C18 - FAQs

The energiSava® 260 can either be controlled via a wireless three-speed controller or via the app version of the unit, which can work with the myenviroventapp.

The order codes show the different control options available.

The energiSava® 260 can be wall or ceiling-mounted, depending upon the requirements of the installation.

The energiSava® 260 is available as both right and left-handed, giving ultimate flexibility for unit placement, drainage and airflow direction.

Diagrams and further information can be found within the installation guide.

The energiSava® 260 has a summer bypass as standard, ensuring that during periods of warm weather that the airflow is able to bypass the heat cell keeping the property comfortable.

The energiSava® 260 comes as standard with Intellitrac humidity tracking, a unique feature that continuously monitors the humidity levels in the property and automatically adjusts the extract airflow to suit.

The energiSava® 260 comes as standard with frost protection via airflow imbalance.

In periods of extremely cold weather, the supply airflow will switch off to both protect the internal workings of the unit and provide a comfortable environment before switching back on when temperatures increase.

The energiSava® 260 comes with a 2-year warranty as standard for peace of mind, saving time, money and hassle

The energiSava® 260 comes with two ISO Coarse 45% filters as standard.

The energiSava® 260 is up to 88% energy efficient and is suitable for kitchen plus five additional wet rooms.

The energiSava® 200 can either be controlled via a wireless three-speed controller or via the app version of the unit which can work with the myenviroventapp. The order codes show the different control options available.

The energiSava® 200 can be wall or ceiling mounted depending upon the requirements of the installation.

The energiSava® 200 is available as both right and left handed giving ultimate flexibility for unit placement, drainage and airflow direction. Diagrams and further information can be found within the installation guide.

The energiSava® 200 has a mechanical summer bypass as standard, ensuring that during periods of warm weather that the airflow is able to bypass the heat cell, keeping the property comfortable.

The energiSava® 200 comes as standard with Intellitrac humidity tracking, a unique feature that continuously monitors the humidity levels in the property and automatically adjusts the extract airflow to suit.

The energiSava® 200 comes as standard with frost protection via airflow imbalance.

In periods of extremely cold weather, the supply airflow will switch off to both protect the internal workings of the unit and provide a comfortable environment before switching back on when temperatures increase.

The energiSava® 200 comes with a 2-year warranty as standard for peace of mind, saving time, money and hassle.

The energiSava® 200 comes with two ISO Coarse 45% filters as standard.

The energiSava® 200 is up to 90% energy efficient and is suitable for kitchens plus four additional wet rooms.

Most of envirovent's extract fans are IPX4 rated or higher. This means they are suitable to be installed within Zone 1, or Zone 2 of a bathroom, or outside the zones, as long as a suitable RCD is protecting the circuit.

Centralised ventilation systems such as MEV, MVHR, and PIV are not suitable for installation in a wet room.

This will depend on the suitability of the consumer unit.

SELV fans offer extra safety when fitting a fan in a zone in a bathroom. However if the circuit they are being installed on is protected by a suitable RCD, then either a mains fan or SELV fan can be fitted.

It would always be recommended to install any transformer out side of the bathroom.

Regulation 531.3.3 of BS7671 IET wiring regulations forbids the use of Type AC RCD where fixed alterations or additions to an electrical circuit contain DC components.

Unfortunately nearly all ventilation products contain DC components to control the operation of the unit. Therefore a type AC RCD is not suitable.

An RCD is a protective device and is required when ventilation units are installed in specific areas, mainly in bathrooms.

Most current consumer units offer this type of protection as standard within the consumer unit. RCD's generally have a test button and should be tested on a regular basis.

At envirovent, we pride ourselves on customer excellence, and that includes handling issues which will occasionally happen.

We're of course sorry to hear that you have raised a complaint with us.

After completing a contact form on the Complaints page, you will be contacted by one of our Customer Resolution Advisors, who will be on hand to listen and understand your experience. A Complaint Case will be raised on our system, and you will receive confirmation of your unique case reference. Once we have all of the information through the investigation process, we will proceed with a proposed resolution to solve the issue experienced.

Please visit our Customer Service Hub if you need to raise a complaint with us. 

While most complaints are resolved swiftly and within 2 weeks from receipt of the complaint, please allow up to 8 weeks for our team to fully investigate the complaint and liaise with both, yourself and all relevant parties.

We take Customer Experience seriously, and this includes ensuring that we fully understand issues our customers experience, and make sure that we do everything we can to make envirovent your number one choice of ventilation partner for years to come. Include the customer-facing document on this page.

We entirely appreciate that sometimes a complaint resolution may not be satisfactory, and that is why we include a resolution escalation process.

Our Customer Resolution Advisors will work with you to fully understand your complaint and listen carefully. Should the resolution be rejected, the Complaint Case is escalated to a senior Manager who will aim to resolve the complaint within 5 working days. Should the resolution be unsatisfactory, the complaint will be escalated to the Director, who will aim to resolve the complaint within 5 working days. Should you be unsatisfied with our resolution proposals, then you will need to contact the Ombudsman.

Please find more details about our complaint process, contacts in the escalation process, and how to contact the ombudsman here - Include the customer facing document on this page.

We're sorry to hear that you need to raise a complaint with us.

That being said, we are always eager to hear from our customers and ensure your journey with us is as easy as possible - that includes making a complaint.

Please visit our Complaints page, where you will be able to read about our complaint process and contact us with the details of your experience or issue.

The fan will adjust its speed in direct correlation to changes in humidity. This may only be a small amount, depending on the location of the source of humidity and the rise in humidity. It will also depend on the temperature in the room and in close proximity to the fan.

