Airflow iCONstant Continuous Running Extractor Fan with Adjustable Timer and Humidity, dMEV Axial fan 6/8/13 l/sec Airflow 72687118

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.

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects your airways, which transport air in and out of your lungs. Sufferers of asthma have sensitive airways that are inflamed and ready to react when they come into contact with certain airborne particles. When asthma is triggered there will be a varying degree of symptoms. These include the tightening of the airways, so they become more narrow. The lining of these airways will become inflamed and start to swell. This will cause mucus or phlegm build up, further narrowing the airways. This is a very serious ailment that can be fatal, in cases of serious asthma attacks. Three people die every day due to this condition. More people die each year due to asthma than cervical and testicular cancer combined. There is no cure for asthma as of yet - only preventative measures, such as asthma inhalers and medicines. A hugely important role in preventing asthma attacks is identifying what causes them and eliminating these threats. This is partly achieved with quality ventilation that keeps an environment of clean air around sufferers of asthma. There are other serious allergies that are aggravated by poor quality air such as hay fever, eczema and pet dander. In this article, Sparks will examine how ventilation manufacturers have sought to help with the devastating problems caused by asthma and other allergies.What triggers asthma attacks? Practically any airborne particles that irritate the airways can trigger asthma. These can differ from person to person. Certain asthma sufferers will be more susceptible to triggers than others. There are many common causes of asthma triggers around the house. These include: House dust mites. Tobacco smoke. Animal fur. Mould and fungi. Pollen. Humid, dry air. Stress. There are preventative measures needed to stop these triggers, which include medicines, lifestyle advice and avoiding the triggers altogether. When looking at the list of main factors that cause asthma attacks, it is clear good ventilation is probably the best preventative measure. How ventilation can help prevent asthma and eczema: tackling dust mites Dust mites are the primary trigger for asthma sufferers. Researchers estimate they may cause up to 80% off all asthma attacks, as well as countless cases of eczema. Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It is a chronic condition for most people who have it. As you may be able to infer from their name, dust mites thrive in dusty, unclean environments. Their main breeding ground is in unwashed bedding and unclean carpets. Their only source of water is from the air so they can only live in areas where humidity is relatively high. The higher the levels of humidity, the easier it is for them to breed. The fastest and most efficient way to reduce the population of dust mites in your home is by providing great ventilation. Envirovent sells a range of ventilation systems for all areas of your home. They are best situated to combat dust mites anywhere where there is bedding, curtains and carpets. Their ventilation systems provide constant fresh air to decrease humidity levels within the home. Controlling dust mite population will help asthma and dust mite sufferers alike breathe far easier. There are other simple methods for getting rid of dust mites: Wash your bed linen every week at 60 degrees. Use specially designed 'allergy' covers for your pillows, duvet and mattresses. Clean and vacuum your home on a regular basis. Allow fresh air in through the windows Consider installing a whole house ventilation system to supply a continuous source of fresh, filtered clean air. By keeping your home well ventilated you are driving humidity levels down. This decreases the dust mite population of your house: a strong step in tackling asthma and eczema triggers. How ventilation can help tackle hay fever Hay fever is a widespread allergy which affects approximately 1 in 5 people in the UK and is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen in the air. Hay fever is normally associated with grass or hay pollen, the most common being grass pollen. Grass pollen tends to affect people each year from late spring to early summer. Of course, grass pollen is not the sole cause of hay fever by any means. Tree pollen usually triggers reactions in sufferers from early spring to late spring. Meanwhile, nettles and docks (weed pollen) pollinate from early spring until early autumn. This means summer is not an exclusive season where hay fever symptoms may hit. Due to its seasonal nature. hay fever is also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is made more manageable than asthma as its triggers can be predicted by the time of year. The main symptoms of hay fever are: An itchy nose. Watering eyes. An itchy throat. A blocked nose. Unusual amounts of sneezing. Headaches. An aching face. The symptoms will vary from person to person, and some sufferers may have it ‘easier’ than others, for instance, if they only get watering eyes and a slightly blocked nose. However, for others, the symptoms may be so severe that they will affect their sleep patterns and interfere with their education or work. The main demographic affected by hay fever are children and teenagers. Thankfully, much of the time the condition improves or simply goes away. Unfortunately, if you have one allergy you are more likely to suffer from others. If you have asthma or eczema, there is an increased chance you will develop hay fever (and vice versa). A reliable factor in combating hay fever is the same for asthma and eczema: quality ventilation. Check out Envirovent’s Silent: a range of quiet, eco-friendly extract fans that can placed virtually anywhere indoors. How ventilation can help tackle pet dander Over half the UK’s households have a pet. Unfortunately, allergies to our furry friends are very common, as there are 4.8 million estimated sufferers in the UK. ‘Pet dander’ describes the dead skin cells which animals naturally shed from their bodies. The flakes of skin are triggers which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Those who are allergic to pet dander often suffer from the following symptoms: Itchy eyes. Constant sneezing. Nasal congestion. Wheezing. Pet allergens are tough to deal with due to their shape and size. They can easily embed themselves in bedding, fabrics and furniture. The following precautions may help with pet dander: Replace carpets with laminated or hardwood floors. Switch curtains for blinds. Make areas such as your bedroom ‘pet free zones’. Always wash your hands after interacting with your pet. Regularly clean the rooms where your pet sleeps. Keep your home well-ventilated and do not allow dust to accumulate. How to prevent ‘Toxic Home Syndrome’ impacting your health Professional Electrician published an article on all these pollutants, which can combine to cause ‘Toxic Home Syndrome’. They advised on Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) as a ‘whole home’ solution. They also recommended de-centralised mechanical extract fans (dMEV) as a: quiet and unobtrusive ventilation option (that)… extracts moist air that causes condensation and mould, and replaces it with clean, fresh air that is circulated internally. Both MVHR and dMEV solutions are available through Sparks, including Envirovent’s many efficient ventilation products.

