Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Air Quality Feature
Effectively venting all year round
Richard Carter from EnviroVent looks at how installing effective mechanical ventilation systems can reduce the maintenance burden that some housing associations experience in the winter months, and in turn positively impact tenant health
A
s we approach Autumn, thoughts turn towards planning maintenance programmes and the likely increase in demand as the weather turns colder,
and condensation and mould growth becomes a problem in homes once again. Excess moisture in the home is produced by people breathing, as well as
through everyday activities like bathing, cooking, washing and drying out clothes – which can release an average of 18 litres of water vapour per day into the home. During the colder months, indoor air is much warmer and holds more moisture than outdoor air. When warm, humid indoor air comes in contact with windows and cold spots on walls, the moisture cools and forms condensation. As homes have been upgraded to become increasingly airtight, with double
glazing and insulation, humidity cannot escape, leading to condensation forming. If the problem is leſt, unsightly black mould can be the result, causing damage to walls, curtains and furnishings in the home and also exacerbating health issues such as asthma and respiratory conditions. Housing providers will be aware that the DHLUC (Department for Levelling
Up, Housing and Communities) has published guidance covering damp and mould in rented housing. Known as Awaab’s Law, this guidance is intended to ensure all homes meet the Decent Homes Standard and for any that do not the housing provider must undertake rapid remedial works.
ENERGY CRISIS, LOWER TEMPERATURES IN HOMES Te energy crisis and rising fuel bills during last winter saw many tenants
turning their heating down, or off completely, causing a problem in some homes. When a home is heated effectively, the air is warmer, and has a higher
capacity to hold moisture. However, when there is a reduction in temperature this can lead to the air holding less moisture and therefore is more likely to form condensation on walls and windows. Condensation itself may not be a problem, but in cold houses with inadequate ventilation, this can make mould growth more prevalent.
WHOLE HOUSE SOLUTION Many social housing providers are choosing to retrofit Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems which work by drawing in fresh, filtered air from outside into a property to gently ventilate the home at a continuous rate from a central position, such as on a landing in a house or a central hallway in a flat or bungalow. PIV systems run quietly and automatically in the background, reducing the overall maintenance costs of a property by protecting the fabric of the building. Tey prevent the condensation and mould growth that are the cause of so many complaints. To minimise energy usage, many modern PIV units are fitted with an ultra-low watt motor. Tese ventilation systems offer a minimal running cost, especially when
compared to everyday household items like TV’s, fridges and kettles – a small price for healthy indoor air quality. Tey should also eliminate condensation and issues associated with mould growth.
44 | HMMAugust/September 2023 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
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