished house is in line with the design from start to finish, avoiding fitting components only on site.
Recuperation as part of the overall system
Recuperation works in conjunction with the partitions, joinery and heating system. An airtight external wall with a low U-value loses some of its value if the ventilation does not extract moisture in a controlled way. On the other hand, Even the best recuperation is no substitute for a well-insulated envelope.
W Wascovilla we design a modular home as a single layout. Recuperation is an integral part of it - a standard, not an option. As a result, the temperature and air quality remain predictable throughout the year, regardless of external conditions.
