Air quality & ventilation
A clogged, dirty and unmaintained ventilation system can result in issues such as reduced airflow performance, which leads to issues with condensation and mould and an uncomfortable ‘stuffy’ feeling inside the home
Cleaning a heat cube Ventilation systems like boilers that are providing a crucial service in
protecting the building and its occupants need to be maintained to ensure they are doing the job they are supposed to.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SYSTEM ISN’T CHECKED OR SERVICED? A clogged, dirty and unmaintained ventilation system can result in issues such as: • Reduced airflow performance, which leads to issues with condensation and mould and an uncomfortable ‘stuffy’ feeling inside the home
• Increased noise levels as dust and debris build up causes resistance and air ‘fights’ against it, leading to people turning the systems off, which isn’t good
• Energy wastage simply by the fact that the system is still working, but it’s not doing the job it’s supposed to
All of the above result in one single thing for landlords – complaints. As time goes on, poor, ineffective, or no ventilation can impact both the health of the building and the health of the tenants.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED? The most important aspect of ventilation is that it is doing the job it is supposed to do. Clogging, dust and debris can impact performance by up to 18 per cent over just 12 months. This means the system is running, but is not effective and risks of mould and condensation are increased. Each ventilation system has maintenance and cleaning requirements. A
system such as heat recovery ventilation has a number of areas that need attention on an annual basis:
FILTER REPLACEMENT Recommended to be checked every six months, and can be washed on first cycle, but must be replaced after 12 months.
REMOVING AND SANITISING ROOM AIR VALVES Both extract and supply valves are located in each room and attract dust and debris easily.
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CLEANING INSIDE THE HEAT RECOVERY UNIT You would be surprised what makes its way inside the unit around the motors and impellors – especially insects.
REMOVING AND SANITISING THE HEAT EXCHANGER The heat exchanger is dealing with high volumes of air coming out of the property and coming in from outside and can be easily clogged with debris.
CLEAN AND SANITISE DUCT WORK Ducting is recommended to be cleaned approximately every five years as dust and debris builds up and can cause resistance.
OTHER FILTRATION SYSTEMS NOx (new properties in high pollution areas may have additional filtration systems installed with ventilation systems that need maintenance as well) need maintaining approximately every five years.
UPGRADES AND REPLACEMENTS Nothing lasts forever. Ventilation systems unlike heating systems are working 365 days a year to extract and supply air to the property. Seek advice on replacing systems between five and 10 years (depending on system type, location etc.).
As a landlord, protecting your home and your investment is crucial and your consideration of ventilation in your home as we move towards the colder winter months should be on your agenda. In new build properties, ventilation systems such as heat recovery are fundamental due to high insulation levels designed to ‘keep the heat in’ – the thing is that the building and its occupants need to breathe too. The costs of dealing with mould, condensation, dry and wet rot, and
tenant complaints around indoor air quality can spiral quickly. To help keep a fresh and healthy indoor environment, check you ventilation system and get it serviced annually.
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