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.

A New Year is upon us and you have probably already made plenty of resolutions regarding your personal habits. We here at Sparks like to make more general goals and would heartily recommend you take 2019 as an opportunity to save on your energy bills, especially during what promises to be a frosty start to the year. So if you're thinking to save money (and energy) on your bills this year, you could start by doing some adjustments in lighting and ventilation. Using (green-i) PIR sensors - save the energy lost by those leaving their lights on How many times was the light in the toilet left on accidentally, and how many times did you come home from work to find out that the light in the children's bedroom has been on for quite a while? While at the office, how many times did you simply forget to turn OFF the lights in a certain room, and the next day the lights were still ON? It's time to change this. CP Electronics, one of the world's leading brands in energy-efficient controls for heating, light and ventilation, use cutting-edge technologies and innovations to prevent wasted energy. We have written previously about the benefits of their range of Green-I energy saving products. The wall-mounted PIR sensors ensure that your precious heating and lighting won’t be put to waste, as they only activate upon detecting infrared radiation emitted from people’s bodies. We here at Sparks provide a range of CP Electronics switches and covers, as well as a highly useful multi-function remote for Green-I devices and switches. We would particularly recommend the Single Channel Dimmer with PIR and Adjustable Timer, whose switch has a built-in presence detector to help you save energy; if there is no movement your lights will switch off. When used in conjunction with the remote handset, it can be utilised for dimming and accessing the array of switch functions. There are a multitude of PIR switches and sensors available at Sparks, including this External Black PIR Security Motion Sensor. This fully automatic outdoor security light is capable of controlling up to 1000W of lighting and, during the day, an inbuilt photocell saves electricity by deactivating the attached lighting system. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including car parks, driveways, stairway, patios, porches, entrances and so on. Using LED lighting, indoors and out - save energy being lost by the less-efficient outdoor lighting When it comes to lighting - especially outdoors - the electricity bill goes over the top; the LED floodlights offering 500W halogen or more or the wall lamps each having 50W simply makes the electric meter speed up. Especially with longer nights and shorter days, there's a need to turn ON the light outdoors - but can we do it without wasting too much energy and money? The switch in focus to LED lighting can be seen in how many capital cities across the world ushered in the New Year in 2019  - from Beijing to London, LED light shows greeted massing crowds. New York made the switch in 2012, implementing over 1,200 LED light fixtures for a display that was 5-8 times brighter and was 73% more energy efficient than its predecessor. We would strongly recommend you follow the examples of modern cities celebrating the New Year, and make the switch over to LED Flood Lights for your own outdoor areas. With impressive IP ratings and slim, attractive appearances, Sparks have a plethora of such energy-saving outdoor LEDs to light up your garden, when the skies above seem perpetually dark or grey during the winter months. For instance, the Compact Black LED Flood Light provides a powerful, crisp 4000K of light that has 85% lower running costs compared to its halogen equivalents. Combine this with its inbuilt PIR sensor and think of the money you could save throughout the course of 2019! Ventilating properly - guarantee your health whilst retaining heat and save energy Health should always be top of your priorities when entering the New Year - and no we’re not talking merely about getting a new gym membership. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation and black mould, which may lead to medical problems for occupants of your home. 'Whole home ventilation' is a concept that is important - for both your well-being and your energy bills. During winter we tend to try and trap as much heat in as possible and it is essential we recycle this hot air properly - and we would advise a combination of a positive input system along with a negative air pressure system. We have great options in both these areas, such as the Airflow iCONstant HT, a continuous axial fan with a unique setup and diagnostic LED light. The economical and intelligent nature of this device ensures that running cost are kept at an absolute minimum, with adaptable trickle speeds beginning at 6 l/sec which takes a mere 1.07W to power. Looking at the air pressure system, the Envirovent heatSava is an excellent heat recovery unit that feeds in through the wall. It’s primary functions are to improve indoor air quality by reducing condensation and mould problems, while recovering up to 75% of indoor heat that would otherwise be lost. So with the New Year ringing in, you are probably pondering on improvements to be made in your household. We at Sparks would highly recommend you start the year by getting some peace of mind about your energy expenses and the healthy ventilation of your home.