If the fan is close to a heat source, it may take longer to track humidity. Also, ensuring the fan is regularly maintained and cleaned will ensure optimum performance. Poor installation or excessive ducting, incorrectly installed ducting can hinder the performance of any fan. It is important to ensure fans are installed and commissioned correctly.

The fan is designed to run continuously at a controlled low rate. The speed will increase with a rise in relative humidity levels above 65% and or when manually controlled.

To remove the cover, you need to locate the two screws at the base end of the fan cabinet and loosen them until they are clear of the fan case. Pull the front cover away from the lower part and unhook it from the top.

If your fan is noisy, it may be that it is left in a boosted state or just tracking humidity.

Check any manual controls and that the fan is not close to an open window or trickle vent.

General cleaning of the fan can also reduce any noise concerns.

There could be a number of reasons for the fan not running, the first would be to check that the local isolator is not turned off or the fuse in the fuse spur is working.

It would be advised to have a competent person investigate the installation and call our technical team if they require further advice

No, if PIV is installed and set correctly, it should not make a property cold.

The air entering the dwelling will be cooler and feel cooler. However, this air is tempered slightly, mixes with warm air at ceiling height before being distributed around the dwelling. The benefit would be that the system can help improve indoor air quality and potentially help reduce heating demand. It would be recommended to keep all internal doors closed or closed too, in order to obtain the maximum benefits of the system

Some PIV units go into sleep/summer bypass mode when loft temperatures are above 25°C to ensure the system does not contribute to overheating. When the temperature drops back below 25°C (at night), the unit will automatically start running again.

It is not recommended to turn the unit off, turning the unit off for prolonged periods my damage the unit and void the warranty.

Please refer to the running costs section within the website

The best way to check this is with a survey from one of our local specialists who will check whether installing PIV will be suitable and help resolve any current issues.

Items like the size and layout of the dwelling, the suitability of the loft space (if any), and adequate door undercuts will all help to confirm if PIV is a suitable option.

This may be a sign that the unit requires servicing or a filter change.

You may also see signs of a little condensation on windows as the temperature drops in the winter; this should only be for a day or 2.

This could be a number of things, and is normally due to incorrect wiring or the humidity sensitivity being set too low.

It would be advised to have a competent person investigate the installation and call our technical team if they require further advice

If your fan is not extracting, this is normally due to an installation issue.

Excessive amounts of ducting (rigid or flexible), incorrect external terminations or blocked fly screens will all hinder the performance of a ventilation unit.

It would be advised to have a competent person investigate the installation and call our technical team if they require further advice

Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface and turns into tiny water droplets. While occasional misting is common, you may need professional condensation solutions if you notice:

• Misty/streaming windows and water on sills (often in the morning)

• Damp patches or wet, cold corners on external walls

• Peeling wallpaper, blistering paint, or crumbling plaster

• Black mould in corners, around window frames, or behind furniture

• Musty smells that keep returning

• Timber or felt in the loft showing moisture or early rot

If several of these keep coming back, it's likely a persistent condensation issue rather than a one-off spill or leak.

Everyday life creates moisture: cooking, boiling a kettle, showering, drying clothes indoors, and even just breathing all release water vapour into the air. Modern homes are also built to be more airtight to save energy, which means that moisture can't escape as easily.

When warm, moist air has nowhere to go, it settles on cold walls, windows, and other surfaces – and that's when condensation forms. That's why having the right ventilation is important: it helps move moist air out and keep conditions balanced, so condensation is far less likely to build up.

Ventilation works by removing moist and humid air out of your home at the source or by replacing it with filtered air from a whole house ventilation system. A high-quality condensation extractor fan removes steam directly from source rooms like kitchens and bathrooms before it has a chance to spread through the rest of the house.

For more comprehensive protection, a whole-home ventilation solution (such as a PIV system) keeps air circulating throughout the entire property. By keeping the airflow balanced, these systems reduce damp corners from becoming a problem and reduce the conditions that allow mould to develop.

While condensation itself isn't harmful, the damp and mould it leads to can affect your health.

Breathing in mould spores may cause coughing, sore throats, or worsen asthma. Children, older adults, and anyone with existing breathing problems are often more sensitive. The most effective way to avoid these risks is to consult with condensation specialists to control the moisture that allows mould to grow in the first place.

Wiping down windows can temporarily clear moisture, but it won't stop condensation from returning. The key is to reduce excess moisture and improve airflow:

• Use condensation extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms

• Cover pans when cooking and dry clothes outside where possible

• Keep a consistent background temperature in colder months

• Open windows for short bursts of fresh air when it's safe to do so

If you're looking for long-term condensation solutions, good ventilation is the most reliable way to control moisture and prevent condensation from building up again.

Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture in the air, but they only work in the room they're placed in. They don't tackle the root cause, which is poor airflow.

A dehumidifier can also use seven to 20 times more power than a low-energy ventilation system running continuously. For a long-term solution, improving ventilation is a more efficient way to keep moisture under control throughout your whole property.

All air contains moisture in the form of water vapour. Warm air can carry more of this invisible moisture than cold air. When the air cools down, there comes a point where it simply can't hold all the vapour anymore.

The extra moisture turns back into tiny water droplets – especially on cold surfaces like walls, windows, or mirrors. This process is called condensation.

Mould is mainly caused by excess moisture and poor airflow. Mould starts when microscopic spores – which are always present in the air – find a damp surface to settle on. On their own, spores float around harmlessly. But if excess moisture builds and there’s little airflow, they can settle and grow into the black, green, or white patches you see on walls, ceilings, or furniture.

