Airflow

It is very important to have correct ventilation for social housing in particular. The UK’s social housing stock will be crucial in the nation’s ambitious target to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% for 2050. This makes the push toward energy efficiency a high priority on the agenda for landlords and homeowners. Many of us have blocked our chimneys, insulated and draught-proofed our rooms, and double glazed our windows. While this may reflect well on our energy bills, it also means that we have essentially blocked off the inlet of fresh air to our houses. In this article, Sparks will examine attempts made to improve the safety of social housing with ventilation, and whether these have been successful (based on a study and interview with Airflow Developments). The 2018 Government Social Housing Green Paper The 2018 Green Paper reviewed the established Decent Homes Standard and asked questions about whether the legislation was being properly enacted. The Decent Homes Standard originated in 2004 and set a minimum standard for the quality of UK housing. It stated that all houses must be in an adequate state of repair and have reasonably modern services and facilities. The 2018 paper aimed to update these vague standards and give social housing owners real targets to aim for. This Paper set the ambitious target of breaking down inequalities in the social housing sector and turning them into communities. The previous standards had to be updated as there is set to be a massive increase in the amount of UK social housing. The government has committed to delivering more than 300,000 homes per year by the mid-2020s. The Green Paper aims to empower the residents of social housing. They will be given the right advice if they need to make a complaint - and have it resolved quickly and effectively. Empowering tenants has two great social benefits. It will make them feel less marginalised and happy with where they live, and will also increase the levels of safety and decency of their homes. Improvements in social housing - have we swapped efficiency for safety? The 2004 Decent Homes Standard Act improved social housing tenants living standards to a reasonable degree. Many social housing owners invested heavily in insulation and higher quality windows in order to implement higher living standards for their tenants. The Green Paper found that progress was still being made on this front and that the number of ‘non-decent’ homes had dropped down from 20% in 2010 to 13% in 2016. However, there have been underlying problems with these ‘upgrades’. Whilst many have benefited tenants’ thermal comfort and reduced fuel bills, these homes are also becoming increasingly airtight. If ventilation is not duly considered, then this can negatively impact indoor air quality and leave social housing more prone to damp and mould. Without effective ventilation, the very fabric of a building may deteriorate, which results in time-consuming and costly remedial work for social housing providers. Airborne pollutants also come about as a result of tightly insulated homes, and dry humid indoor air. There is a range of pollutants found in British homes, including Carbon Monoxide, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which pose a real risk to occupant health. They can aggravate or cause major conditions such as cancer, asthma, heart disease and even obesity. All these have been linked to poor air quality, which can be tackled with proper ventilation. A case study in PIV ventilation for social housing: Havebury Housing Havebury Housing Partnership embarked on a refurbishment programme endeavour, using Envirovent’s PIV system. They combined upgrades such as double-glazing, cavity wall and loft insulation with Envirovent’s PIV units. Envirovent provides a whole range of efficient ventilation solutions, which can improve the indoor air quality of social housing or any housing stock. While we do not have the PIV ventilation systems from Envirovent on our website, we can bring them in provided there’s an interest in them (you can simply leave a comment or send us an email about your project and needs). Utilising Envirovent’s PIV system, Havebury has achieved a carbon emission reduction of 56% over the last 16 years, decisively preventing the spread of mould and condensation. Getting the right type of ventilation for your housing stock It would be wise to remember that preventing condensation and mould problems is far easier, quicker and cheaper than curing them. Ventilation for social housing should never be an afterthought. Condensation and mould can seriously take their toll on the health of those living in the affected property, which is why clean air matters so much. Airflow Developments also make the popular iCONstant dMEV fans, suitable for any wet room in the home. It helps eliminate the problems of condensation and mould growth by continuously extracting the damp, moist air that is the source of the problem. Envirovent's PIV Units have proven to be very popular amongst housing stock across the nation. This is thanks to their eco-friendly characteristics and the company’s proven track record in providing eco-efficient ventilation.

