Controlled Mechanical Ventilation: Your Invisible Ally for a Healthy Indoor Environment

We live in a world where we spend more than 90% of our time indoors. According to an AIMC study, we spend about 15 hours a day in our homes, which represents 62.3% of our daily time. If we add up the hours we spend in enclosed workplaces, transport and leisure spaces, this percentage rises to 90%. This has led us to be labelled the "indoor generation", a title that reflects the growing trend of spending most of our time indoors, with limited exposure to natural light and fresh air.

This change in our lifestyle has major implications for our health, as 77% of the Spanish population are unaware that the air inside their homes can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. Furthermore, we are sometimes unaware of how many everyday activities generate pollution in our indoor spaces, such as cooking, cleaning, showering, sleeping or even having pets and plants. After all, we ultimately create an artificial environment which, in the absence of proper ventilation, can be harmful to our health.

There is even a term for this: "building-related illness" and "sick building syndrome". The World Health Organisation defines it as the set of discomforts and illnesses that a building causes in its occupants, originating in the materials that make up the building or in its environment.

It is in this context that Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) becomes an essential ally in combating these problems. CMV ensures a constant flow of fresh air and eliminates humidity and pollutants, creating a healthier environment for its occupants.

CMV is a ventilation system that uses fans to control both the supply of fresh air and the removal of stale air from an enclosed environment, such as your home or office. This ensures a constant flow of fresh air, regardless of weather conditions or indoor activities.

One of the most notable benefits of the CMV is its ability to improve indoor air quality. It removes pollutants such as dust, allergens, unpleasant odours, CO2 and other harmful gases, and excessive humidity. This not only creates a more comfortable and healthier environment, but can also prevent long-term health problems such as allergies and respiratory problems.

It is important to emphasise that energy savings, especially through the heat exchanger, is an additional benefit that some CMV systems offer. The heat exchanger recovers heat from the stale air being extracted and transfers it to the fresh air being introduced, resulting in a more efficient use of energy. However, not all CMV systems include this feature, so it is crucial to select the right one for your specific needs.

To make the most of the benefits of CMV, professional installers are essential. They will assess the specifics of your home or office and help you select the most suitable CMV system. They will also take care of installation and regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance over time.

In short, investing in a CMV is an investment in health and well-being, as well as in the energy efficiency of the indoor environment.