The most common trigger for mould problems inside UK homes is condensation: everyday activities like cooking, showering and even breathing release moisture into the air. If the air isn't able to hold all that extra moisture (or airflow isn't enough), it will drop the moisture onto cold surfaces (this is condensation), creating the perfect environment for mould to develop.

Yes – mould can release spores and particles into the air that, when breathed in, may irritate your lungs and airways. For some people this causes mild symptoms like coughing, a sore throat or headaches. For others – especially children, older adults or people with asthma – it can trigger allergic reactions and more serious breathing difficulties.

Not every mould species is equally harmful, but any visible mould indoors should be treated as a warning sign. Preventing damp and improving ventilation are the safest ways to stop mould and reduce the associated health risks.

Surface cleaning with bleach or sprays is a popular mould removal technique, but it doesn't achieve lasting prevention. That’s because the underlying cause is excess moisture combined with poor airflow.

To reduce the risk of mould:

• Wipe away condensation from windows and sills.

• Use lids when cooking and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Avoid drying clothes indoors where possible.

• Leave a small gap between furniture and external walls so air can circulate.

These steps can help day to day, but the only long-term way to stop mould is to tackle condensation and improve ventilation. During your free home survey, our experts can identify the right ventilation system to keep moisture under control across your whole home.

Cleaning mould with bleach or sprays only removes what you can see on the surface. The spores that cause mould are always present in the air, and if excess moisture and poor airflow remain, those spores will simply settle and grow again.

That’s why mould often seems to “come back” after a few days or weeks – because the underlying conditions haven’t changed. To stop mould returning, you need to control condensation and improve ventilation so damp air doesn’t settle on cold surfaces.

Ventilation helps by tackling the root cause of mould – excess moisture trapped in still air. By moving damp air out and bringing drier air in, ventilation stops condensation from settling on cold surfaces where mould can grow.

Extractor fans are effective in kitchens and bathrooms where most household moisture is produced. For whole-home protection, continuous systems keep air circulating throughout the property, helping to prevent condensation and reduce the conditions that mould needs to thrive.

Mould is a type of fungus that grows when its microscopic spores settle on damp surfaces. These spores are like single-celled seeds that are always present in the air. However, they only develop into visible mould when three things come together: moisture, warmth and organic material such as wood, paper or dust.

Mould grows where there is poor air circulation and high moisture levels. These conditions create the perfect environment for it to thrive. Without addressing the root cause, cleaning or repainting only temporarily hides the problem.

Mould can harm your health. It can trigger allergies, cause breathing difficulties and irritate your skin and throat. To prevent long-term issues, it's crucial to treat the root causes of mould.

Rising damp is caused when ground water moves up through walls or floors by capillary action. It usually appears on the lower part of ground-floor walls, showing as “tide marks,” stained plaster, peeling paint, or salt deposits. Skirting boards may also rot or crumble.

Rising damp is different from condensation damp and usually needs a damp-proofing specialist to diagnose and treat. envirovent focuses on condensation damp, the most common type in UK homes, and ventilation surveys carried out by our experts can help if your problem is moisture from condensation.

Penetrating damp happens when water from outside gets through the building fabric into your home. It can be caused by problems such as cracked brickwork, damaged render, leaking gutters, or broken roof tiles.

The signs are usually damp patches that worsen after rain, localised staining on ceilings or walls, or peeling plaster near external defects. Penetrating damp is typically a structural issue that needs a builder or damp-proofing contractor to investigate. envirovent specialises in condensation damp, so if your damp looks more like moisture from everyday living, our ventilation solutions can help.

Each type of damp shows itself in different ways:

• Condensation damp → Misty windows, black mould in corners, musty smells, and patches on cold surfaces like external walls or behind furniture. Problems are often worse in the morning or during colder months.

• Rising damp → Damp patches low on walls (up to 1 metre high), “tide marks,” peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and white salt deposits. Usually found on ground floors.

• Penetrating damp → Damp patches that worsen after rain, localised staining near gutters, rooflines, or external cracks. Can also show as damp ceilings under a leaking roof.

If your damp looks like condensation, envirovent can help with ventilation solutions that reduce moisture build-up. For rising or penetrating damp, it’s best to speak with a qualified damp-proofing contractor.

Wiping down windows or running a dehumidifier can help in the short term, but they don’t stop condensation from coming back. The only lasting way to control condensation damp is to reduce excess moisture and improve airflow.

Simple steps include: keeping lids on pans when cooking, drying clothes outdoors where possible, and using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. For a whole-home approach, ventilation systems can keep air moving throughout the property and help prevent condensation from building up in the first place.

Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture in the air, but they only work in the room they’re placed in and don’t fix the root cause of condensation damp – poor airflow.

They can be useful as a temporary measure, but they need regular emptying and add to energy costs. In fact, a dehumidifier can use seven to 20 times more power than a low-energy ventilation fan running continuously. For a whole-home, long-term solution, improving ventilation is the more effective way to keep condensation damp under control.

Condensation damp is the most common type of damp in UK homes. It happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface — like a wall, window, or ceiling — and tiny water droplets form. Over time, these damp patches can lead to black mould, peeling wallpaper, or musty smells.

Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors all add moisture to the air. Without good ventilation to keep that air moving, condensation builds up and causes damp problems.

Indoor Air Quality or IAQ refers to the condition of air inside a building and the effect that this can have upon those within the property. This is usually referred to alongside appropriate sensors or controls to increase the levels of IAQ or monitoring systems to measure this over a specific period.