It is estimated that over 15.3 million homes in the UK are at risk of ‘Toxic Home Syndrome’ (THS), a condition that occurs where there is an excess of airborne pollutants. These pollutants can have adverse health effects on the residents of a home suffering from it. Thankfully, Airflow offers a wide range of residential solutions. They are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of ventilation products for all types of homes and properties. They have been innovating in the field of ventilation for decades - since they started out in 1959. Their first product that made waves in the industry was the Loovent, which went on to become a best-seller. Since then, they have continued to excel in bringing out top-of-the-range ventilation solutions. The causes of ‘Toxic Home Syndrome’ John Kelly, the Marketing Manager at Airflow Developments, has emphasised the importance of quality indoor air to the health of occupants. Toxic Home Syndrome is extremely widespread and the reasons become clear when you look at the causes of this issue - they are hard to avoid. THS is triggered by the buildup of airborne pollutants and moisture in the air - these are called ‘volatile organic compounds’ (VOCs). Condensation is one of the main culprits when it comes to indoor pollutants that negatively impact our health. Water vapour produced by condensation encourages the growth of mould and damp, which creates uninhabitable indoor spaces. Mould and fungi are major triggers for asthma sufferers, who are also vulnerable to other VOCs such as house dust mites, pet dander, pollen and humid air. All of these conditions come about as a result of poorly ventilated homes. It is not just natural occurrences - such as condensation - that cause THS; many other factors are man-made. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and even breathing contributes to the noxious air that leads to THS (see more on the Toxic Home Syndrome here). It is crucial that you avoid unknowingly go about living in a home suffering from THS. The repercussions on your health could be disastrous. The effects of Toxic Home Syndrome John Kelly has underlined findings of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). The report is entitled ‘Every Breath We Take: the lifelong impact of air pollution’. The report suggests that severe health conditions such as cancer, asthma, heart disease and even obesity can all be attributed to the cleanliness of the air we breathe on a daily basis. The problem of THS is compounded by the average modern lifestyle. Most houses are now fitted to be eco-conscious, with improved levels of insulation effectively sealing off the building. The cost of increased insulation is stagnant, VOC-filled air within our homes. These compounds, along with other pathogens, are directly linked to long-term respiratory conditions. How we can combat Toxic Home Syndrome with Airflow fans? We should all be aware of the risks of VOCs, and ensure that we keep high standards for the quality of our indoor air. Social housing providers also have a legal responsibility to take affirmative action to protect their tenants from this problem. As stated before, Airflow made waves in the ventilation industry with the Loovent. This ventilation unit is a powerful and subtle centrifugal fan with a modular design. Other Airflow products such as the iCON60 fans are also well-suited for both standard homes and social housing. This is because these fans are specifically designed to be efficient in large areas, for instance, in residents lounges. This great range minimises heat loss and back wind, and blends discreetly into any building interior. The QuietAir range is worth consideration, as it was designed to perform at efficient levels of extraction, with minimal sound levels of only 25 dBA. The Airflow QT100 is a product well worth looking into if you are ventilating social housing. It can have an adjustable humidity and timer, with a delay start of two minutes and the ability to run on only 5 watts. Meanwhile, there is the iCONstant ventilation fan which sounds off at a quiet 21dBA and has the option of a humidity sensor, which adds to its eco-efficiency. The importance of keeping your homes’ air healthy The report from the RCP emphasises the importance of keeping our homes free from airborne pollutants. People now spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, and research indicates pollutant levels are five times higher indoors than they are outdoors (approximately). Effective ventilation is therefore essential to the well-being of occupants. More on the Sick Building Syndrome via NHS here. Social housing providers have a responsibility to ensure that all their properties have adequate ventilation to protect their residents. Airflow is the perfect solution for social housing providers and home-owners alike. They have been tackling the detrimental effects of bad indoor air quality for decades now, and have never stopped innovating in this time.

