Insufficient air supply rates in new build apartments with energy efficient ventilation: Including aspects of human perception and behaviour

A well-functioning ventilation system is significant in achieving a healthy indoor environment. The air supply rate is one of the important factors in reducing the pollutant levels indoors. A study of the indoor environment has been made in new built apartments with modern energy-efficient mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation systems. Several parameters have been measured including the air supply rates, and the performance of the ventilation system. Interviews with the residents have also been made. This paper focuses on the air supply rates with the objective of examining these. The results show that the air supply rates are not fulfilling the building regulations in several apartments. Several reasons for the insufficient air supply rates have been identified; not only has the performance of the ventilation system itself but also the resident/user interaction with the ventilation system negatively impacted on the air supply rates. The experience of the residents including perception of noise has also lead to reduced air supply rates. The results illustrate the importance of including the interaction of the residents. Suggestions are made on factors important to address and observe both when designing the ventilation system and during operation if a satisfactory indoor environment is to be achieved.