Housebuilders need a ventilation strategy

Johnson and Starley says that no longer can heating and ventilation in the home be considered as stand-alone disciplines and a ventilation strategy needs to be considered.

The high levels of insulation and modern construction methods, including advanced building materials, of today's new build residential properties mean that they are much more tightly sealed than even just a few years ago.

In addition, Parts F and L of the Building Regulations have put additional responsibilities on housebuilders.

These developments bring benefits in terms of controlling carbon emissions, reducing energy usage and creating a comfortable living environment.

However, one of the side effects of the energy efficient home is the risk of condensation build-up and therefore ventilation has become an important consideration.

Johnson and Starley have over 20 years experience in all types of ventilation solutions and are already working closely with a number of developers to create a ventilation strategy for new and indeed refurbished properties.

Detailed system designs, technical drawings and advice as well as the all important consideration of after sales service are covered.

This approach can ensure compliance with regulations, provide the most appropriate solutions and ensure long term service support.

When specifying ventilation for residential properties, many companies often look no further than what appears the easiest option - the installation of extract fans for the property's "wet" rooms.

This approach, however, is frequently not the best in terms of cost-effectiveness although the upfront costs may appear attractive.

It also is by no means necessarily the best approach in terms of energy efficiency or controlling emissions to the outside atmosphere.

Extract fans can have a basic on/off pull cord operation but can also be multi-speed and feature humidistat controls.

Versions are now available with a virtually silent constant running feature with very low running costs, continually providing the required levels of extraction from specific rooms.

However, in terms of energy efficiency, with the potential to recover heat energy used in a home, a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery is the best option.

It effectively removes all stale air from a house and replenishes it with fresh air.

The energy savings are now even more significant with the availability of EC fans that save immensely on running costs.

In terms of energy efficiency, central extract systems are at the next level and also extract stale air from "wet" rooms and exhaust it to the outside atmosphere.

Fresh air replenishment is through trickle vents.

Systems are available for both larger premises and in-line versions for smaller houses or apartments.

EC fans are also available.

With both these types of ventilation systems close control of their operation is absolutely essential for optimum performance and therefore energy savings.

Both the heat recovery and central extract systems can be specified with a balancing panel that is set by the installer during commissioning and provides infinitely variable control - not just stepped control - of fan speeds.

This results in exactly the required amount of air being extracted.

Over or under ventilated properties are simply not energy efficient.

Full details are available from Johnson and Starley.

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