Problems caused by bad air quality in our indoor environments can be devastating. Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report that showed that the air we breathe has become polluted with cancer-causing substances. The mixture of exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution has led to 6 million people dying annually. Considering that people now spend up to 90% of their time indoors, it is likely that indoor pollution played a significant part in this terrible statistic. What are the causes of indoor pollutants? Many factors contribute to poor levels of indoor air quality. Outdoor air gains entrance through windows, doors and the general ‘leakiness’ of buildings that are not well insulated. One of the main culprits is biologically produced pollutants. People release pollutants through their normal metabolic process. They also use products and appliances that emit toxins on a daily basis. The appliances we commonly use at work or home are a significant source of pollution. These include cookers, boilers and portable gas or paraffin heaters. These items are very damaging to the quality of indoor air that we breathe. Condensation is one of the largest causes of dampness in indoor areas, and can eventually lead to the growth of mould. The health problems associated with mould must be emphasised: they can lead to a litany of ailments. Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma. If those who already suffer from asthma are exposed to dampness, they have an increased likelihood to develop more severe symptoms. Mould can lead to various other medical conditions, such as pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a considerable proportion of the world’s 300 million cases of childhood asthma is attributable to indoor dampness and mould. We here at Sparks are sure you’ll agree air pollutants must be effectively dealt with. This needs to be done before they can inflict damage to our homes and health. Residential ventilation solutions offered by Airflow Thankfully, Airflow offers a wide range of residential solutions. They are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of ventilation products for your home or property. They have been making innovations in ventilation for decades - since they started out in 1959. Their first product that made waves in the industry was the Loovent, which went on to become a best-seller. This range has sold over 1 million units and is still extremely popular to this day (it has been updated with modern features now, of course). The Loovent Eco is a powerful centrifugal fan that boasts a modular design. This makes the installation and maintenance of the device very easy. Furthermore, they produce minimal sound levels and operate with great eco-efficiency, powered by a low-energy motor. The Loovent Eco comes in versions which include a pull-cord, humidity timer, motion sensor (with timer), a delayed start of two minutes and two-speed settings. This product is ideal for long stretches of ducting, as it will maintain pressure over the full length of a duct run. It is recessed or surface mounted so can be mounted practically anywhere you desire. The QuietAir is another successful range developed by Airflow, with the QT100 being a real stand out in terms of popularity. The QT100 is an axial extractor fan that combines contemporary design with ultra-low noise levels. It was awarded the Quietmark in 2014 by the Noise Abatement Society as it operates at a lowly 25 decibels (dB). Its features include a long-life ball bearing motor with 40,000 hours of operating time. It can run at two speeds and has an adjustable overrun timer. Furthermore, it uses a high-efficiency impeller that helps to keep running costs low; it only has a power consumption of 5 watts. Then, there is the iCON range - one of the first products to introduce the plug-in module concept to the extractor fan market. iCON’s revolutionary design ensures effective ventilation; the low energy fans are quiet and use a minimal amount of energy. They also come in Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) versions, which provide extra safety and peace of mind at home. The design includes the option for installing a plug-in module, which enables you to adjust the fan to suit your specific needs. Their round, slim design means it is a breeze to install the device in either a wall or ceiling. With three versions (the iCON15, iCON30 and iCON60) they are suitable to install in any room, whether it be large or small. The enduring popularity of the iCON range led to the release of the high-tech iCONstant. The iCONstant is among the quietest extract fans on the market (with a sound level of 21 dBA) and costs less than a lightbulb to run for an entire year. You can choose from a Timer version or a Humidity Timer version of the product, depending on what you find preferable. The ‘constant’ in the name of this product is taken from its ability to constantly extract damp air. Though they can be used in any room, Airflow designed the iCONstant with toilets, bathrooms and kitchens in mind. This is because these are the areas of your home that will produce the most moisture, which could lead to damp and mould. One of the iCONstant's main purposes is to keep you healthy by maintaining clean air quality within your home. ‘Extract and replace’ - how Airflow helps you keep a healthy home Airflow has always aimed to produce healthy breathing air through energy-efficient means. This is demonstrated by the history of their products, looking at the iCON60 fan, for instance. The iCON60 is the largest in its range, and designed to be compatible with larger residential spaces. They are highly efficient in areas such as residential lounges, domestic kitchens, changing areas and utility rooms. Airflow understands the importance of ‘Residential Heat Recovery’ and how it relates to people’s well-being. They know that an effective ventilation system in a dwelling will protect the occupants - and the building itself - against harmful levels of condensation. Condensation is more likely to occur in residences where large groups of people live. This is because every individual does their share of cooking, washing and bathing. With their varied range of products, Airflow provides effective ventilation with heat recovery for the supply of controlled, crisp and filtered air. They manage to do this while eliminating harmful moisture and airborne pollutants. Whether you live in a house, student halls, a flat or another type of residence - Airflow will have you covered. They offer an excellent variety of ventilation products to help save you energy and - more importantly - make sure you breathe proper air, the good kind of air. They have done this for five decades now and the endurance of their brand attests to their success.

