Choosing the right ventilation control for your building can be a difficult decision. There are many different types out there, so it can be hard to know which one is going to work best for you and your needs. 

You need to take a close look at all the types of systems available and the different features. This is the only way to know what is right for you. 

Below you will find the most common types of ventilation systems to choose from when designing or renovating any space.

The best ventilation systems are those that can provide adequate airflow in any space where they are installed. There are several types of ventilation systems to choose from. Although some of them tend to stand out more than others. 

The most popular are mechanical ventilation, natural air ventilation, smoke ventilation, cross ventilation, stack ventilation, and trickle ventilation. The best system for your building is dependent on the size of the building, what you can afford, and the type of system that will work best for your building.

 

Mechanical Ventilation in Buildings

Mechanical ventilation is the most popular type of ventilation control because it’s more efficient than natural ventilation. Mechanical ventilators use power and electricity to supply outside air with help from a device called an ‘inverter.’ 

Some mechanical ventilators are ‘on-off’ and will either stop the flow of air or deliver it as needed, while others are on a timer. Some mechanical ventilators respond to changes in humidity or temperature. 

Mechanical air handling systems are versatile and they provide a number of different advantages. The most notable advantage is that this type of ventilating control provides for better interior air quality by bringing fresh air into the building. It also reduces the costs for heating and cooling by bringing in fresh air.

 

Natural Air Ventilation System

Natural air ventilation systems work by using the force of gravity to create airflow within the building. 

This type of ventilation control needs no energy input and is ideal when used in coastal regions where prevailing winds provide natural ventilation. Natural ventilation systems use vents, chimneys, open windows, or any other known sources of natural draft.

The main benefit of natural air ventilation systems is that it has no operational costs, which can be very beneficial for certain buildings like schools or churches. Such a system is also more environmentally friendly as the heat can be passively dissipated from the building, and there are fewer carbon emissions.

Examples of natural air ventilation systems are manual window openers and electric window openers. The team here at Rocburn can supply and fit manual and electric window openers near you, get in touch for a FREE quote today!

 

Smoke Ventilation System

Smoke ventilation is a different type of natural ventilation control that is useful in fire related emergencies. It can be installed on any type of commercial space and is often found in multi-occupancy buildings such as flats and apartment buildings.

Some smoke ventilation systems work by removing smoke from the building with the help of an extraction fan. Smoke ventilation is the only type of system that requires a single-direction exhaust. 

Natural smoke ventilation systems are installed along main fire escape routes to combat smoke build up in the event of a fire, keeping escape routes as clear as possible.

The benefits of smoke ventilation systems are that they can work in a variety of occupancies. They operate separately, or in conjunction with, fire alarm systems, often being triggered alongside the fire alarm itself.

Smoke ventilation systems are ideal for many buildings, providing a safer passage for emergency exits in the event of emergencies. In some buildings, it can be detrimental not to have this kind of system installed. This may be due to the type of work done in the building, the building’s size, and age.

 

Cross Ventilation System

Cross ventilation systems are a passive type of ventilation control that relies on natural wind, air current, or buoyancy to generate airflow within the building. It can be used in coastal regions and open spaces.

Cross ventilation is a type of ventilation that has airflow in one direction. This type of ventilation system can be placed in any room and any building. 

The benefits of cross ventilation are that it doesn’t require much maintenance because there isn’t any complicated machinery, and the system also provides for natural cooling through airflow.

Manual or electric window openers can be used for cross ventilation in instances where windows are in hard-to-reach places. If you need window openers installed to simplify the operation of your cross ventilation system, get in touch with our team to learn more about what we can do for you!

 

Stack Ventilation System

Stack ventilation systems are a type of passive ventilator control that relies on the stack effect. The stack effect is the result of hot air being lighter than cold air and rising to the top. 

Stack ventilation works by using vents, chimneys, or openings on the roof that allow hot air to rise and create airflow within the building. They’re typically used when there’s not an abundance of natural wind available.

The main benefits of a stack ventilation system are that it doesn’t require any vents or ducts, it provides for natural cooling as well as the ability to reflect heat.

Window openers are a great option for use in stack ventilation systems. For example; in rooms with high ceilings and windows lining the lower and higher perimeter, manual or electric actuators can be fitted to allow for cold air to enter through the lower windows, with hot air escaping from the windows at a higher elevation. If you would like more information on how window openers can be used for your stack ventilation system, contact the specialists at Rocburn today!

 

Trickle Ventilation System

Trickle Ventilation is a passive type of ventilation control that relies on the effect of air pressure to create airflow within the building. 

Trickle vents are very tiny openings in windows. These small openings allow tiny amounts of air to move from one side of your window to the next. They work by allowing wind to flow through them and creating air circulation when there isn’t any natural wind available.

The main benefits of this ventilation system are that it gives a relatively even distribution of air and it is capable of providing fresh air to every corner of the building.

Trickle ventilation is typically supplied and installed built into windows and window frames.

 

FAQS

How Does Cross Ventilation Work?

Cross ventilation is a type of ventilation where the air flows in one direction through an open window. There is also an outlet that forces warm air on the interior of a building outside usually through a vent in the roof or a high window opening.

Why Is Ventilation Important?

Ventilation is important because it provides a way for your building to maintain healthy air quality. Ventilation systems release heat and stale air from inside a building while also replacing it with fresh air.

What Do I Need To Know About Smoke Ventilation Building Regulations?

Building codes often set out several regulations about how smoke ventilation systems should work, where they should be placed, the legal minimum requirements and why they should be used. 

The specifics are outlined in The Building Regulations “Approved Document B” volume 1 & 2, providing a deep insight into what is expected for fire safety in dwellings and other types of buildings.

 

What Are The Building Regulations Requirements For Trickle Ventilation?

Trickle ventilators are not mandatory. They are only mandatory if the windows on the building already have them. 

If you are replacing ventilators they must not have smaller openings than the ones that are already installed. There must be one window in every room that can be used as an exit. 

Please refer to the aforementioned Building Regulations Approved Document B volumes for legal requirements.

How to Use Mechanical Ventilators?

Industrial buildings produce a lot of waste heat. A mechanical ventilator is usually installed at the back of the building and sucks in fresh air from outside while pushing out the bad air. The fresh outside air flows through ducts, causing high pressure on one side of the building and low pressure on the other. 

Consequently, all the hot and dirty air is forced out gradually through an exhaust stack to make space for any additional hot, dirty air to enter and be forced out. This creates a cycle of airflow. Mechanical ventilators can be very expensive to install, but they are worth it because they reduce cooling costs significantly so you will recoup the costs.

Looking for Help With Your Ventilation Give Window Openers a Call Today! 

We understand that there is a lot to consider when you are trying to decide on the correct ventilation system for any building. It is best to take a close look at your wants and needs as well as what you can afford. Our team of experts are ready to assist you with making the right purchasing choice for your ventilation system.

 

We supply and install a wide assortment of manual window openers and electric window actuators that allow for effective utilisation of windows for ventilation purposes. Whether your windows are hard to reach and require a solution for ease of use, or if you would like to automate your windows on a timer for optimal ventilation, Rocburn is the best choice!

 

Get in touch with our team today to discuss the various types of window openers that we supply and to obtain a FREE quote

 

Want to know more?

If you want help choosing the right product or solution, our technical sales staff are here to help.

Why not call us today on 01702 826 267 or click below to submit an enquiry.

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