Apartment Ventilation: Why an AC Alone Is Not Enough
Air Conditioning ≠ Ventilation
A common misconception: ACs provide fresh air. In reality, a split system recirculates the same room air, cooling or heating it. No fresh outdoor air enters. In a sealed apartment with closed windows, CO₂ levels rise from 400 to 1,500–2,000 ppm in 2 hours, causing drowsiness, headaches, and poor concentration.
Air Exchange Standards for Homes
Standards require 30 m³/h of fresh air per person. For a family of 4 — 120 m³/h. Open windows provide airflow but let in noise, dust, and hot air in summer, negating AC performance. The solution: supply ventilation with filtration.
Wall Air Valve: Simple Solution
A wall-mounted supply valve is an opening in the exterior wall with a filter and regulator. Provides passive airflow of 30–50 m³/h without electricity. Cost with installation: 200–400 GEL. Downside: doesn't filter fine dust or heat air in winter.
Air Purifier Fan (Breezer): Filtered Supply Air
A breezer is a compact supply unit with a fan, HEPA filter, and electric heater. Delivers 50–150 m³/h of clean air. Filters dust, pollen, and exhaust fumes. Heats air to comfortable temperature in winter. Cost: 1,500–3,000 GEL.
Heat Recovery Ventilator: Supply + Energy Savings
An HRV simultaneously supplies fresh air and exhausts stale air, transferring heat between streams. Heat exchange efficiency: 70–90%. This reduces AC load in summer and heating costs in winter. Cost: 2,000–5,000 GEL.
What to Choose for a Tbilisi Apartment
For a bedroom with 1–2 people, a wall valve is enough. For a living room or family with children — a breezer with HEPA filter. For a whole apartment — an HRV with ductwork. Optimal: AC for temperature + breezer/HRV for fresh air.