In 2004, the Airflow iCON range of ventilation fans breathed new life into the stagnant ventilation industry. It had a dynamic, new design which blended style with functionality in the generic field of boxy extractor fans. Many experts said the iCON had revolutionised residential ventilation with its dynamic build, which won a Red Dot Design award. Speaking of the range, Red Dot said that it was: "A revolution in fan design. You have never seen a fan like it or installed a fan like it either." The changes made were not merely cosmetic; rather, they were the results of a complete rehaul of the way in which fans were designed, specified, installed and sold. Even now, with the arrival of the newer Airflow iCONstant, it is worth looking to the award-winning iCON range. Airflow made serious innovations in 2004 and caused other manufacturers to ‘up their game’, in order to catch up. The iCONs introduced the world to a simple interchangeable module concept that would save time and money - for both distributors and consumers. The iCON range and how they innovated extract fan design The iCON range of extractor fans from Airflow was made with simplicity in mind. A quick, core drilled hole enables immediate fixing of the device and its twist on/off cover requires only a single side entry fixing screw. The fans feature ‘cantilever’ fixing lugs that enable recessed installation on uneven surfaces. iCON30 and iCON60 are also supplied with a narrow contour skirt for surface mounting if desired. The 'snap-in' module is quick to fit and wire, giving the installer a choice of on-site control of the iCON. Airflow designed the iCON with the busy contractor in mind. With a modular design and maximum fan choice, they will save themselves bundles of both time and money. A contractor need only carry three basic fans and a range of inexpensive fan control modules to quickly install fans, and move faster from site to site. What’s more, any module will fit the iCON fan (subject to voltage levels). Airflow iCON fans are ideal for the social housing sector The iCON fans from Airflow are well-suited to the social housing sector, as specifiers, landlords and tenants all seek a ventilation solution that is eco-efficient and cheap. With the Airflow iCON fans, all these demands are met, as they have low-running costs and are packed with features that make them more eco-friendly. It is the responsibility of a landlord in the UK to create a healthy, well-ventilated environment - they hold a ‘Duty of Care’ to their tenant’s well-being. This Duty of Care is backed by law, with the Housing Act and Home Standard being just two examples of government legislation supporting it. The reasonably priced iCON fans are sure to be a favourite among landlords, as they will enable them to fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities. The iCON range - extractor fans for all your home’s needs There is a diverse range of iCONs available, which all comply fully with UK Building Regulations. The iCON15 and 30 are available in extra-low voltage (SELV) versions which have long-life 12 volt DC motors. They also provide extra protection in wet zones. We’ll describe each model in more detail here: The iCON15 is perfect for toilets, en-suites, shower rooms and bathrooms. It can be recessed into the wall or ceiling for installation. It is fashionable and unobtrusive, even in the smallest of spaces. The slim profile and iris shutter make the iCON15 a fan which will blend discreetly into many settings. The iCON30 is a quiet, powerful extractor fan that is designed for use in locations such as larger toilets, bathrooms and utility rooms. It is a mixed flow fan, which is designed to deliver high performance airflow under pressure. Its small profile and iris shutter make it a fan which will blend subtly into any setting. The iCON60 is the largest fan in the range. It is highly efficient in domestic kitchens, changing areas, utility rooms, residents' lounges - as well as other large locations. The iCON30 and iCON60 are perfect for long duct runs and are both can be either recess or surface mounted. More information about the individual specifications of each iCON can be found via our website. Reasons for the iCONs enduring popularity - and why you should consider getting one Convenience is the name of the game with the iCON fans. All of the fans are IPX4 rated for use in bathroom zones 1, 2 and 3. They have interchangeable controls that can match fans to installation requirements with ease. What’s more, they come in an attractive variety of colours - chrome, anthracite, silver and sandstone. All of the iCON fans boast a circular design that ensures that no squaring is required, simplifying their installation. The fans shutter design means that switching them on or off produces basically no noise. With easy installation, slim profiles and intelligent features, the iCON series broke new ground when they first came out in 2004. Although many manufacturers have tried to replicate their success, they remain a design classic and a go-to for any customer looking for an intelligent extract fan.