We love the Electrical Wholesalers magazine, coming out monthly and being distributed in all the electrical stores around the country. It helps to know what's new in the industry, whether or not you hear about it via official communications, TV, media, etc. The Green Deal, for instance, "looks set to be the most ambitious refurbishment programme in the UK ever, but energy efficient improvements must not be at the expense of outdoor air quality." (Lee Nurse, Vent-Axia, quoted in the April 2013 issue) The Green Deal: Don't Forget Ventilation! Energy efficient ventilation is an important accompaniment to the Green Deal initiative, and it offers a potential opportunity for contractors and electrical wholesalers alike. "Under the Green Deal, energy bill payers are able to obtain energy efficiency improvements, such as loft insulation, solid wall insulation, and new heating systems, without having to pay immediately. Instead, business will provide the capital, and obtain their money back over time via the customer's energy bill. Central to this strategy is the requirement that the estimated savings on the bill will always equal or exceed the cost of the work - this is called the 'Golden Rule'." Addressing the Issue of Ventilation In the article in EW news, Lee Nurse from Vent-Axia continues, "...despite continuous room heat recovery offering energy efficient ventilation that recovers heat, its benefit is difficult to measure. As a result it cannot meet the Green Deal's 'Golden Rule'. However, if you insulate a home without improving ventilation it can result in condensation and mould." Already in the UK one in five homes are affected by condensation and mould growth (according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors). If people don't take care to ensure adequate ventilation, high levels of humidity can lead to growth in dust mite populations, which can affect people's comfort and health. This is an excellent opportunity for many electrical wholesalers - among which Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd takes the lead - to supply contractors and homeowners with the ideal solutions for these projects. The Green Package - Energy Efficient It is very important to start right: make the air as tight as possible at home, with proper insulation and double glazing! Ventilation is necessary for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. The emphasis will be more and more on continuous Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) systems, many of which can be found on our website since they provide effective and affordable solutions with low running costs. They work with the natural air infiltration and they control the air path through the home, preventing the migration of damaging humidity and pollutants. Refurbish Tight and Ventilate Right! In the Green Deal's "Golden Rule" there may be no specification about energy efficient ventilation, but it is definitely essential to it. Yes, refurbish tight and make sure there's double glazing and insulation, but at the same time you have to ensure there's no poor air quality and condensation. Refurbish Tight and Ventilate Right! Read more on the Green Deal via this and this article, and purchase dMEV solutions via our website. Vent-Axia is a reputable air flow and air ventilation solution for both domestic and commercial use, and their fans can be purchased online via Sparks. The quotes and details above are inspired by the Electrical Wholesalers Magazine, the April 2013 edition, via the article entitled, Green Deal: Don't Forget Ventilation.

