Central ventilation systems in residential construction
How do central ventilation systems with heat recovery work?
A central ventilation system with heat recovery ensures a continuous supply of fresh air throughout the building – regardless of weather conditions. At its heart is a ventilation unit that operates using EC fans and a highly efficient rotary heat exchanger. This transfers thermal energy from the exhaust air to the supply air, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate – whether in residential buildings, offices, or public facilities such as schools or daycare centers.
These central ventilation systems distribute air via a central air distribution system, efficiently ventilating the living area. The air flows are controlled via supply air rooms (living room and bedrooms) and exhaust air rooms (kitchen, bathroom). Some central ventilation units, such as the Centra from inVENTer, have a fifth connection that is specially designed for rooms with only exhaust air (e.g., guest bathrooms).
A major advantage of this ventilation system is that only two core holes need to be drilled – for outside air and exhaust air. This means that central ventilation systems can also be retrofitted in existing buildings with minimal construction work. The central unit is ideally connected in a utility room or storage room, where it draws in fresh air and expels stale air. From there, it ventilates the entire living area via the air distribution system.
Central ventilation systems in residential buildingsAre they also useful in single-family homes?
Yes, central residential ventilation is a particularly efficient method of ventilating enclosed spaces—especially when the air exchange is adapted to individual needs and seasonal or daily fluctuations. Effective control of the indoor climate ensures a healthy environment for residents while maximizing the building’s energy efficiency.
A central residential ventilation system with heat recovery is not only comfortable, but also actively protects against mold, moisture damage, and poor air quality. Without controlled ventilation, there is a risk of high humidity, mold growth, and health risks such as allergies or sick building syndrome. Conventional window ventilation is therefore considered inefficient and allows heat to escape while pollen, noise, and pollutants enter.
Centralized and decentralized ventilation systems differ primarily in their design and the way in which air is distributed throughout the building. In centralized systems, air is distributed via a duct system that supplies individual rooms with fresh air and removes exhaust air. Decentralized systems, on the other hand, work on a room-by-room basis and are installed directly in the exterior wall. Especially in a single-family home, it is an investment in living comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Even small central ventilation systems with heat recovery can be integrated into utility rooms or ceilings of a residential building to save space and can contribute to healthy indoor air.
How central living space ventilation works with Centra
The Centra ventilation unit with heat recovery operates with two powerful fans that regulate air exchange via supply and exhaust air flow. Filtered fresh air is fed into the interior via the supply air rooms, while stale air is simultaneously discharged to the outside via the exhaust air rooms.
An integrated rotary heat and moisture exchanger heats the incoming fresh air using the outgoing exhaust air—especially in the cold winter months—and recovers moisture. This preserves a large portion of the valuable heat energy and maintains a balanced humidity level in the building. Depending on the system, the heat recovery rate can reach up to 82%.
Centra from inVENTer is a powerful and flexible ventilation system that ensures an appropriate indoor climate in accordance with DIN EN 16798-1. The compact device is suitable for both new buildings and retrofitting and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
Did you know?
The pleasant summer night cooling function of central ventilation systems with heat recovery ensures a comfortable temperature in the morning by intensively cooling the interior with cool, fresh outside air. Thanks to modern sensor technology such as CO₂, humidity, and temperature sensors, as well as additional external interfaces, the indoor climate can be precisely monitored and controlled as needed—for a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient living environment.
What are the advantages of central ventilation units?This is Centra from inVENTer!
Energy efficient
The rotary heat exchanger prevents freezing at low outside temperatures, which means that the preheating coil typically found in central ventilation systems is not required. In addition, no condensate connection is necessary.
Quiet & unobtrusive
The individual components are aerodynamically coordinated. In addition to the mineral wool-insulated housing, this primarily includes balanced EC fans, which ensure a low noise level.
Healthier indoor climate
The system ensures constant air exchange, removes pollutants, dust, odors, and moisture, contributing to a healthy indoor climate.
Flexible installation
The Centra portfolio offers variants for various requirements—from small residential units to large rooms—and can be flexibly installed as a ceiling, wall, or floor variant.
Tip for service & accessories:
The cloud-based app makes controlling residential ventilation with Centra ventilation units even easier. The application includes all the functions of the Centra Comfort control panel and enables clear device control. Additional accessories such as filters and sensors complement the system perfectly.
