In Britain, we spend most of our time indoors, with UK Government research suggesting that 80-90% of our time is inside. With this in mind, the quality of the air inside our homes plays a vital role in creating comfortable, healthy living spaces.
Air pollution isn’t only an outdoor problem. A study by the University of Birmingham discovered that air pollutants inside UK homes can often be more harmful than those outdoors. With poor ventilation being closely linked to problems such as mould and damp, both of which can lead to respiratory issues, it’s critical that homes take ventilation more seriously.
What causes poor indoor air quality?
Many unavoidable everyday activities can contribute to higher levels of indoor humidity and airborne contaminants, including cooking, cleaning, drying laundry, and even breathing.
And as standards for airtightness in new homes increases following updates such as UK Building Regulation and Future Homes Standard, the need for adequate ventilation has never been greater.
The lack of sufficient ventilation within the home can cause a moisture build up, potentially contributing to issues such as
This isn’t only an issue for comfort, exposure to these pollutants can trigger allergies and respiratory issues such as asthma.
How can poor ventilation affect the building?
The effects of poor ventilation aren’t limited to health and wellbeing. Poor ventilation and indoor air quality can cause visible damage to a property if not treated. Peeling paint, warped timber, and condensation build can compromise the properties long-term durability, leading to costly repairs.
Why is ventilation so important in modern homes?
Quality ventilation if the key to tackling indoor air quality issues, but not all solutions are created equal. Opening windows or using extractor fans can provide some ventilation, but these methods can also reduce the indoor temperature by letting heat escape, leading to a rise in energy bills.
This is where Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) can deliver a more controlled approach, providing a constant supply of fresh air while retaining heat for increased efficiency.
How does MVHR work?
Rather than using only at times of higher moisture levels, MVHR systems continuously extract humid air from ‘wet’ spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, while simultaneously supplying living spaces such as bedrooms, with filtered fresh air.
Crucially, the system also recovers the heat built up within these rooms via a heat exchanger and transfers it to incoming fresh air, increasing energy efficiency and reducing heat loss.
How Wavin MVHR helps create a better indoor environment
Wavin’s range of MVHR solutions are particularly powerful thanks to their intelligent control system which responds to changing indoor conditions. When humidity rises, airflow is increased to deal with excess moisture, and likewise, reduces when its no longer needed, ensuring maximum comfort and energy efficiency for the homeowner.
A range of filter grades are also available to reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and road pollution that can enter from outdoors. Ventiza Flex Radial Ducting also acts as a further barrier to harmful airborne spores thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
For more information about Wavin’s MVHR solutions, click here.