Knowledge Guide for Installers
Welcome to the central knowledge platform for HVAC installers. This page has been specially developed to give you, as a professional, quick and easy access to reliable and up-to-date information on the design, installation, maintenance and optimisation of indoor climate systems.
Why this knowledge base?
Binnenklimaattechniek is a field that is constantly evolving. New technologies, stricter regulations and higher standards of comfort and energy efficiency call for up-to-date knowledge. With this overview, we offer a practical and structured resource where you can find everything you need to carry out your work effectively and efficiently.
Who is it for?
This knowledge base is intended for installers working in:
• Housing construction
• Utility
• Industry
Whether you want to deepen or broaden your knowledge, here you’ll find relevant information and tools that you can put into practice straight away.
Collaboration
This information page is an initiative of Indoor climate Netherlands in association with Techniek Nederland. Together, we pool our expertise to support you with reliable and up-to-date information.
Basic principles of Binnenklimaattechniek
A good indoor environment is essential for comfort, health and productivity. Binnenklimaattechniek focuses on creating an environment in which air quality, thermal climate (temperature), noise and light are optimally balanced. These categories are also reflected in the Specifications for different types of buildings. As an installer, it is important that you have knowledge of a healthy indoor environment; the key principles are explained below.
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Air quality
Air quality has a major impact on the indoor environment. A healthy indoor environment goes hand in hand with good ventilation and good air quality, thereby ensuring the wellbeing and health of building occupants. Key elements include:
- Ventilation: Ventilation flow rates must comply with NEN 1087/8087. This is essential for the removal of CO₂, moisture and pollutants, and for the supply of fresh air containing sufficient oxygen.
- CO₂ concentration (indication of ventilation and occupancy rate)
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other contaminants
- VOS (volatile organic compounds)
- Relative humidity (ideally: 30–70%)
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Thermal comfort
Thermal comfort is also important for a healthy indoor environment. This includes, amongst other things:
- Temperature (summer and winter)
- Air movement (avoid draughts)
- Humidity (effect on the perception of heat)
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Sound
Acoustic comfort contributes to the perception of the indoor environment in offices, schools and homes.
- (Air-conditioning) system noise (fans, airflows)
- Ambient noise (outdoors, neighbours)
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Light
Good lighting promotes comfort and health, and helps to create a pleasant living environment:
- Daylight entry (preferred to artificial light)
- Artificial lighting (colour temperature, glare)
Installation Techniques by System Type
Binnenklimaattechniek does not usually have a one-size-fits-all solution. Every building requires a specific approach, depending on its use, occupancy and energy requirements. Installers play a crucial role in this, as they ensure that systems are not only technically sound, but also contribute to comfort and health.
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Ventilation
Ventilation is the foundation of a healthy indoor environment. Below is an overview of the various ventilation systems that installers can fit and maintain.
- Mechanical ventilation: Often used in residential properties and smaller non-residential buildings. Ensure that the duct diameters and air velocities are correct to prevent noise pollution and pressure loss.
- Balanced ventilation with heat recovery: Ideal for energy-efficient buildings. A common mistake is that the supply and exhaust are not properly balanced, which can lead to problems.
- Natural ventilation: Operates on the basis of wind pressure and temperature differences. These are often ventilation grilles in homes, which use less energy but are less predictable. It is also sometimes combined with mechanical assistance. Nowadays, mechanical ventilation systems are always chosen for both renovation and new-build projects, as current requirements for airtightness and ventilation capacity make it increasingly difficult to meet performance standards using natural ventilation alone.
- Air handling units (AHUs): For larger buildings, such as office blocks or distribution centres. Always check the filter quality and the space available for maintenance.
- Filters: Choose the correct filter class (ISO ePM1, ePM2.5) and replace it in good time to ensure good air quality.
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Heating
- Central heating systems: Hydraulic balancing is essential to prevent comfort issues and energy loss.
- Heat pumps: Sustainable and efficient, provided they are correctly sized. A common mistake is that the buffer tanks are too small, or that they are not properly adjusted. This can reduce the heat pump’s efficiency and cause it to switch on and off too frequently.