Most people think that opening the kitchen window and door while cooking is good enough; however, it's best to have proper kitchen ventilation. Whether it is summer or winter, many of us spend at least one or two hours a day in the kitchen cooking, preparing food, and baking. Especially as we approach the festive season or when a family gathering is coming up, there is more cooking going on in the kitchen. When the smell of a nice meal being prepared spreads through the house, everyone feels happy. However, we need to be aware that with the cooking, baking, frying, tea-making, and all the other activities in the kitchen, there is a great need for proper kitchen ventilation. There are toxic emissions, stale smells (or food smells), and stuffy air when you cook, and these need to be extracted. Research confirms that cooking with a gas stove even once a week regularly emits levels of pollutants that are illegal outdoors. Ventilation in the kitchen is often overlooked or reduced to opening the window for the steam or smell to go outside. However, kitchen ventilation is very important, even as important as cleaning the kitchen after cooking. In this article, we want to see why is there a need for proper kitchen ventilation and what's the best way to ventilate the kitchen. Why is there a need for Proper Kitchen Ventilation?One may ask, why is there a need for proper kitchen ventilation? Isn't an open door plus an open window good enough? There are a few reasons why proper ventilation is needed in the kitchen. Eliminate the Odours: opening the door to the kitchen doesn't mean you ventilate the kitchen, it means the odours spread throughout the house. A proper kitchen ventilation system ensures you combat cooking smells, odours, and other such pesky things. Enhance air quality: nobody wants to cook or be in a place where there's no ventilation, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Kitchen ventilation is important for the health both of the body and of the soul since it makes you happy to be in the kitchen when the air is clean. Remove the pollutants and Smoke and bring in Fresh air: whether we realize it or not, cooking with a gas stove results in the release of pollutants and smoke, and these need to be eliminated. Proper kitchen ventilation prevents the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation. Tip: We recommend the use of a Carbon Monoxide alarm installed properly in the vicinity of the kitchen - it can be a lifesaver!Note: for Ventilation in Catering kitchens and Commercial Kitchens in the UK, please read this guide from the Health and Safety Executive entitled, Ventilation in catering kitchens. The Best way to Ventilate the KitchenIf you read different guides and listen to various specialists, they all speak the same thing when it comes to ventilation in the kitchen: whether you have a small or a big kitchen, proper kitchen ventilation is required. If it is a small kitchen and cooking is done in the kitchen, ventilation is absolutely necessary. The most basic way to ventilate a kitchen is to leave doors and windows open, but this is no longer enough, especially since new government regulations call for tighter ventilation rules and specify a certain level of extraction necessary. The two main elements that help ventilate the kitchen properly are using a cooker hood with an extractor fan built-in or using an intermittent fan, a continuous extractor fan. Let's take a closer look at these solutions. 1. Use a Cooker Hood with an In-built Extractor fanMost kitchens have a cooker hood, but not many use it. The easiest way to extract and eliminate odours and pollutants is to use a cooker hood with an in-built extractor fan. Usually, the cooker hood is installed right above the stove or oven, and it needs to be turned on when cooking or boiling is taking place. Using a cooker hood with a fan built-in means that the steam, smoke, and pollutants are being extracted and eliminated instead of spreading around the house. Odours resulting from frying and cooking are extracted when the cooker hood is turned on at the start of the cooking. Tip: it is recommended to periodically check, clean, and maintain the cooker hood to make sure it works properly. Grease can build up and the mesh or grill can become loaded with pollutants; please check the instructions on the cooker hood on how to clean it. 2. Use a Continuous Extractor FanIf there is no cooker hood installed due to space constraints, or if you want to make sure the air in the kitchen is maintained clean and free from odours, a continuous extractor fan is recommended. Such intermittent extractor fans from excellent manufacturers like Airflow and Envirovent can help extract up to 60 litres per second. Such an extraction rate is needed if your kitchen has a recirculating cooker hood or no cooker hood at all. If there's a cooker hood, an extraction rate of 30l/s is good enough. And if you choose the continuous extraction, a 13l/s extraction is great.Buy Airflow iCONstant at Sparks The Airflow iCONstant Continuous Running dMEV Extractor Fan with Timer is an excellent solution for kitchen ventilation. You simply install it and forget about anything else. Plus, it looks very stylish. If you prefer a square fan, how about the Envirovent ECO-dMEV-T 100mm Continuous Running Ventilation Fan with a Timer with a quiet running of as low as 20dB(A). Tip: It is good to clean the continuous extractor fan from time to time, see the instructions for each fan.Conclusion: It is Important to Properly Ventilate your kitchen!Whether you cook often or only on special occasions, kitchens can be hotspots for condensation build-up and food odours, smoke, and VOCs from cleaning appliances. Appliances such as dishwashers, kettles, hobs, and even the water tap produce steam and inject humidity into the air. It is easy for condensation to form when steam comes into contact with the window, ceiling, or wall. Then, dampness can build up, mould and even corrosion or wood rot can happen, all of which can weaken the structures or cause damage to your kitchen. And the toxins from mould and VOCs can cause or contribute to health issues (such as allergies, asthma, etc). It is important to have proper ventilation in the kitchen. There are also odours from cooking, and there are gases such as Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrogen Dioxide, which are harmful both to people and pets. It is worthwhile to consider properly ventilating the kitchen to have a comfortable time when cooking and using the kitchen and to make sure that health conditions are not made worse simply by using the kitchen. For further information regarding the need for kitchen ventilation see the article via Airflow and this one via wikipedia. 

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.Buy Airflow Ventilation Fans at Sparks 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.Buy the Airflow iCONstant dMEV Ventilation Fan