Video summary

Pourquoi je ne veux plus installer de VMC hygro B

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product being discussed

A French single-flow humidity-controlled mechanical ventilation system (VMC hygro B / “VMC hygro B” type) installed in homes—particularly the standard units intended to regulate ventilation based on humidity.

Key features mentioned

  • Humidity-controlled operation: the system increases or decreases ventilation depending on conditions.
  • Single-flow VMC setup with room-to-duct airflow (e.g., kitchen and toilets).
  • Some versions include limited or no on-site adjustment options, including:
    • A unit described as having no airflow/noise settings available on the machine, even near the electrical/terminal block area.

Acoustic flow regulation

The narrator uses an acoustic flow regulator (“sav” / acoustic flow regulator in the duct) to:

  • Reduce noise
  • Reduce airflow to meet expected values

Main user experience (installation / adjustment)

The narrator attempts to adjust an existing standard VMC hygro B in real installation conditions and finds it difficult to meet regulatory or expected requirements.

Example workflow

  1. Measure noise and airflow at the system level.
  2. If delivery is too high (e.g., kitchen around 50–60 m³/h, described as excessive), compensate by adding a duct flow regulator.
  3. For toilet targets, test multiple regulator settings while checking noise after each adjustment.

Toilet commissioning example

  • Expected target cited: ~15 m³/h
  • First test: ~21 m³/h (still high and noisy)
  • Second test: ~11 m³/h (closer to acceptable; described as potentially satisfactory)
  • Noise is checked after each adjustment.

Noise + airflow findings (numerical values)

Kitchen / system example

  • Airflow: ~50–60 m³/h
    • Example final mentioned: around 60 m³/h (described as clearly excessive)

Noise measurements

  • Noise near the unit referenced as a limit: ~39 dB
  • After adding the acoustic flow regulator and adjusting configuration:
    • Flow reduced to about ~44–45 m³/h
    • Noise reduced to about ~38 dB

Toilet airflow tests

  • Expected: ~15 m³/h
  • Tested:
    • ~21 m³/h (too high / noisy)
    • ~11 m³/h (closer / potentially acceptable)

The video emphasizes an iterative, empirical process to balance airflow vs. sound level (dB).

Pros mentioned

  • The systems can work for humidity regulation when they function properly.
  • Some models (contrasted later) offer better adjustment capability (even if they cost more).

Cons / complaints (core negative points)

  1. Very limited or no adjustment capability on many standard VMC hygro B units

    • Even with access to the terminal block, the narrator says there is no real way to tune airflow electrically.

  2. Difficult to meet regulatory/expected airflow requirements in real installations

    • Example: excessive kitchen airflow (50–60 m³/h) and problematic toilet rates.

  3. Noise issues

    • Noise reduction requires external duct components (acoustic flow regulator) and multiple trials to reduce noise near the limit (~38–39 dB).

  4. Time-consuming empirical tuning

    • The narrator describes spending around “two hours” juggling acoustics vs airflow.

  5. Perceived poor value

    • Claims a full rework cost of about ~2000 euros, and if the system “doesn’t work,” it’s not worth it.

  6. Maintenance / dismantling experience not appealing

    • References other content where systems were dismantled during renovations, describing the outcome as “frankly not appealing.”

Comparisons made

  • Compared to newer / higher-cost systems with real adjustment options

    • The narrator says he now installs machines costing about ~1000 to 2000 euros more (supplied and installed), but:
      • They better fulfill ventilation / air quality contract expectations
      • They provide adjustment options, making commissioning much easier

  • Industry / geography comparison

    • Claims other countries install more efficient ventilation systems than what is common in France.

  • Positioning vs “2020”

    • Argues these standard VMC hygro B machines feel outdated and not worth installing.

Overall verdict / recommendation (concise)

Based on the video, the narrator strongly recommends avoiding standard VMC hygro B units—especially those with no adjustment capability—because:

  • commissioning is difficult,
  • noise/airflow compliance can be problematic,
  • and the total cost may not be justified.

He prefers more expensive systems with real adjustment options for better indoor air quality outcomes.

Unique points mentioned about the product (deduplicated)

  • Humidity-controlled single-flow VMC (“hygro B” type)
  • Hard real-world balancing due to insufficient tuning controls on the unit
  • Example excessive airflow: kitchen ~50–60 m³/h
  • Noise limit referenced: ~39 dB
  • Use of an acoustic flow regulator (“sav”) in the duct
  • After-regulator example: ~44–45 m³/h with noise around ~38 dB
  • Toilet expected airflow: ~15 m³/h
  • Toilet tests with regulator: ~21 m³/h (too noisy/high) and ~11 m³/h (closer/acceptable)
  • Adjustment often requires removing/reassembling parts and changing regulator settings
  • Claim: no electrical adjustment even inside the terminal block
  • Rework cost described: ~2000 euros
  • Conclusion: machines feel outdated and are not worth installing; prefers adjustable, higher-cost systems

Speakers’ views

  • Primary speaker/narrator (single voice): provides all opinions, measurements, troubleshooting steps, and the final recommendation to avoid these systems.
  • No other distinct speakers with separate viewpoints are clearly identified.

Original video