- Low-temperature heating: Combine this with good insulation and underfloor heating for optimum efficiency.
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Cooling
- Air conditioning: Position units strategically to avoid cold spots and draughts. Also explain to users the difference between cooling the air (using air conditioning) and refreshing the air (ventilation).
- Water quality: Be aware of water quality and the risk of Legionella contamination.
- Passive cooling: Combine active cooling, for example, with sun blinds or shutters, so that less heat can enter the building. This is particularly relevant during the summer months, when heat stress in buildings (i.e. buildings that struggle to dissipate heat on hot days) is becoming an increasingly common issue.
Control Engineering & Building Automation
A perfectly installed system will only work properly if the control system is correct. Good control technology is essential for ensuring a high-quality HVAC system and creating a better indoor climate. Control technology is the brain behind comfort and energy efficiency.
Thermostats & sensors: Place them in representative locations, not in draughty areas or directly next to heat sources. This will allow the thermostats or sensors to function optimally and provide a more accurate representation of the room in which they are located.
Building Management Systems (BMS): A building management system helps you monitor your building. For example, it gives you an insight into CO₂ levels, temperature, humidity and energy consumption within your building. To measure is to know: without monitoring, optimisation is impossible.
Intelligent control (GACS): A Building Automation and Control System, or GACS, integrates building management systems (BMS) and energy management systems (EMS) to continuously measure, analyse and automatically adjust energy consumption. The system works independently of specific brands with HVAC, lighting and sun blinds (interoperability). This ensures that climate control systems, such as ventilation and heating in a building, can be demand-driven and intelligently adjusted according to need. For example, if a room is being used less frequently, a smart control system is able to reduce the ventilation in that room. This can lead to energy savings and a more appropriate system configuration for each room.
From 1 January 2026, GACS will become mandatory in non-residential construction where the heating or cooling system has a rated capacity of more than 290 kW. From 2030, this threshold will be lowered to include non-residential buildings with a capacity of more than 70 kW, with functional requirements and assessment criteria set out in the Bbl and aligned with NEN‑EN‑ISO 52120 (guideline: Class C for control and Class B for energy management).
What is the relevance to ventilation?
• Focus on demand-driven: CO₂ levels and occupancy control ventilation rates and operating times.
• Greater coherence between different building systems: Shading, cooling and ventilation are coordinated to minimise peak loads.
• Performance monitoring within the building: faults in air handling units, VAV and heat recovery ventilation systems (oscillation, excessive pressure) are quickly identified and can be rectified
What do you need to do as an installer?
1. Assess the capacity (total capacity of connected generation units) and determine whether the GACS obligation applies to a building.
2. Assess the current GBS/EMS against the GACS requirements using the RVO checklist; focus on C + B.
3. Specify the sensor set and I/O (CO₂, temperature, relative humidity, presence) and ensure open protocols and gateways are in place.
4. Commissioning & dashboards: timetables, occupancy profiles, energy and indoor climate reporting
Find out more about GACS on the RVO website.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Installers are key players in the energy transition. New systems and technologies are coming onto the market at a rapid pace. These include heat pumps, demand-controlled ventilation, smart control systems and the integration of renewable energy sources. But these innovations have one thing in common: they only work optimally if they are properly installed and commissioned. This means that installers have a huge responsibility – and opportunity – not only to provide comfort, but also to contribute to a sustainable future.
A properly installed system can make the difference between a building that wastes energy and one that saves it. Take demand-controlled ventilation, for example: by adjusting ventilation to match actual occupancy levels, unnecessary energy consumption is prevented. Heat recovery is another example: utilising heat from exhaust air can drastically reduce energy consumption, provided the system is installed correctly and the filters are clean. For an energy-efficient ventilation system, it is also important to match the fan flow rate to the required air displacement. If a fan continues to run at maximum speed and the air flow is then regulated using grilles, some of the energy is lost due to additional flow resistance in the system. The fan then delivers more pressure than is necessary.
