As the energy crisis gather pace, households are increasingly likely to be in the position where they are unable to afford to properly heat their homes this winter. The Government’s latest annual fuel poverty statistics for England found that in 2020 there were an estimated 13.2% of households (3.16 million) in fuel poverty in England. According to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, from 1 October 2022, there are now an estimated 7 million households in fuel poverty and this could rise to 7.8 million from spring 2023. Not only can lack of heating lead to discomfort and potential ill health, but it can also lead to increased condensation and mould, which can further contribute to health issues.
In social housing and private RMI there is also a growing issue with homes that have been insulated to make them more energy efficient but have not had adequate ventilation installed too. When this is combined with rising fuel bills, and inadequate heating the issue of condensation and mould is only set to worsen. Landlords should therefore be looking for energy efficient ventilation that can adequately ventilate properties and deal with condensation and mould.
Fortunately, future retrofits fall under the new Building Regulations which require ventilation to be improved if energy efficiency measures are added. Under Part F of the Building Regulations, when installing energy efficiency measures in existing properties, an assessment should determine what, if any, additional ventilation provision is needed, based on the estimated impact of the work. This will help to tackle condensation, mould and poor indoor air quality caused when moisture is unable to escape.
“The knock-on effects of the energy crisis should not be underestimated. Not only are people facing a very cold winter in their homes but, without effective ventilation, condensation and mould rates could soar”, explains Natasha King, RMI Product Manager at Vent-Axia. “Not only is this unsightly and unpleasant to live with, it can cause major health issues – especially for those with existing respiratory and immunity disorders, such as asthma. By ensuring properties have effective, energy efficient ventilation, landlords are not only meeting their duty of care to provide a habitable dwelling, they are also protecting their housing stock from damage to the fabric of the buildings that can be caused by condensation and mould.”
For landlords aiming to tackle condensation and mould and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for their residents this winter, Vent-Axia offers a range of effective, energy efficient ventilation solutions. Boasting powerful, quiet and efficient ventilation, the intelligent Lo-Carbon Revive is a filter-less unitary fan and features an adjustable trickle speed option, an interchangeable intermittent mode and humidity boost, as well as a raft of useful original features. Installers can quickly and easily select from a range of options, giving bespoke solutions where performance or noise is key. Add to this Revive’s innovative Multi-Vortex™ technology which powerfully, but quietly removes moisture and stale air helping tackle condensation and mould and ensure good IAQ and comfort for residents.
Meanwhile, the intelligent Lo-Carbon Response 7 from Vent-Axia is a filterless unitary fan that features an ultra-low profile for discreet installation; increased airflow performance; a digital control menu; as well as a 7-year guarantee. Ticking all the right boxes for social housing the Response 7 range boasts powerful, quiet, efficient ventilation, helping provide good indoor air quality and comfort for residents, while being quick and easy to install, low maintenance and reliable. With four models, the range boasts flexibility built into the digital control menu allowing it to meet the variety of needs encountered in social housing properties by offering continuous ventilation, as well as constant volume and SELV options.
Finally, Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Heat Save is an innovative decentralised heat recovery ventilation unit which is ideal for retrofitting in existing homes. As traditional MVHR units are not viable for many retrofit properties, a decentralized approach is needed. It provides extract and supply ventilation to improve indoor air quality and supply fresh air to rooms as part of a modular system. Achieving up to 84% heat recovery thanks to its high efficiency ceramic thermal accumulator, the Heat Save uses the warmth from outgoing air to heat incoming air to avoid heat loss and to reduce energy bills for households.
For social housing landlords requiring further ventilation advice for this winter visit our social housing hub: www.vent-axia.com/social-housing. For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone +44 (0)344 856 0590.