We here at Sparks Direct are delighted to announce that we have received three separate nominations for the 2019 Electrical Wholesalers Awards! These nominations include awards for best Electrical Wholesaler Website, best Sole Branch and best Customer Service. Now, we need your vote to help us win these accolades… Vote here. At Sparks, we pride ourselves on being ‘switched on’ for service. That means delivering quality products and customer care in an ever changing market. We provide a solution for every type of customer. Thanks to this dedication we have been shortlisted for these highly sought-after awards, which will be voted for by the electrical wholesaler community. This includes (of course) you - our customers and our visitors. We hope these awards would be well-deserved for this company and in this article we will explain why we believe this is the case. Sole Electrical Wholesaler Branch nomination We are proud to have been nominated as one of only five finalists in the ‘Best Wholesaler: Sole Branch’ category, facing stiff competition from across the entire UK. Sparks Electrical Wholesalers (or ‘Sparks Direct’) have been operating as a sole branch for over 30 years now, since we opened our doors in 1988. Over this time, our lighting showroom has become a well-known feature on Holloway Road, one that thousands of Londoners will have seen, visited, and talked about.. Sparks have provided a wide range of top quality electrical goods, including lights, LED lamps, switches, sockets, ventilation systems, thermostats and underfloor heating. Another crucial part of our business has been information. We have provided expert advice to electricians, trades people, building contractors, interior designers and, of course, the general public. In an effort to be ‘customer-centric’ we have adopted a number of convenient policies. We are open 6 days every week and we offer recommendations in store from our trained staff; also, we offer phone support. We pride ourselves on being part of the fabric of Archway’s community as written about here. This article details the key reasons Sparks Direct has kept the physical store alive (and very healthy) in a digital age. The essential reasons behind our enduring popularity are: our product knowledge, competitive pricing, product availability, brand recognition and customer service (another category we have been nominated in!) 2019 Best Electrical Wholesaler Website Award nomination Our digital team - with more than 10 years of experience in the field - ensures the content and technical specifications are correct and up-to-date, as constant changes are made by manufacturers. We provide information on a wide range of products such as switches, sockets, lights, bulbs, LEDs, ventilation fans, tools and electrical testers kits. These are provided by some of the most well-respected manufacturers in the industry including Astro Lighting and Integral LED (for lighting), and Envirovent and Airflow (for ventilation). The team behind our website strives to find the highest quality videos, guides and pictures for every item that we sell online. As well as processing online orders, we offer technical support and are always working to improve the quality and usability of our site. As part of our ‘customer-centric’ approach, we offer 30-day returns and free deliveries on orders over £100 (plus VAT). We remain on top of the ever-changing information. This means you can rest assured we are recommending the correct light bulb for the light fitting you desire and the right LED driver for the energy saving LED light you want. Our website has many functionalities including a ‘question and answer’ service that will provide accurate responses to any question - big or small - that you may have about individual products. The excellent quality of our online customer services and review feedback is part of what keeps both visitors and customers coming back to us. We also have one of the most active blogs in the field of electrical wholesalers. At Sparks we release bi-weekly updates on the latest trends, newest technologies, products, lighting designer profiles and many industry-related topics. The content of our blog posts varies widely, so that it appeals to a broad audience of readers. For instance, you can read about the practicalities of using tubular heaters in hard-to-reach areas of your home during cold months. Or, you may read about the importance of setting up a ‘whole home’ alarm system and advice on which one to use. If you have an interest in lighting design, then we have a series of profiles on the world’s most influential lighting designers. There is something for everyone on our blog, which we hope keeps customers informed. Best Electrical Wholesaler Customer Service Award nomination We were thrilled to receive the nomination for ‘Best Customer Service’, as Sparks has always strived to be a ‘customer-centric’ business. This model is made up of a friendly in-house team, phone support, online chat, email support and online review feedback, through sites such as Feefo and Trustpilot. On Trustpilot we have an outstanding 9.3/10 rating for customer service (at the time of writing), a score which we believes speaks for itself, and the genuine customer reviews via Feefo give us a 4.8 stars out of 5 (at the time of the writing). Sparks have polished their in-house customer services over the course of 30 years, and have earned the respect and confidence of contractors, electricians and the general public. The combined expertise of Sparks’ over-the-counter salespeople is impressive – they have a comprehensive knowledge of the items we stock. Their support extends from the basics which an ordinary customer may ask about, to more complex advice for electricians. Whether you need to know if your new light fitting can be dimmed or you want to hear about the latest domestic distribution boards - we at Sparks have you covered. In recent years, we have reviewed how we should expand and improve our online services. Using Google Reviews and Feefo we analyse genuine customer reviews. We then make the necessary changes to keep our customer services relevant, and turn one-time users into patrons. What your vote means to us here at Sparks Sparks Electrical Wholesalers remains a popular and important part of the local community, who have supported us with their custom throughout the years. In response to this support, we have improved our services across all fields and provided a modern ‘customer-centric’ service. Our nominations in three different categories for the 2019 Electrical Wholesalers Awards has heartened us and have proven that our approach has been a success. We would be delighted if you, our amazing visitors and customers, could support us once again and give us your vote here! Vote for us here.