In addition, the integration of renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role. Heat pumps combined with solar panels provide an almost fossil-free energy supply. But here too, sizing and commissioning are crucial. A buffer tank that is too small or a control system set incorrectly can lead to comfort issues and higher energy consumption than necessary.
Optimising existing systems is just as important. Many buildings have systems that function well from a technical point of view but are not optimally configured. By checking settings, avoiding oversizing and improving control systems, energy savings of 10 to 30% can often be achieved without major investment.
Finally, it is a good idea to inform customers about available grants, such as the ISDE (Renewable energy investment grant) and EIA (Energy Investment Allowance). These schemes make sustainable choices more financially attractive and lower the barrier to investing in energy-efficient solutions.
Legislation and Regulations
Installers work in a sector where comfort, health and energy efficiency are key. However, behind every installation lies a complex framework of standards and legal requirements. These rules are not only mandatory; they also form the basis for quality and safety. The most important frameworks are:
- BBL – sets minimum requirements for ventilation, air quality and energy performance.
- BENG requirements – Nearly Energy-Neutral Buildings, with three indicators: energy demand, primary fossil fuel consumption and the share of renewable energy.
- EPBD (IV) – European Directive on the energy performance of buildings, including requirements for inspection and monitoring.
- BRLs – Assessment guidelines for certification, such as air ducts and ventilation systems.
- ISSO publications – Practical guidelines for the design, installation and maintenance of systems, such as:
- ISSO 61 – Ventilation systems in homes and residential buildings
- ISSO 62 – Centralised balanced ventilation systems with heat recovery
- ISSO 63 – Management and maintenance of ventilation systems
- ISSO 74 – Thermal comfort in non-residential buildings
- ISSO 91 & 92 – Decentralised ventilation systems
- NEN standards – For example:
- NEN 1087 – Ventilation of buildings
- NEN-EN-ISO 7730 – Thermal comfort (PMV/PPD indicators)
- NEN 5077 – Noise insulation
- NEN-EN 12464-1 – Quality of light
Why these rules are important
Legislation and regulations may sometimes seem like a theoretical concept, but in practice they determine whether a building is healthy, safe and future-proof. Take the Bbl, for example: it sets out minimum ventilation requirements to prevent CO₂ levels from rising too high. For installers, this means that you must not only install a system, but also demonstrate that it meets these requirements. A good design and correct commissioning are therefore not a luxury, but a legal obligation.
Read more here about ventilation requirements in the Bbl
The BENG requirements have had a significant impact in recent years. Whereas comfort used to be the main priority, energy efficiency is now a mandatory requirement. Installers must take three indicators into account: how low is the building’s energy demand, how much fossil fuel is used, and what proportion comes from renewable sources? This calls for clever combinations of ventilation, insulation, heat pumps and control systems.
View the official BENG requirements here on RVO.nl
European regulations also play a part. The EPBD IV, for example, mandates inspections of HVAC systems and encourages monitoring. This means that installers are increasingly delivering systems that not only function but also collect and report data.
In addition to these legal frameworks, there are practical guidelines such as ISSO publications and NEN standards. These provide concrete guidance for design and implementation. By following these standards, you not only ensure legal compliance, but also quality and comfort for the user. Finally, there are BRLs and certifications that ensure safety and reliability, for example when installing air ducts or preventing Legionella.
In short, legislation and regulations need not be an obstacle; on the contrary, they can serve as a tool for ensuring quality. Those who understand and apply the rules not only deliver a system that works well, but can also contribute to a sustainable building with a healthy indoor environment.
Maintenance & Faults
A well-designed and installed system is only the start. The real difference is made once a building is occupied or once the installation is complete. To ensure a healthy indoor climate, it is important that regular maintenance is carried out and that any faults are rectified quickly and professionally where necessary. The key points to bear in mind are:
- Filters – Replace in good time to prevent pressure loss, contamination and poor air quality.
- Fans – Check the bearings, balance and contamination to prevent noise and wear and tear.
- Control Engineering – Check sensors and settings; incorrect readings can lead to comfort issues and energy loss.
- Common faults – High CO₂ levels due to insufficient ventilation capacity or a faulty control system; noise caused by excessive air velocity or a dirty fan.
