VMC: Why Ventilation is Essential for Your Savings
Paradoxically, ventilating allows heating better. A humid house is much more difficult to heat than a dry house. Discover the key role of VMC.
Recommended Materials
- Cloth
- Soapy water
- Stepladder
Steps to follow
Step 1
The VMC (Controlled Mechanical Ventilation) evacuates stale and humid air from water rooms (kitchen, bath, WC) and brings in fresh air through window grilles in living rooms.
Step 2
Why is it economical? Air laden with humidity requires much more energy to be heated than dry air. Moreover, humidity creates a sensation of cold (cold wall) which pushes you to turn up the thermostat.
Step 3
Never block air inlets! This is the classic mistake. By blocking vents, humidity accumulates, mold appears, and air quality degrades (CO2, indoor pollutants).
Step 4
Maintain your VMC: clean extraction vents (on the ceiling) every 3 months with soapy water. They clog quickly with greasy dust, which reduces flow and forces the motor.
Step 5
If you can, opt for a Humidity-controlled VMC (type B). It adapts air flow automatically according to humidity. If no one is there or if the air is dry, it ventilates to the minimum so as not to throw calories out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The VMC makes noise, can I turn it off at night ?
No, the VMC must run 24/7. If it is noisy, it may be a motor bearing problem, a poorly fixed duct or clogged vents.
What is double flow VMC ?
It is a system that recovers heat from outgoing stale air to preheat incoming fresh air. It is very effective for energy savings but more expensive and complex to install (requires two duct networks).
Precautions
- Cut the VMC power before cleaning the motor (in the attic).
- Check that ducts are not crushed or disconnected in the attic.