IAQ can be improved in a property through the use of appropriate ventilation, depending upon the property type and application. Sensors and equipment can also be used to monitor the IAQ levels, which can then interact with the ventilation units to adjust the speed to keep the airflow level at an optimum point. Being mindful of products being used, such as those with high Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including polish and cleaning materials, carpets, glues used in furniture, candles and other items, can also help to reduce the VOC levels.

envirovent offer the Air Sense range of sensors which are used to monitor Relative Humidity (RH), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Temperature (TEMP) through a traffic light system for which the contaminant level, humidity or temperature can be pre-set and will either increase or decrease the airflow of the ventilation unit depending upon the conditions in the property.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found within uranium and enters the atmosphere. Radon is radioactive, colourless, odourless and carcinogenic in high concentrations. In areas with high Radon levels, this moves upwards from the ground into properties through cracks and gaps, and is harder to disperse than some other gases or pollutants, meaning that it can sometimes hang around. There are maps available online showing areas of the UK suffering from high radon build-up, which should be a consideration when it comes to ventilation and ensuring good levels of indoor air quality. Radon is measured in Bq or Becquerels, and can be tested by ordering specific kits.

High Radon levels can be prevented through the use of a sump that removes the Radon and disperses it out to atmosphere. Alternatively, a PIV or Positive Input Ventilation can also be an appropriate solution. For further information on options available, including the use of Envirovent Air Source PIV units, please get in touch.

Ventilation, in the context of buildings, is the process of moving air in and out of a property. This can be through natural or mechanical means, or a mixture of both, and is usually at a set or minimum rate, as seen in appropriate building regulations and minimum guidance. The ventilation rate can be determined by the occupant levels, bedrooms and floor areas within a building. For some applications, the number of Air Changes per Hour (ACH) is determined based upon the air being fully changed in that room a set number of times per hour.

There are different options available when it comes to ventilating a property. This depends upon the layout, air permeability, location and other factors within the property. For domestic ventilation, this is generally split into four main options: Natural Ventilation with Background Ventilators and Intermittent Extract Fans, Continuous Mechanical Extract (c-MEV or d-MEV), Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) or Alternative Methods such as PIV and SRHR.

Minimum ventilation standards and the use of products vary between domestic and non-domestic properties. Care should be taken to ensure that the product chosen is fit for purpose and is compliant. For further information or for assistance, please contact envirovent.

Yes, there are several types of standards, guidance and support documents available; ensuring that the right one is selected is important. The key document is Approved Document F of Building Regulations for Means of Ventilation; there is also NHBC Guidance, CIBSE Guides and other British Standards. For guidance and advice, please contact Envirovent.

Ventilation is required to prevent mould and condensation, reduce humidity levels and pollutants such as CO₂, Radon and VOCs, as well as providing good levels of IAQ. The way that homes are built and refurbished is changing, and it's important that properties are ventilated to overcome increased levels of airtightness, overheating and pollution concerns.

Relative Humidity or RH is the level of humidity in the air, relative to the maximum amount that could be held at that temperature. This means that if the RH of a property is at 80%, then this is 80% capacity in terms of the amount of moisture that can be held in line with the current temperature. The higher the relative humidity, the greater the risk of mould until the dew point, which is when wet walls and water droplets will form at around 100% RH. High levels of RH can lead to mould, damp and health issues if not appropriately managed and reduced.

Humidity can be controlled in a variety of ways. Some ventilation units have humidity tracking included as standard, or sensors that can be added to the units to vary the speed based on the levels of humidity in the air. There is a link between temperature and humidity, which can cause issues at night when properties are traditionally not heated, particularly in colder weather. Essentially, good ventilation, including the use of both natural and mechanical ventilation are key alongside regulating the temperature within a property.

Each property is different when it comes to looking at humidity levels, which can vary through general day-to-day living, property location and temperature. Typically, humidity levels are between 30% and 60%, with figures outside of this potentially leading to health concerns. When setting up a ventilation system, it is important to work out the humidity levels within the property and find out what the optimal figure as if this can lead to nuisance running or not running enough, leading to mould and condensation issues. As well as this, low humidity levels can leave the air dry and can cause headaches and respiratory concerns. For further advice and guidance, please contact envirovent.

We offer several convenient ways to get in touch with us, including Live Chat, phone, contact request forms, and through our social media channels.

For the fastest response, we recommend giving us a call, so you’ll be speaking to someone who can help you right away. No matter which option you choose, we’re here to make sure you get the support you need.

We would love to hear from you and arrange a home survey.

Please complete the form, and our team will be in touch within the next 2 working days.

Great! Our onboarding team will be delighted to hear from you and get you all set up.

Please email your request to onboarding@envirovent.com

Booking a service is the best way to ensure that your products stay in top condition and are working as intended. Booking a service is easy.

Please reach out to your local specialist here and advise which product you would like servicing. Please include any details available, such as the product serial number, to help ensure efficient support.

Ventilation is a controlled service in that any works that are undertaken on ventilation in a building outside of exceptions either need to be presented to the local Building Control Body, and where possible, the installer should be part of a Competent Persons Scheme.

Further information can be found in Approved Document F of Building Regulations.

envirovent has local representatives across the UK. If you would like to get in touch with us, please visit our Contact Us page, where you can find all the details.

Alternatively, you can submit your information, and your local specialist will reach out to you.

We don’t sell directly on Amazon or eBay, but you may occasionally find our products listed by third-party sellers.

If you purchase through these platforms, please note that returns and warranties must be handled through the original seller, not envirovent. This ensures everything follows the correct process and your rights are protected. If you’re unsure or need advice, just get in touch.

We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

At envirovent we want you to feel that doing business with us is easy. We offer credit accounts for Trade customers such as electrical wholesalers. We also accept pro-forma payments and ensure all payments are processed securely.