On the 21st of June this year there was the annual Clean Air Day, and the people at Global Action Plan have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the problem of indoor air pollution inside UK homes. Whether we sense this or not, there's a "cocktail of toxic air pollution" inside our homes unless there is proper ventilation, and we all are encouraged to take steps to improve the air we breathe indoors. It really helps to open the windows and leave them open regularly to eliminate some of the pollution and condensation, but at the same time there has to be proper ventilation inside the homes. The quality of the indoor air can be very low when there are gas stoves, wood burners, nail varnish being used, deodorant being sprayed, candles being burned, cleaning products used around the house, and soft furnishings. Since we spend quite a lot of time indoor, it is good to make sure the quality of the air is good, and for this ventilation is a must! Indoor Air Pollution and its Impact on our HealthThe research conducted in advance of Clean Air Day has found some astounding and shocking results, and the impact of air pollution on our health is worrying. Furthermore, based on the study of the RCPCH (Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health) and RCP (Royal College of Physicians) on the potentially harmful impact of indoor air pollution, there are some findings that we also list below. Less than 40% of adults are aware of the effects of indoor air pollution on their health; most UK adults are familiar with the effects of the outdoor air pollution, but not so many know of the indoor air pollution. 60% of people are not aware of the actions they can take to reduce indoor air pollution. Improving the ambiance of our homes includes such things as burning candles and using air fresheners, which are a source of air pollution. 15% of the surveyed people identified smelly food as the key source of indoor air pollution. Many do not realize the effects of hairspray and fake tans on our health due to the air pollution. Indoor air pollution is affecting our lives, our pets, our family, our children, our health, and our well-being. Children spend 80% of their time indoors and, with the increasing desire to "conserve heat" with the "sealing of homes", pollution exposure indoors is becoming a major issue for children's health and development. More than two million healthy life years are being lost across the EU annually, and there are over 9000 deaths a year due to indoor air pollution. In England, the proportion of households living in a dwelling with damp is three times higher for those in the lowest income group, compared with those in the highest income group. The impact of indoor air pollution on our health is not as well researched and documented as the impact of the outdoor air pollution on our health. Because many people spend 90% of their time indoors - many times in poorly ventilated homes - they are exposed to a wide range of air pollutants such as formaldehyde and a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (as per Prof. Stephen Holgate, Medical Research Council, Professor at the University of Southampton, see reference link below). The poor air quality in the homes all across the UK can also cause or amplify illnesses and conditions such asthma, thus having a negative impact on our quality of life. Tips for Improving your Indoor Air Quality As this is an ongoing issue with much research and study being done in the UK and around the world, the tips and steps to improve indoor air quality are small and seemingly insignificant, but once they are implemented, our air quality indoor is improved and our quality of life is elevated. Here are some tips for reducing air pollution indoors: Open your windows when you are cooking or when you are using cleaning products. This helps ventilate the house and avoid air pollution in the home, and it also helps avoid the build-up of air polluting moulds too. Service your boiler regularly, for the CO (Carbon Monoxide) emanated from faulty boilers and heaters can be fatal. Consider how you clean your home. Keep the dust levels low, use naturally scented and even fragrance-free products, and avoid aerosols. When burning fuels or wood on the barbecue or stove, burn smokeless fuels or dry, well-seasoned wood, for the pollution from burning fuels damages the air in your home and to those who live nearby. Reduce the consumption of energy to reduce air pollution! Gas and electricity are big contributors to air pollution, for gas creates fumes and electricity has the same result. It is best to do things to conserve energy (switch off the lights, fill the kettle only with the amount of water needed, run the dishwasher or washing machine only when it's full, etc) and thus reduce electricity and gas bills, while at the same time reducing indoor air pollution. Choose renewable energy-saving tariffs for your home supply, even if this means switching energy suppliers, so that you may reduce the pollution produced by power stations. Recycle compostable and save the wood-burning for rough winters. Instead of burning your garden waste, why not compost it and turn it into food for the plants. Instead of burning wood in the stove, use it only when the winter is tough, to reduce air pollution. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate! Make sure you have a bathroom ventilation fan, a kitchen fan, and even a whole house ventilation system, so that the air in the home may circulate, the vapors may be removed, the pollutants may be eliminated, and the air quality may be improved. Eat properly and exercise properly. Our health is not determined merely by the quality of air indoors but especially by the food we eat, the amount of exercise we do, the sleep we have, and many other items. As much as it depends on us, it is good to eat a healthy diet and have adequate physical exercise to improve our quality of life, and be aware of the indoor air quality to improve it. On our website we offer a wide range of Envirovent, Airflow, and Manrose kitchen fans, bathroom ventilation fans, whole house ventilation systems, and heat saving systems. Here are some further references to this article, where you can find out more on how to reduce pollution at home and improve air quality in the home: Improve your indoor air quality with Airflow Clean Air raises awareness of indoor air pollution (via Envirovent) There's a cocktail of toxic air pollutants inside the homes (via CleanAirDay) A major study was done to look at indoor air pollution (via, Air Quality News) Asthma Deaths Rise 25% amid growing air pollution crisis (via the Guardian) Protect children from toxic fumes with ‘keep clear’ signs at our bus stops, says father (via, Evening Standard)