Central ventilation with heat recovery from inVENTerOur portfolio at a glance
Centra 150
Zentrale Belüftung bis 233 m³/h
Centra 200
Zentrale Belüftung bis 233 m³/h
Centra 250
Zentrale Belüftung bis 250 m³/h
Centra 400
Zentrales Lüftungsgerät bis 438 m³/h
Centra 1000
Gewerbelüftung mit bis zu 995 m³/h
The advantages of the rotary heat exchanger
The efficient rotary heat exchanger is the heart of every central system. The heat exchanger installed in the unit not only has a high thermal efficiency, but also optimizes the exchange of moisture in the air. The so-called heat wheel rotates between the supply and exhaust air, causing the exhaust air to transfer its heat to the storage mass. The heated half of the wheel transfers the heat to the incoming fresh air before it is fed into the building. Thanks to the rotary heat exchanger, a preheating coil is not necessary.
Planning a central ventilation systemHow does planning central ventilation with inVENTer work?
Would you like to learn more about central ventilation solutions? To create a customized ventilation concept, we first need a floor plan of the building. inVENTer will then prepare a free planning proposal tailored to the specific features of your property.
The design of the system depends on:
- the floor space to be ventilated
- the number and use of rooms
- the occupancy density (number of residents)
For detailed information and contact details, please contact a contact person in your area.
What are the requirements for a central ventilation system?
In order for central ventilation systems to operate efficiently and reliably in the long term, the following conditions should be met:
Building physics requirements
The structural conditions—e.g., available room sizes, intended use, and condition of the building fabric—must be suitable for installation.
Installation space and accessibility
Sufficient space is required for the ventilation unit, air ducts, and filters. Unobstructed access for maintenance and repair must be ensured—ideally in a utility room.
Installation locations
Depending on the structural conditions, ceiling, wall, or floor mounting is possible.
air distribution system
Suitable connections for the supply and exhaust air ducts are necessary to enable even air distribution.
Electrical supply
A 230 V power connection is required.
Official approvals
Depending on the construction project, permits may be required.
The 6 key planning criteria at a glance
Geographical features
The location of the building is classified according to wind conditions using the postal code. This helps to determine the optimal placement of the outside air vents.
Thermal insulation and number of stories
The construction and insulation influence the required air volumes and the selection of suitable device types.
occupancy density
The more people live in the household, the higher the moisture loads – an important factor for dimensioning the central ventilation system.
Natural air circulation
Facade orientation, wind direction, and wind speed influence efficiency. A clever arrangement improves overall performance.
Size and use of the residential unit
The number and function of rooms (e.g., living rooms, interior bathrooms, guest WCs) determine the design of the system.
Building airtightness (n50 value)
This value measures airtightness and is crucial for calculating uncontrolled air flows.
Can a central ventilation system be retrofitted?
Yes, central ventilation units with heat recovery can also be integrated into existing buildings. The air distribution system can be retrofitted into the room concept—only two wall openings are required for outside air and exhaust air.
After analyzing the building structure, a wide range of integration options are possible. If the room is high enough, parts of the pipe distribution system can be concealed in suspended ceilings. In the case of core renovations, it is also possible to lay the pipes in the floor – then only the ventilation valves are visible. Centra ventilation units are available in two versions: for ceiling or wall/floor mounting. Both have a rotary heat exchanger for effective heat recovery. The pre-wired units enable quick plug-and-play commissioning.
How much maintenance is required for central ventilation systems?
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-term, flawless operation and high efficiency. Users should check the filters approximately every three months and replace them if necessary. Filters should be replaced and the ventilation unit dusted at least every six months.
Service teams take care of more extensive work such as replacing rotor belts or brushes and cleaning the impeller and fan unit. Depending on local conditions and air quality, an individual maintenance plan may be necessary.
FAQs about central ventilationFrequently asked questions about central ventilation systems
Which inVENTer products are suitable for central ventilation with heat recovery?
The central residential ventilation system with heat recovery from inVENTer is based on the Centra series. This series includes various device variants for different requirements—from compact use in micro-apartments to ventilation of school rooms or commercial units.