If you would like to set up an account, please contact onboarding@envirovent.com, and our friendly team will walk you through the next steps.

To contact your local specialist for more information on payment terms, please get in touch with our Customer Service team by clicking the Live Chat, or if you would prefer to phone us, we are available between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday to speak on 01423810810.

Financing options and payment plans are sometimes available.

If you’re a homeowner and would like to explore this, please contact the person who provided your quotation; they’ll be able to advise you on what’s available.

It is recommended to regularly maintain ventilation products to ensure optimum performance and maintain the warranty. The regularity of the servicing can depend on a number of factors including any pollution conditions for the dwelling such as locality to a heavily polluted area. If you’re unsure or your unit isn’t working as expected, our Technical Services team can advise on the next steps, including warranty checks.

Please contact us on our Live Chat or call 01423810810.

While we are always trying to minimise the costs to our customers and ensure we share the burden of cost, we do include a charge for orders under £250.00.

Orders over this value are Free of Carriage Charge.

Every product comes with a printed manual in the box, and you can also download digital copies from the Product section of our website.

This way, you’ll always have easy access to the information you need.

During the Free Survey, we will

• Assess any condensation or mould problems in your property

• Take readings of the relative humidity levels

• Identify any underlying problems and make recommendations for a solution

• Free, no-obligation advice to help you make informed decisions about improving your home’s ventilation

Absolutely! We’re happy to provide these for you. Just email our team at onboarding@envirovent.com, and they’ll send the documents over promptly.

If you need anything else alongside this, let us know, we’re here to make the process easy.

We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting responsible practices.

• Eco-Friendly Products – Designed for energy efficiency and recyclability.

• Green Initiatives – Tree planting with More Trees (5,000 trees annually) and a dedicated “Green Warrior” team.

• Net-Zero by 2030 – Zero-carbon HQ, solar power, and transitioning to electric vehicles.

You can read the full policy on our Sustainability page, under Who We Are. If you have any questions or ideas, we’d love to hear from you!

All envirovent products comply with the most robust testing and compliance requirements, including CE marking and other standards, directives and regulations where applicable.

We know that innovation isn't just about technology; it's about evolving based on the needs and feedback of our customers.

That's why we have partnered with Vericon to deliver intelligent data for your ventilation products. Visit our Blog section to discover more about our partnership. 

We know energy efficiency matters, so we’ve made it easy to check the annual running costs for our ventilation products.

You’ll find a clear breakdown of costs for each unit on our dedicated page.

While envirovent operates with directly employed engineers, we are happy to hear from contractors who have completed our NICEIC-approved ventilation training course.

Our Compliance team will, of course, respond with details of the routes and requirements to become an approved installer.

Please email us at custmercare@envirovent.com for more details and to register your interest.

We provide a range of CPD-accredited courses designed to help professionals stay up to date with best practices in ventilation and indoor air quality.

Our courses are free, flexible, and delivered by experts, perfect for expanding your knowledge and earning CPD points.

Please visit our dedicated page to explore all available courses and book your session.

We run NICEIC-approved ventilation training courses designed for electricians and installers who want to stay compliant with Part F of the Building Regulations. These courses cover everything from system design to installation best practices, and they’re delivered by experienced trainers. What’s included?

• Compliance with Building Regulations (Part F)

• Best practices for design and installation

• Hands-on training from experienced professionals

• Certification upon completion

For full details, please visit our dedicated Training & CPD page

All Envirovent warranties are logged automatically on our central system, so you can rest assured that you don't need to 'register' your warranty as this has already been done for you.

Please refer to our Warranty Policy for more details. 

We’re here to make returns as simple as possible.

To start the process, please email returns@envirovent.com, and our team will guide you through the next steps.

If you’re unsure, please don’t worry, just drop us a quick email, and we’ll point you in the right direction so everything gets sorted smoothly.

Please note that if you bought one of our products through a third-party, such as an electrical wholesaler or online reseller like Amazon, you’ll need to follow their returns procedure.

We know that order tracking online is something you want, and we are working hard to enable this function.

We have listened to your feedback and hope to update you soon.

We are continuously looking for ways to speed up delivery, and in many cases, we can deliver the next day from receipt of the order.

Given our wide range of products and services, please allow 3 working days for the delivery of a Supply Only order, from the time of order placement.

The lead time for an installation can vary depending on your location, however most installations take place within 5 weeks of placing your order.

Don’t worry—we’ll get this sorted quickly!

If your order hasn’t arrived when expected, the best thing to do is give us a call. One of our friendly team members will check the status right away and make sure everything is on track.

We don’t have automated tracking updates just yet, so speaking to us directly is the fastest way to get accurate information and peace of mind.

Please have your order number at the ready, and we will give you an update while we are on the phone.

Please call our Customer Care Team on 01423810810 and Option 1.

We’re here to help!

The quickest way to make changes is to contact the person or team who arranged your order. If you’re unsure who that is, just email customercare@envirovent.com, and we’ll make sure your request gets to the right place.

If you need to update your contact information or delivery address, simply email our onboarding team at onboarding@envirovent.com.

They’ll make sure your details are updated quickly and confirm once everything is set.

Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface and turns into tiny water droplets. While occasional misting is common, you may need professional condensation solutions if you notice:

• Misty/streaming windows and water on sills (often in the morning)

• Damp patches or wet, cold corners on external walls

• Peeling wallpaper, blistering paint, or crumbling plaster

• Black mould in corners, around window frames, or behind furniture

• Musty smells that keep returning

• Timber or felt in the loft showing moisture or early rot

If several of these keep coming back, it's likely a persistent condensation issue rather than a one-off spill or leak.

