New guide to natural ventilation solutions

Passivent guide to help specifiers understand the difference between natural and 'assisted' (mechanical) ventilation, and achieve clear specification for domestic buildings.

Passivent, the UK's leading supplier of natural ventilation systems for domestic and commercial applications, has produced the guide to simplify the different natural ventilation techniques available and help them understand their contribution towards energy efficient homes.

Natural ventilation is recognised by the National Home Energy Ratings scheme as the most energy efficient method of ventilation available.

The Natural and Energy Efficient Ventilation Systems for Domestic Dwellings guide covers extract and 'whole building' (background) ventilation options, including established methods such as Passive Stack ventilation (PSV), through Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and the latest iMEV (intelligent Mechanical Extract Ventilation), to window and through-wall background tricklevents, all of which use no- or minimal- electricity to function.

Stephen Smith, Passivent Domestic Product Manager, elaborates, "The 'sealed buildings' concept increases a home's energy efficiency, in that it virtually eliminates fortuitous airgaps through which heat can escape, but it simultaneously virtually eliminates ventilation through those same airgaps".

"We all know that conventional mechanical extraction in bathrooms, en-suites and utilities is often either not switched on or is even disconnected, because of the noise of the fan running, or people just don't think to turn it on to remove the moisture generated through bathing or washing".

"That creates condensation which harms the building fabric and occupants' health".

"It is therefore increasingly important that at least background ventilation is incorporated- and is indeed a requirement under Building Regulations".

"Simultaneously, the drive towards zero-carbon home by 2016 means and the introduction of SAP ratings means there is growing demand for ventilation strategies that contribute towards both those targets".

Passivent offers an extensive range of natural and energy efficient systems from simple background ventilation to intelligent demand-controlled systems which automatically adjust to the relative humidity in the room.

The new publication brings the options available together in one source, presented in an easy-to-follow format.

Copies of the Guide are available on request from Passivent, or can be downloaded from the company's website.

Passivent supplies the Fresh range of through wall ventilators, plus BBA- certified 'whole house' natural (PSV) and mechanical (MEV) ventilation solutions, with or without acoustic options..

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.

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