Why maintenance is crucial
Maintenance is often neglected, but without proper management, even the best system loses its effectiveness. A ventilation system that is not maintained can lead to a deterioration in air quality within a matter of months. Filters become blocked, reducing the air flow and causing CO₂ levels to rise. This not only leads to complaints about stale air, but also poses health risks.
In addition, dirt on the fan itself has a negative impact on energy efficiency. Dust and dirt on the impeller disrupt the airflow, causing the fan to encounter greater resistance and forcing it to work harder to deliver the same air flow rate. This increases energy consumption and can shorten the fan’s service life. This effect is particularly relevant in demand-controlled ventilation systems, as the system constantly attempts to maintain the required air flow rate. A dirty fan will need to run at a higher speed to achieve this, meaning that some of the intended energy savings are lost.
Control technology is another area of concern. Sensors that do not function properly transmit incorrect readings, causing systems to run unnecessarily or, conversely, to provide insufficient ventilation. The result? A waste of energy and an uncomfortable environment. A simple calibration can prevent this.
Faults often stem from minor oversights. Take, for example, a fan that isn’t cleaned: dust build-up causes imbalance, extra noise and, ultimately, wear and tear. Or a heat pump that isn’t properly serviced, resulting in reduced efficiency and higher energy bills.
Innovations & Trends
The world of binnenklimaattechniek continues to evolve. New technologies and concepts offer opportunities to make buildings healthier, more energy-efficient and future-proof. It is important for installers not only to be aware of these trends, but also to understand how they can be applied in practice. A number of developments stand out.
Decentralised ventilation with heat recovery
Whereas centralised ventilation systems used to be the norm, we are now seeing decentralised solutions more and more frequently. These compact units with heat recovery are ideal for renovation projects, as they can be easily installed on a room-by-room basis without major structural alterations. This makes it possible to quickly improve the sustainability of existing buildings whilst simultaneously enhancing the indoor climate. For installers, this means working with new installation and control techniques, where airtightness and correct calibration are crucial. It is also essential to ensure airflow under doors or from room to room.
AI in building management
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into the built environment. Smart algorithms analyse data from sensors to predict maintenance needs, optimise energy consumption and improve comfort. Think of systems that automatically adjust ventilation based on occupancy patterns, CO₂ levels or other conditions. For installers, this means that knowledge of data and digital connectivity is becoming increasingly important. The profession is shifting from a purely mechanical role to a combination of engineering and smart software.
Circular installation technology
Sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency. The reuse of materials and components is becoming increasingly important. Binnenklimaat Nederland, in collaboration with CIRCO, has CIRCO Reuse Chain Track set up for air-handling units. This programme helps manufacturers, consultants and installers to apply circular economy principles: from designing for disassembly to taking back and reusing components. For installers, this offers new opportunities, but it also requires a different way of thinking. It is no longer just about installation, but also about considering the life cycle of products.
These innovations are not just a distant dream, but developments that are already having an impact on the work of installers. Those who take the time to explore these developments will remain relevant and play an active role in making the built environment more sustainable.
Training opportunities in ventilation technology
The built environment is seeing growing demand for well-trained professionals, including those who can contribute to a healthy indoor environment. Installers play a key role in this, but the profession is changing rapidly. New technologies, stricter requirements and innovative solutions call for up-to-date knowledge and skills. Fortunately, there are various training opportunities to help installers keep up to date and develop their skills further.
Why keep learning?
Ventilation technology is not a static field. Consider the rise of balanced ventilation with heat recovery, smart control systems and circular solutions. Anyone who delves into this subject not only enhances their professional expertise, but also improves their prospects in a market that increasingly demands quality.
Available courses
On our website, you’ll find a wide range of practical training programmes and courses, delivered by renowned training providers such as IW, ROVC and TVVL. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:
- Bootcamp Basic Ventilation Technician – An intensive 9-day training course for novice mechanics and those changing careers, including a vocational qualification.
- Ventilation Systems: Application & Operation – Learn how ventilation systems work and how to make the best use of them.
- Installing ventilation systems – Practical training in correct installation and commissioning.