Everyday life creates moisture: cooking, boiling a kettle, showering, drying clothes indoors, and even just breathing all release water vapour into the air. Modern homes are also built to be more airtight to save energy, which means that moisture can't escape as easily.

When warm, moist air has nowhere to go, it settles on cold walls, windows, and other surfaces – and that's when condensation forms. That's why having the right ventilation is important: it helps move moist air out and keep conditions balanced, so condensation is far less likely to build up.

Ventilation works by removing moist and humid air out of your home at the source or by replacing it with filtered air from a whole house ventilation system. A high-quality condensation extractor fan removes steam directly from source rooms like kitchens and bathrooms before it has a chance to spread through the rest of the house.

For more comprehensive protection, a whole-home ventilation solution (such as a PIV system) keeps air circulating throughout the entire property. By keeping the airflow balanced, these systems reduce damp corners from becoming a problem and reduce the conditions that allow mould to develop.

While condensation itself isn't harmful, the damp and mould it leads to can affect your health.

Breathing in mould spores may cause coughing, sore throats, or worsen asthma. Children, older adults, and anyone with existing breathing problems are often more sensitive. The most effective way to avoid these risks is to consult with condensation specialists to control the moisture that allows mould to grow in the first place.

Wiping down windows can temporarily clear moisture, but it won't stop condensation from returning. The key is to reduce excess moisture and improve airflow:

• Use condensation extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms

• Cover pans when cooking and dry clothes outside where possible

• Keep a consistent background temperature in colder months

• Open windows for short bursts of fresh air when it's safe to do so

If you're looking for long-term condensation solutions, good ventilation is the most reliable way to control moisture and prevent condensation from building up again.

Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture in the air, but they only work in the room they're placed in. They don't tackle the root cause, which is poor airflow.

A dehumidifier can also use seven to 20 times more power than a low-energy ventilation system running continuously. For a long-term solution, improving ventilation is a more efficient way to keep moisture under control throughout your whole property.

All air contains moisture in the form of water vapour. Warm air can carry more of this invisible moisture than cold air. When the air cools down, there comes a point where it simply can't hold all the vapour anymore.

The extra moisture turns back into tiny water droplets – especially on cold surfaces like walls, windows, or mirrors. This process is called condensation.

Mould is mainly caused by excess moisture and poor airflow. Mould starts when microscopic spores – which are always present in the air – find a damp surface to settle on. On their own, spores float around harmlessly. But if excess moisture builds and there’s little airflow, they can settle and grow into the black, green, or white patches you see on walls, ceilings, or furniture.

The most common trigger for mould problems inside UK homes is condensation: everyday activities like cooking, showering and even breathing release moisture into the air. If the air isn't able to hold all that extra moisture (or airflow isn't enough), it will drop the moisture onto cold surfaces (this is condensation), creating the perfect environment for mould to develop.

Yes – mould can release spores and particles into the air that, when breathed in, may irritate your lungs and airways. For some people this causes mild symptoms like coughing, a sore throat or headaches. For others – especially children, older adults or people with asthma – it can trigger allergic reactions and more serious breathing difficulties.

Not every mould species is equally harmful, but any visible mould indoors should be treated as a warning sign. Preventing damp and improving ventilation are the safest ways to stop mould and reduce the associated health risks.

Surface cleaning with bleach or sprays is a popular mould removal technique, but it doesn't achieve lasting prevention. That’s because the underlying cause is excess moisture combined with poor airflow.

To reduce the risk of mould:

• Wipe away condensation from windows and sills.

• Use lids when cooking and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Avoid drying clothes indoors where possible.

• Leave a small gap between furniture and external walls so air can circulate.

These steps can help day to day, but the only long-term way to stop mould is to tackle condensation and improve ventilation. During your free home survey, our experts can identify the right ventilation system to keep moisture under control across your whole home.

Cleaning mould with bleach or sprays only removes what you can see on the surface. The spores that cause mould are always present in the air, and if excess moisture and poor airflow remain, those spores will simply settle and grow again.

That’s why mould often seems to “come back” after a few days or weeks – because the underlying conditions haven’t changed. To stop mould returning, you need to control condensation and improve ventilation so damp air doesn’t settle on cold surfaces.

Ventilation helps by tackling the root cause of mould – excess moisture trapped in still air. By moving damp air out and bringing drier air in, ventilation stops condensation from settling on cold surfaces where mould can grow.

Extractor fans are effective in kitchens and bathrooms where most household moisture is produced. For whole-home protection, continuous systems keep air circulating throughout the property, helping to prevent condensation and reduce the conditions that mould needs to thrive.

Mould is a type of fungus that grows when its microscopic spores settle on damp surfaces. These spores are like single-celled seeds that are always present in the air. However, they only develop into visible mould when three things come together: moisture, warmth and organic material such as wood, paper or dust.

Mould grows where there is poor air circulation and high moisture levels. These conditions create the perfect environment for it to thrive. Without addressing the root cause, cleaning or repainting only temporarily hides the problem.

Mould can harm your health. It can trigger allergies, cause breathing difficulties and irritate your skin and throat. To prevent long-term issues, it's crucial to treat the root causes of mould.

Rising damp is caused when ground water moves up through walls or floors by capillary action. It usually appears on the lower part of ground-floor walls, showing as “tide marks,” stained plaster, peeling paint, or salt deposits. Skirting boards may also rot or crumble.

Rising damp is different from condensation damp and usually needs a damp-proofing specialist to diagnose and treat. envirovent focuses on condensation damp, the most common type in UK homes, and ventilation surveys carried out by our experts can help if your problem is moisture from condensation.

