Types of cooling systems

Effective cooling system is one of the key elements of each building. There are three types of ventilation: gravitational, mechanical, hybrid. Absolute majority of old construction buildings have gravitational type ventilation systems fitted, which offer lower price and simple installation. Operation of this ventilation system is based on the difference of indoor and outdoor temperatures. Therefore, when indoor and outdoor temperatures are more or less similar, the system operates with disruptions and it becomes incapable of full control of air circulation in the premises. The solution is mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (recuperation), operating independently from unfavourable weather conditions and using extracted warm air from inside to warm the incoming air.

Recuperators, consisting of a heat exchanger, ventilator, Tena, and automation, are divided into two types: rotatory and plate. Also into capable to recover humidity into premises rotary (sorption) and plate (enthalpy). According to Artūras Sergejenko, Head of Celsis Ventilation and Air-Condition Equipment Division, the latter, in particular, fitted with humidity recovery function, is most popular in Lithuania today.

'Heat recovery effectiveness of enthalpy ERV-type recuperators is up to 90 per cent, while of rotary – up to 85%. Enthalpy heat exchanger, which is highly leak-proof, is made of polymer membrane plates, ensuring continuous humidity recovery of 65-75% effectiveness. Internal leak-proofness of a rotary AZ recuperator is smaller due to continuously rotating rotor drum, which is isolated with special brushes. For this reason, contaminated air discharged from premises can enter supplied air flow. Nevertheless, lack of tightness is relatively small – only 3%. Besides, this type of recuperators can operate disruption free even at very low outdoor temperatures, which cannot be said about enthalpy ERV-type recuperators that need using additional heaters when outdoor temperature drops.'

The head of Jaukurai heating and air-conditioning product group Edgaras Česiūnas adds that recuperators can not only humidify indoor air but also filter it from dust, allergens, even unpleasant odours. The expert recommends bearing in mind that a recuperator, same as every electrical device, makes noise, therefore it is important to choose a silent and leak-proof device to keep your home free from noise. Recuperation system should be installed by professionals - mounting mistakes will not ensure flawlessly operating system.

How much does it cost to have a ventilation and cooling system installed?

Climate control in residential and commercial premises is provided by air-conditioners. They are divided into two types: split and multi-split. Split-type air-conditioners consist of one external unit and one internal cassette. Multi-split type device consists of one external unit of at least 2 internal cassettes – usually up to 5 internal cassettes can be connected to one external unit, depending on the equipment capacity.

'Split-type air-conditioners usually are chosen for heating or cooling one room, while multi-split devices are used for several rooms that need air-conditioning or heating, without mounting several external units outside the building. Besides, domestic air-conditioners are divided into wall, ceiling (cassette), canal (airduct), floor and mobile (portable). It should be mentioned that air-conditioners can not only cool or heat premises, but they can also inhibit pollutants, viruses, and bacteria, clean and deodorise indoor air', reminds Mr. Česiūnas.

According to Mr. Sergejenko, installation of an air-conditioning system for 30m² - 40 m² room will cost from EUR 800 to 1 500 including mounting and equipment. Installation of a ventilation system for 100 m²-120 m² home will cost from EUR 3 000 to 3 500. Because of a big price, around 5 per cent of buyers choose payment by instalments for ventilation and cooling systems.

'The average financed amount for this type of equipment is around EUR 2 200. Probably it comes to no surprise, that interest in cooling systems, in particular, soars along with rising temperature. Nevertheless, according to the available data, we can see residents making arrangements for installation of cooling or ventilation systems with recuperation in advance – starting from April and higher interest is observed up to September', said the head of sales group of Inbank financial technology company Donatas Mickus.

About Inbank

Inbank is a financial technology company holding the EU banking licence, which brings retailers and consumers together offering new generation financing solutions. Inbank has been in the financial sector since 2010. The bank loan portfolio amounts to EUR 1.03 billion at present In cooperation with over 5 400 retailers, Inbank offers leasing, consumer loan and deposit services in Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Czech Republic, also accepts deposits from German, Austrian, Finnish, and Dutch customers. Bonds of Inbank are listed on Tallinn Stock Exchange Nasdaq.