- Ventilation systems Maintenance – Everything you need to know about inspecting, cleaning and replacing parts.
- Ventilation systems Failure search – Diagnosis and resolution of common problems.
- Air handling units – For those who wish to specialise in larger systems.
- Air Duct Fitter (basic, fast-track or lateral entry) – Focused on installation and airtightness.
- Basic Healthy Indoor Climate – An introduction to the principles of comfort, air quality and energy efficiency.
- Air Distribution: Basics and Air Handling Systems: Basics – For a more in-depth understanding of airflows and system design.
In addition, TVVL offers a wide range of accredited courses at post-MBO and post-HBO level, including study programmes in climate control technology, building management and much more. These courses are ideal for installers who wish to specialise further or progress to a consultancy or management role.
Intake via vocational schools
Binnenklimaat Nederland and Techniek Nederland are actively committed to encouraging new entrants to the sector. Through the Binnenklimaattechniek Training Centre, a programme has been set up that ties in with the Engineering Action Plan. This initiative focuses on training people from other sectors and young people through vocational schools, so that the sector can continue to grow and meet the increasing demand for skilled workers. The aim is to encourage the entry of well-trained professionals who are ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Would you like to find out more?
Take a look at the courses and enrol straight away!
Downloads & Tools
There are a number of practical resources and up-to-date guidelines that may be of importance to installers. Our website offers a comprehensive range of knowledge and tools to help you carry out projects efficiently and in accordance with the latest standards.
Knowledge base
In the Binnenklimaattechniek knowledge base, you’ll find a wealth of publications and documents that can be applied directly in practice. These include the series of Specifications (PvE) for Healthy Offices and Healthy Homes, and the Ventilation Quality Maintenance Standard for homes. These documents provide clear guidelines for achieving a healthy indoor environment.
Web tools
There are also various useful online tools available, for example for a BENG check, an indoor climate check or an energy label check.
Indoor climate guidelines
The Indoor Climate Guidelines provide a clear overview of the parameters for air quality, thermal comfort, noise and light. One example is the Ventilation Management and Maintenance Guideline. They provide you with specific values and targets, so that you know exactly what to look out for during design, installation and maintenance.
View the indoor climate guidelines
Contact & Knowledge Sharing
Do you have any questions, would you like to share your knowledge, or contribute ideas on new developments? We welcome suggestions, feedback or any other input. Via the contact form You can easily ask a question or make a suggestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the key factors for a healthy indoor environment?
Installers must pay attention to air quality (air supply, CO₂, particulate matter, VOCs, relative humidity), thermal comfort (temperature, air movement, humidity), noise (system noise, ambient noise) and light (daylight penetration, artificial lighting). Together, these parameters ensure a healthy indoor environment.
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What types of systems are there, and what should be taken into account during installation?
Indoor climate control systems include ventilation (mechanical, balanced ventilation, natural ventilation, air handling units), heating (central heating systems, heat pumps, low-temperature heating) and cooling (air conditioning, passive cooling). Correct sizing, commissioning and maintenance are essential.
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Why is control technology essential for a good indoor climate?
Control technology (thermostats, sensors, building management systems) ensures that systems operate efficiently and in line with demand. Installers must position sensors in representative locations and monitor systems to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.
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How does an installer contribute to sustainability (energy efficiency) and a healthy indoor environment?
By implementing energy-saving measures (demand-controlled ventilation, heat recovery), integrating renewable energy (heat pumps, solar panels), carrying out appropriate maintenance and optimising existing systems, installers can contribute to sustainability and a healthy indoor environment.
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As an installer, what laws and regulations do I need to be aware of?
The BBL, BENG requirements, EPBD IV, BRLs, ISSO publications and NEN standards set out the minimum requirements for ventilation, energy performance and safety. Knowledge of these frameworks is essential for the correct design, installation and maintenance of systems.
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What are the key points to bear in mind when carrying out maintenance and troubleshooting?
Regular maintenance of filters, fans and control systems prevents problems and energy loss. Prompt and expert intervention is essential for a healthy indoor environment.