Due to the lack of adequate ventilation at home we all have condensation, and if we leave condensation untreated, mould growth can happen - and this can be harmful to our health and the health of our children. How to prevent condensation problems by having proper ventilation. When mould growth takes place, it can lead to serious health issues and breathing difficulties. The fact that we have double insulated windows doesn't help, for condensation is kept inside, instead of the air being circulated to remove it. If there's regular condensation at home, it can cause structural damage to the house, there may be some damp patches that can appear on the wall, and there are steaming windows. Especially in the cold season when we spend more time indoor and we don't want to open the windows because it's too cold outside, there's a risk of moisture build up, and the humidity levels will increase. We need to consider how can we combat condensation - how can we reduce condensation at home so that we won't damage our health and our property would not be damaged long-term. Why do we have Condensation at Home? We may have noticed the steaming windows (especially after taking a shower, washing the dishes, putting out our laundry to dry inside the house, etc) and we may wipe them regularly, but we need to make sure we deal with condensation properly, otherwise mould may grow. Whether we live in a listed building or a newly built apartment, condensation has a big impact, and both our walls, our furniture, and our health may be damaged. Why do we have condensation at home? Condensation takes place when warm air meets cold surfaces, or when there's a high level of humidity in our home. Especially in the fall or winter time, when we heat up our home, when we cook, take a shower, dry our clothes indoors, or take a bath, warm moisture is released into the air inside the home. When the warm air filled with moisture comes into contact with the cold wall (especially the wall facing outside), it cools down and releases water, little droplets of water on the cold surface. We may not worry that much about these little droplets of water, and we may get used to the steaming windows, but we need to consider this since they can lead to such things as sinus problems, skin rashes, and other health issues. Six Simple Tips to Combat and Reduce Condensation at Home How can we combat and reduce condensation at home? Here are some simple tips offered by experts - some are quite simple and easy to do, while others may require some investment, but they all can help reduce and combat condensation at home. 1. Clean the windows when they get steamy - make sure you clean the water droplets from the window, the mirror, the glass shower dividers, and the wall, when you see that steam builds up. Use the regular window cleaner tool, and then a clean towel to clean up any condensation, to make sure these colder surfaces are clean and dry. 2. Improve the ventilation at home. When we increase the ventilation at home, condensation can be removed. Simply opening the window in the living room and after taking a shower, cooking, or drying the laundry can remove the build-up of moisture inside the home. You can also install air bricks to the outside walls, air vents for the internal walls (or sealed chimneys to allow airflow through the house), roof ventilation tiles, and window vents. Also, we recommend installing ventilation fans in the bathroom and in the kitchen - you can find a wide range of bathroom fans from Airflow, Envirovent, and Manrose on our website. 3. Action-based ventilation: when you cook (with the kitchen door closed!) it is good to turn on the extractor fan in the kitchen on a high power to extract any excess moisture, or at least open the window. When taking a shower (with the bathroom fan ON), close the door and, after you finish, open the window (and keep the door closed). When drying the laundry, do it only in one room with the window open or even better, do it outside. 4. Pets and plants can release moisture and thus create condensation; it is good to cover up the fish tank most of the time, and if damp patches appear on the wall or condensation is on surfaces, it is good to move the plants outside. 5. Furniture tips: it is not recommended to overfill the wardrobes or kitchen cupboards, so that there would be air ventilation, otherwise the air moisture trapped may lead to mold. Also, it is recommended for any furniture to be at least 50mm from the wall, especially the walls facing outside, for air to circulate. 6. Double glazing and loft insulation lead to reducing the loss of heat (which is good), but it can also lead to condensation if no proper ventilation is ensured. The use a of a dehumidifier can also help taking the moisture out of the air. Trickle vent systems such as the Airflow Loovent Eco and Envirovent ECO DMEV can ensure a continual ventilation in your home. As our homes become more insulated and the heat (and moisture) is trapped indoors, we need to make sure we have a proper ventilation together with the tight insulation, so that we may combat and reduce condensation (which, left undealt with, can lead to mould growth). There are many other ways to reduce and combat condensation - if you know of a different way to reduce condensation, please write us in the comments. As a further reference, you may find helpful to also consult the following articles on this topic: how to stop condensation in 10 steps, how to deal with condensation, 14 ways to reducing condensation, and what causes condensation and how to stop it.

