This type of fan, still little known to the general public, begins to garnish the rays of DIY stores. Generally provided with three blades, they can consist of different materials, and are available in a multitude of designs. “”An air brewer consumes 25 to 40 times less electricity than an air conditioning, for a rendered service which can be comparable. It is a low-tech solution, full of common sense, that must be discovered or rediscovered “declares Robert Célaire, bioclimatician engineer and former lecturer in schools of architecture, to the French media Reporterre. “The air brewer allows refreshment by acting not on the temperature of the thermometer, but on the temperature actually felt by the individual”explains that one who is the co -author of a guide on the subject.
“I sold my house to come here. I do not regret it: I am in paradise”
Not yet popular in Belgium
According to the French Association of Ceiling Fan Professionals (AFPVP), 2.5 % of French households are equipped with air brewers. In Belgium, figures and trends in their presence, in private space as in public space, are still lacking.
“Unchanging, the fans that brew the air of a part, however, do not provide new air, filter it and manage the temperature, humidity and air quality of the premises (CO2, particles and other pollutants). Other equipment must therefore be planned to fulfill these functions “
In the south of the country, premiums are available for the installation or replacement of a ventilation system during renovation work. But they do not include ceiling fans. Could these equipment one day be installed in public buildings, which consume a lot of energy? According to the Wallonia public service, it is not on the agenda. “”Both in residential and non-residential buildings, there is a hygienic ventilation standard with minimum flows depending on the type of room and its surface“Sobrely explains the Walloon administration.
Ceiling fan or air conditioner?
Ceiling fan or air conditioner: what to favor? Reviews diverge. “”A fan moves the air, while an air conditioner lowers the air temperature (based on the principle of a refrigerator or using water evaporation for adiabatic air conditioners). These are different technologies that do not give the same result in terms of thermal comfort“Explains Brussels Environment.”Unchanging, the fans that brew the air of a part, however, do not provide new air, filter it and manage the temperature, humidity and air quality of the premises (CO2, particles and other pollutants). Other equipment must therefore be planned to fulfill these functions “, still mentions the Brussels administration.
In Pincemaille, we live outside: “It’s another model that is popular because it becomes more and more complicated to buy a house”
According to Flourentzos Flourentzou, energy engineer, associate director and founding member of the ESTIA company, active in optimizing the natural ventilation of buildings, the ceiling fan remains the best option. “”Installing an air conditioner to cool the indoor air is not necessary in central European countries. We do it out of ease and out of habit, but it costs a lot of money. And it’s very difficult to regulate the temperature. While a ceiling fan allows low -cost temperatures of four degrees, at a lower cost“.
Jacques Claessens, professor emeritus of architecture at the UClouvain, is not of the same opinion. “”The electricity consumed by the ceiling fan turns into heat in the room, which will therefore heat up. Our body will actually have a welcome feeling of freshness, but the room temperature will not decrease“According to him, installing an air conditioner remains the best option.”Admittedly, this requires a significant intake of electricity. But that’s good, since in summer we have profusely thanks to the photovoltaic panels. And then, in winter, the air conditioner can become a heat pump, which blows hot air this time“.
“A ceiling fan allows temperatures felt lower of four degrees”
Avoid overheating
Before ventilating a room, it is important to limit the heat that can gain it as much as possible. For this, several strategies exist, according to Flourentzos Flourentzou. “”You must first understand that this is not the temperature the problem, but the sun’s rays, that you have to filter as much as possible. Then you have to be able to ventilate. If you have a ceiling fan, it’s luxury. Limit the presence of windows as much as possible helps to cool your home, as well as install thermal masses, which will allow you to store freshness inside“.
“The best way to coolsummarizes Jacques Claessens, It is not to create overheating. In a building, the heat comes mainly from the windows. What goes through the walls is negligible, especially if they are correctly isolated. And then, you have to install double glazing, which let the heat pass less. Then take advantage of the night to ventilate the interior. This allows you to start the day the next morning, with a reservoir of freshness “. Nocturnal ventilation can only take place, according to the architecture specialist, only if the house is inert. In other words, it depends on its ability to store and restore heat gradually. With more inertia, a house will take longer to warm up in summer.
Will extreme temperatures announced in France: will Belgium also be affected by this heat wave?