Extract Increased Control over Ventilation

Published by Angela May for Passivent Ltd in Housing and also in Environment, Health, Local Government

Latest research from Passivent is proving its demand-controlled ventilation solution is reducing costs and carbon emissions, and creating a healthier internal environment for occupants.

The company, Britain’s leading supplier of natural and mechanical ventilation systems for the domestic environment, says its ‘intelligent’ iMEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation) not only provides energy benefits over current standard mechanical extract ventilation, but also those likely to be demanded in the amended Approved Documents F and L due out later this year. It also eliminates risk of occupants turning the ventilation off, creating damp and condensation within.

Passivent iMEV integrates ‘intelligent’ extracts and an ‘intelligent’ low wattage fan within a central extract system for the building, be it an individual house or multi-occupancy building such as student accommodation, nursing homes and hotels.

The extracts open and close in response to varying humidity levels. The central fan is constantly monitoring the extracted air. When it detects the humidity content is more than a pre-set level, it boosts the extraction rate, only for as long as needed to restore the preset conditions. As the extract will be open only in a room with a high level of humidity, boosted extraction will only take place in that room. Other systems would extract from all the ‘wet’ rooms in the house, which removes warm air from a room unnecessarily.

The system works without any occupier input, and ensures the interior remains fresh, dry and odour- and condensation-free 24/7, even when the building is unoccupied.

Stephen Smith, Passivent Domestic Product Manager, elaborates, “When the windows and mirrors are steaming up or running with condensation, we know we need to increase ventilation, but 99% of the time do we really know when humidity levels are increasing and ventilation is required? And do we always remember to turn on AND off extract fans, or even want to, with the noise they can generate? Passivent iMEV removes those pressures on us, allowing the residents to get on and enjoy life, in an energy-efficient way.”

Passivent is the only natural ventilation supplier to offer independent BBA certification across its range, proven in use for over 20 years. In addition to its mechanical extract ventilation systems, it also supplies ‘whole house’ natural ventilation solutions and a comprehensive range of background trickle ventilators, the Fresh range of through wall ventilators, with or without acoustic options - all of which contribute towards efficient ventilation of the home with little or no energy consumption.

Passivent is part of the Building Product Design Group, which specialises in developing innovative yet practical ventilation and roofing products in line with changing market requirements.