The following models are available:
- Centra 150 – for smaller residential units up to 154 m³/h
- Centra 200 – for medium-sized living spaces up to 233 m³/h
- Centra 250 – with an air flow rate of up to 250 m³/h
- Centra 400 – for larger units up to 438 m³/h
- Centra 1000 – for large residential and commercial units up to 995 m³/h
What type of installation are the central devices suitable for?
The devices can be flexibly mounted on walls, ceilings, or floors.
What are the advantages of a central ventilation system over a decentralized ventilation system?
Central ventilation systems provide continuous air exchange and thus contribute to a healthy indoor climate by removing pollutants, dust, odors, and moisture. The use of a rotary heat exchanger eliminates the need for a preheating coil and a condensate connection. Aerodynamically tuned components, such as low-noise EC fans and a well-insulated housing, ensure quiet operation. In addition, different designs allow for flexible installation in different room sizes and usage scenarios.
How much energy can I save with a central ventilation system with heat recovery?
All Centra models feature an integrated rotary heat exchanger for highly efficient heat and humidity recovery with up to 82% efficiency.
How loud are central ventilation systems when in operation?
Today’s ventilation units operate very quietly and are barely noticeable in living areas. Aerodynamically optimized EC fans and mineral wool-insulated housings ensure minimal operating noise levels of less than 35 dB(A) – equivalent to a quiet whisper. The central positioning of the ventilation units in adjoining rooms or basements also contributes to noise reduction.
If you still notice noise, there may be various causes: dirty filters, unbalanced fans, or vibrations due to improper installation.
How often do filters and accessories need to be replaced?
The maintenance intervals for filters and accessories depend on various factors. As a general rule, filters should be checked every 3-6 months and replaced if necessary. In areas with higher air pollution, pollen levels, or in households with pets, shorter intervals may be necessary.
Maintenance schedule for central ventilation systems:
- Filters: Check and replace every 3-6 months
- Outdoor air grilles: Remove leaves and dirt every six months
- Ventilation unit: Annual inspection and cleaning
- Air ducts: Professional cleaning every 3-5 years
- Sensors: Annual calibration for optimal function
Dirty filters not only reduce air quality, but also the efficiency of the entire ventilation system.
How much does a central ventilation system with heat recovery cost?
The costs for central ventilation systems vary considerably depending on the size of the building, the ventilation unit selected, and the installation costs. They must therefore always be calculated individually and based on the specific application.
Do central ventilation systems consume a lot of electricity?
No, modern central ventilation units with EC fans are very energy efficient. Power consumption is typically between 40 and 260 watts in continuous operation – less than a conventional light bulb. The energy savings achieved through heat recovery significantly exceed the power consumption.
Heat recovery of up to 82% makes central ventilation one of the most efficient solutions for healthy indoor air. Demand-based control via CO₂ and humidity sensors means that power is only increased when necessary, which saves additional energy.
Can I convert my decentralized ventilation system to a central system?
Yes, it is possible to switch from decentralized to centralized ventilation, but this requires careful planning. Existing decentralized ventilation units can be replaced by a centralized system, which requires the installation of a new air distribution system.
Step-by-step conversion:
- Analysis of the existing ventilation system: Evaluation of the current air distribution
- Planning the central system: Dimensioning and device selection
- Installation of the air distribution system: Ducts and valves
- Dismantling of old systems: Professional dismantling
- Commissioning: Testing and adjustment
Investing in central residential ventilation is particularly worthwhile in the case of complete renovations. Please contact our planning experts for more information.
Heat recovery of up to 82% makes central ventilation one of the most efficient solutions for healthy indoor air. Demand-based control via CO₂ and humidity sensors means that output is only increased when necessary, which saves additional energy.
What problems can occur with central ventilation systems?
As with all technical systems, problems can occasionally arise with central ventilation. The most common causes and solutions:
Common problems and solutions:
- Insufficient air volume: Replace dirty filters, increase fan speed
- Draughts: Optimize air distribution, adjust supply air temperature
- Noise: Check filters, have ventilation unit serviced
- Condensation: Clean heat exchanger, regulate humidity
- Odors: Replace filters, have air ducts cleaned
Preventive measures: Regular maintenance by a qualified service technician prevents most problems. If you encounter technical problems, you should contact a maintenance company.