Penetrating damp happens when water from outside gets through the building fabric into your home. It can be caused by problems such as cracked brickwork, damaged render, leaking gutters, or broken roof tiles.

The signs are usually damp patches that worsen after rain, localised staining on ceilings or walls, or peeling plaster near external defects. Penetrating damp is typically a structural issue that needs a builder or damp-proofing contractor to investigate. envirovent specialises in condensation damp, so if your damp looks more like moisture from everyday living, our ventilation solutions can help.

Each type of damp shows itself in different ways:

• Condensation damp → Misty windows, black mould in corners, musty smells, and patches on cold surfaces like external walls or behind furniture. Problems are often worse in the morning or during colder months.

• Rising damp → Damp patches low on walls (up to 1 metre high), “tide marks,” peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and white salt deposits. Usually found on ground floors.

• Penetrating damp → Damp patches that worsen after rain, localised staining near gutters, rooflines, or external cracks. Can also show as damp ceilings under a leaking roof.

If your damp looks like condensation, envirovent can help with ventilation solutions that reduce moisture build-up. For rising or penetrating damp, it’s best to speak with a qualified damp-proofing contractor.

Wiping down windows or running a dehumidifier can help in the short term, but they don’t stop condensation from coming back. The only lasting way to control condensation damp is to reduce excess moisture and improve airflow.

Simple steps include: keeping lids on pans when cooking, drying clothes outdoors where possible, and using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. For a whole-home approach, ventilation systems can keep air moving throughout the property and help prevent condensation from building up in the first place.

Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture in the air, but they only work in the room they’re placed in and don’t fix the root cause of condensation damp – poor airflow.

They can be useful as a temporary measure, but they need regular emptying and add to energy costs. In fact, a dehumidifier can use seven to 20 times more power than a low-energy ventilation fan running continuously. For a whole-home, long-term solution, improving ventilation is the more effective way to keep condensation damp under control.

Condensation damp is the most common type of damp in UK homes. It happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface — like a wall, window, or ceiling — and tiny water droplets form. Over time, these damp patches can lead to black mould, peeling wallpaper, or musty smells.

Everyday activities such as cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors all add moisture to the air. Without good ventilation to keep that air moving, condensation builds up and causes damp problems.

Indoor Air Quality or IAQ refers to the condition of air inside a building and the effect that this can have upon those within the property. This is usually referred to alongside appropriate sensors or controls to increase the levels of IAQ or monitoring systems to measure this over a specific period.

IAQ can be improved in a property through the use of appropriate ventilation, depending upon the property type and application. Sensors and equipment can also be used to monitor the IAQ levels, which can then interact with the ventilation units to adjust the speed to keep the airflow level at an optimum point. Being mindful of products being used, such as those with high Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including polish and cleaning materials, carpets, glues used in furniture, candles and other items, can also help to reduce the VOC levels.

envirovent offer the Air Sense range of sensors which are used to monitor Relative Humidity (RH), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Temperature (TEMP) through a traffic light system for which the contaminant level, humidity or temperature can be pre-set and will either increase or decrease the airflow of the ventilation unit depending upon the conditions in the property.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found within uranium and enters the atmosphere. Radon is radioactive, colourless, odourless and carcinogenic in high concentrations. In areas with high Radon levels, this moves upwards from the ground into properties through cracks and gaps, and is harder to disperse than some other gases or pollutants, meaning that it can sometimes hang around. There are maps available online showing areas of the UK suffering from high radon build-up, which should be a consideration when it comes to ventilation and ensuring good levels of indoor air quality. Radon is measured in Bq or Becquerels, and can be tested by ordering specific kits.

High Radon levels can be prevented through the use of a sump that removes the Radon and disperses it out to atmosphere. Alternatively, a PIV or Positive Input Ventilation can also be an appropriate solution. For further information on options available, including the use of Envirovent Air Source PIV units, please get in touch.

Ventilation, in the context of buildings, is the process of moving air in and out of a property. This can be through natural or mechanical means, or a mixture of both, and is usually at a set or minimum rate, as seen in appropriate building regulations and minimum guidance. The ventilation rate can be determined by the occupant levels, bedrooms and floor areas within a building. For some applications, the number of Air Changes per Hour (ACH) is determined based upon the air being fully changed in that room a set number of times per hour.

There are different options available when it comes to ventilating a property. This depends upon the layout, air permeability, location and other factors within the property. For domestic ventilation, this is generally split into four main options: Natural Ventilation with Background Ventilators and Intermittent Extract Fans, Continuous Mechanical Extract (c-MEV or d-MEV), Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) or Alternative Methods such as PIV and SRHR.

Minimum ventilation standards and the use of products vary between domestic and non-domestic properties. Care should be taken to ensure that the product chosen is fit for purpose and is compliant. For further information or for assistance, please contact envirovent.

Yes, there are several types of standards, guidance and support documents available; ensuring that the right one is selected is important. The key document is Approved Document F of Building Regulations for Means of Ventilation; there is also NHBC Guidance, CIBSE Guides and other British Standards. For guidance and advice, please contact Envirovent.

Ventilation is required to prevent mould and condensation, reduce humidity levels and pollutants such as CO₂, Radon and VOCs, as well as providing good levels of IAQ. The way that homes are built and refurbished is changing, and it's important that properties are ventilated to overcome increased levels of airtightness, overheating and pollution concerns.