With over 40 years of experience in manufacturing and selling airflow ventilation systems, Airflow has a wide range of bathroom fans and kitchen fans, including the LOOVENT Eco range. Continuing its range of LOOVENT fans of "legendary reputation" since 1969 or so, Airflow has transformed this range into a modern 2-speed ECO version for a safer, cheaper to run, low energy, and more modern bathroom ventilation. With a discreet style in a modular design, and extremely easy to install and maintain, the LOOVENT Eco bathroom centrifugal fans are quiet and come with either a timer, a humidity timer, or a motion sensor with timer. The Airflow 72684308 timer version for example allows you to set the run-on timer between 2 and 24 minutes, and you can select a delay of two minutes after the light is turned on in the bathroom. This fan can be connected to the light switch, and it comes with a momentary pull-cord switch as a "manual boost" override for you to switch to the second speed (the standard speed is the first one). The Airflow LOOVENT eco range of fans is great for bathrooms and toilets where the duct runs are long since the centrifugal impeller is powerful enough to move air over longer distances when met with pressure resistance from ducting. With an ingress protection rating of IPx5, these fans are suitable for use in zone 1 or 2 with a 30mA RCD (as defined in Section 701 BS7161:2008 IEEE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition). They also comply with the latest Building Regulations, Approved Document F (part L). This range of bathroom fans successfully replaces the old-style (very popular) LOOVENT fans; the spigot position is identical and the back plates are the same size (reworking is thus minimal). Airflow LOOVENT Eco Bathroom Fans - Features and Benefits Economical to operate: the "low setting" uses only 3.5W to provide continuous ventilation, the "high speed" 12W (for "boosting" the ventilation). Cheaper to run. High extraction rate: 62 m³/hr at low speed, 110 m³/hr boost. Very quiet running: 29 / 47 dB(A) at 3m. Low SPF: only 0.21 / 0.40 w/l/s Compact design: modernized curved edge design. Longer life ball bearing motor. LOOVENT Eco T: complete with a timer which can be set to run on 2-45 mins. Internal electrics: now contained inside a separate sealed housing (very safe). Ideal for new builds and refurbishments, with a small footprint and a modern design. Great for bathrooms, toilets, en-suites, utilities room, kitchens, etc. Green Deal: The LOOVENT eco dMEV version will be the perfect solution for the “Green Deal” which is the latest Government initiative and ideal if you have added additional insulation to your home. This fan will combat any problems with condensation and mould and remove any odors that may occur. Ducting: 100mm / 4-inch fan. Fan dimensions: 187 mm width, 167 mm height, 138 mm depth. Double insulated: does not require an earth connection. Mounting: can be surface or recessed, portrait or landscape, as needed. Location: it is important to locate this fan in the best location for an optimal performance, ideally at the furthest point away from where the replacement air enters in the bathroom. IP rating: IPx5, suitable for use in the bathroom (zones 1 and 2) Mains voltage: 100 / 240V - 50/60Hz single phase supply. LOOVENT Eco Fans - a Fan for Every Application! New Build: LOOVENT eco gives the Specifier of ventilation for new dwellings the opportunity to select low energy efficient intermittent extraction in toilets, en-suites, bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens in compliance with the latest Building Regulations. For better sealed houses and those Specifiers implementing a decentralized, whole-house ventilation strategy the continuous ventilation dMEV model is the ideal choice. Repair and Refurbishment: From simple DIY to planned upgrade and refurbishment the LOOVENT eco provides proven performance with outstanding reliability and functionality. Built on the pedigree of over 2 million Loovents sold since it’s introduction in 1969, the next generation LOOVENT eco even has the same mounting points and offset spigot position of its predecessor making it quick and simple to replace. Social Housing: It is not only low energy, but incorporates quiet operation and good value that concerns Social Housing Specifiers. With the move away from ad-hoc repairs to longer-term planned maintenance programmes the Asset Manager has his eye on long-life components that require minimal ongoing maintenance, LOOVENT eco with ball bearing motor technology provides the assurance of many years of trouble-free operation that can be relied upon for inclusion in their MRS planning. And the good news is that, for a limited period of time, you can purchase the LOOVENT Eco 4-inch 72684305 with timer and the version with humidistat 72684306 at a lower price than usual. If you're a LOOVENT fan or you need a high-quality centrifugal ventilation fan with low noise operation, energy-saving ECO credentials, low cost maintenance, and compliance with the Green Deal requirements, you should definitely check these fans out at Sparks!