The houses RT 2012, rhyme with energy performance. Waterproof and well insulated, these houses keep the heat longer. But be careful not to neglect the indoor air quality or IAQ !!!
Insulate without trapping pollutants!
Mites, mould, pollen, COV (volatile organic compounds), the air in our homes is loaded with not-so-harmless particles. Allergens, substance carcinogenic sometimes indoor air is 5 times more polluted than outdoor air according to theindoor air quality observatory.
Added to this is the CO2 emitted by the breathing of the inhabitants as well as the water vapor resulting from various human activities (taking a shower, hanging out clothes, cooking, etc.).
To maintain healthy air, only one solution: ventilation. In the old houses the air was naturally renewed by openings in the doors and windows. If the system works well, it causes high heat losses. To save energy, RT2012 houses must control the airflows in the house. Airtightness is thus imposed by thermal regulations and air renewal is ensured by mechanical ventilation.
VMC for optimal indoor air quality
A VMC ensures constant air flows, independent of the orientation of the building and the climatic conditions. The air enters through the living rooms to come out through the service rooms where excess humidity and bad odors come from. It brews during this time the whole housing. Today, two systems have imposed themselves in new houses, because they limit as much as possible the heat losses linked to the renewal of the air.
The hygroadjustable single-flow CMV
The hygro-adjustable single-flow VMC draws in the air from the house in the service rooms and discharges it outside. Thanks to extraction vents and/or air inlets, which open according to the degree of humidity of the accommodation, it lives to the rhythm of the inhabitants. The more water vapor they emit, the greater the air renewal. No need to waste energy.
If this solution is ideal for evacuating water and CO2, it is on the other hand less effective in limiting the concentration of pollutants (VOC), emitted by paints, solvents from household products, etc. which are totally independent of the presence of the occupants.
Double flow CMV: respiratory assistance for the home
In this system, both air inlets and outlets are controlled. In addition, a heat exchanger transfers the calories from the outgoing air to the incoming air, which further limits energy losses. Finally, the comfort is optimum since there is no feeling of a cold draft. Air renewal and indoor air quality are also optimized. On the other hand, the cost of this device is rather high and its maintenance must be meticulous.
For good air quality, maintain ventilation
Ventilation is therefore essential to the good health of a home and its occupants. Remember to check its operation regularly. Also, dust regularly air inlets et extraction vents so that they are never clogged. Finally, filters are fitted to the double-flow VMCs. Their role is to trap pollen and dust mites before they enter the home. Very useful for sanitizing the home, they must however be changed very regularly or risk altering the proper functioning of the device.
Some advice from the Ministry of Solidarity and Health on indoor air quality here.
