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Keyword ventilating system

Question
Concerning ventilating systems there have been already several answers, which deal however, from my point of view, with a so-called central device.
We run a decentral ventilating system, that means the supply air comes directly form the outside, the warmth is taken out of the used air and is given into the heating. I can not see how a colonization with germs should take place with this system. Or are you of a different opinion?
Answer
Hello,
indeed we physicians do not understand in general enough about this kind of technique to give a specific answer in this case: therefore I will try to find a more general tone, in the hope, that this builds the background in order that you are able to answer the real question yourself.
We worry about a colonization with germs of those devices because the problematic germs love in general a humid and warm environment in order to multiply.
Heat exchanger are especially prone to this - depending on the construction. Dust is collected there, in case of change of on-off-periods wetness can be collected and then one has a favorable environment for the growing of germs (bacteria and fungi). Of course the problem is bigger, in case that happens at the inside-going airflow, because than one could imagine, that bacteria or parts of them - or in an again dried condition - spores of fungi could reach the inside of the room; in case this is released to the outside, this is possibly less relevant.
In case it can be guaranteed, that in your system the condensating water or other wetness do not come in contact with organic dust nor with the inside-going airstream, then I would share your opinion.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. TOF Wagner
10.11.2009