Uppåkra has taken a holistic approach to the climate
Uppåkra Church in Lund Diocese is today in excellent condition, but as in so many other churches, the indoor climate has previously caused problems with both mold and high heating costs.
"We have spent upwards of 30 million on renovations over the last few years, partly due to problems with the damp", says Lars Törnqvist, property manager in Uppåkra parish.
In the summer, the church has also had to be heated to almost 30 degrees to reduce the moisture content, at the expense of both economy and comfort. In addition to problems with drainage, heating and additional insulation of various kinds have meant that the church has not been ventilated in the same way as it did in the past.
The church has had a climate control system installed for some years, which has a function that heats the church to lower the humidity. In late summer, when the air outside is both hot and humid, the church has therefore been heated well above comfort heat.
"We have been allowed to turn off the heating before services so that visitors do not turn around in the door", adds church caretaker Ola Bengtsson.
Solution
In the summer of 2016, two dehumidifiers, FLEX Integrate from Airwatergreen, were installed. Since then, the climate has improved significantly, while saving money thanks to reduced heating needs. The dehumidifiers also communicate with the control system, so that a lower temperature can be maintained.