Relative Humidity or RH is the level of humidity in the air, relative to the maximum amount that could be held at that temperature. This means that if the RH of a property is at 80%, then this is 80% capacity in terms of the amount of moisture that can be held in line with the current temperature. The higher the relative humidity, the greater the risk of mould until the dew point, which is when wet walls and water droplets will form at around 100% RH. High levels of RH can lead to mould, damp and health issues if not appropriately managed and reduced.

Humidity can be controlled in a variety of ways. Some ventilation units have humidity tracking included as standard, or sensors that can be added to the units to vary the speed based on the levels of humidity in the air. There is a link between temperature and humidity, which can cause issues at night when properties are traditionally not heated, particularly in colder weather. Essentially, good ventilation, including the use of both natural and mechanical ventilation are key alongside regulating the temperature within a property.

Each property is different when it comes to looking at humidity levels, which can vary through general day-to-day living, property location and temperature. Typically, humidity levels are between 30% and 60%, with figures outside of this potentially leading to health concerns. When setting up a ventilation system, it is important to work out the humidity levels within the property and find out what the optimal figure as if this can lead to nuisance running or not running enough, leading to mould and condensation issues. As well as this, low humidity levels can leave the air dry and can cause headaches and respiratory concerns. For further advice and guidance, please contact envirovent.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation. These are single extract fan units located in each wet room in a property (kitchen, bathroom, utility and WC) out to atmosphere. These units can be ceiling, wall or window mounted, and either installed straight through a wall or have a length of ducting out to atmosphere.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation is the use of a centralised unit (sometimes written as c-MEV), which involves a single centralised unit in a space such as a loft or storage area. This unit is then ducted into each wet room with a single point of extraction from the unit to atmosphere. d-MEV involves the use of single de-centralised units in each wet room that are either ducted or installed out to atmosphere.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units are designed to run continuously at a low or background rate. The units will boost when required; sometimes this may be via a humidity sensor or a timer. The boost speed is temporary and is designed to remove stale, humid air. d-MEV units are set up based upon the property's airflow calculations, which often involves a system design, according to which the units are then set up and commissioned.

Some Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units come with a timer, in-person PIR, humidity or pullcord to vary the speed of the units, such as our QURO and Eco-dMEV+/LC units. Some units may also have app or remote controllability.         

There is a small amount of background ventilation required when using Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units, which is to have 4,000mm² in each habitable room (living, bedroom or study areas). This is to cover areas that are not ventilated by the d-MEV system and provide adequate crossflow of air into the property. A typical single trickle vent found above a window is 2,500mm², so two of these (or potentially a single larger option) would be acceptable.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units are suitable for properties with any level of air tightness. They have the advantage of not necessarily requiring a ducting run, depending upon the installation and property layout. These make the d-MEV option a flexible and popular ventilation solution.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units are recommended for both new build and retrofit properties and are commonly installed to replace older intermittent fans or those not up to current regulations.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation. These are single extract fan units located in each wet room in a property (kitchen, bathroom, utility and WC) out to atmosphere. These units can be ceiling, wall or window mounted, and either installed straight through a wall or have a length of ducting out to atmosphere.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation is the use of a centralised unit (sometimes written as c-MEV), which involves a single centralised unit in a space such as a loft or storage area. This unit is then ducted into each wet room with a single point of extraction from the unit to atmosphere. d-MEV involves the use of single de-centralised units in each wet room that are either ducted or installed out to atmosphere.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units are designed to run continuously at a low or background rate. The units will boost when required; sometimes this may be via a humidity sensor or a timer. The boost speed is temporary and is designed to remove stale, humid air. d-MEV units are set up based upon the property's airflow calculations, which often involves a system design, according to which the units are then set up and commissioned.

Some Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units come with a timer, in-person PIR, humidity or pullcord to vary the speed of the units, such as our QURO and Eco-dMEV+/LC units. Some units may also have app or remote controllability.         

There is a small amount of background ventilation required when using Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units, which is to have 4,000mm² in each habitable room (living, bedroom or study areas). This is to cover areas that are not ventilated by the d-MEV system and provide adequate crossflow of air into the property. A typical single trickle vent found above a window is 2,500mm², so two of these (or potentially a single larger option) would be acceptable.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units are suitable for properties with any level of air tightness. They have the advantage of not necessarily requiring a ducting run, depending upon the installation and property layout. These make the d-MEV option a flexible and popular ventilation solution.

Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation units are recommended for both new build and retrofit properties and are commonly installed to replace older intermittent fans or those not up to current regulations.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation. This is also known as c-MEV, which is a centralised ventilation unit, often located in a loft space, cupboard or void, that extracts stale, moist air from the wet rooms in a property (kitchen, bathroom, utility and WC) out to atmosphere. These units have several lengths of ducting that each run into a wet room before being extracted to the central unit, with a single ducting point out to atmosphere.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation fans are designed to run continuously at a low or background rate. The units will then boost when required; sometimes this may be via a humidity or usage sensor, or through a scheduling feature. Some units may also have a third speed. Both the boost and third speeds are temporary and designed to remove stale air. They can also be used for other reasons, including increased occupancy and overheating. MEV units are set up based upon the property's airflow calculations, which often involves a system design, according to which the unit is then set up and commissioned.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (sometimes written as c-MEV) is a single centralised unit in a space such as a loft or storage area. This unit is then ducted into each wet room, with a single point of extraction from the unit to atmosphere. d-MEV involves the use of single de-centralised units in each wet room, which are either ducted or installed out to atmosphere.

Some Mechanical Extract Ventilation units come with humidity or usage sensors to vary the speed of the units and to programme their usage. Depending upon the size and type of the MEV unit, some may ventilate a fixed number of rooms, while others, such as the MEV 300, may ventilate three wet rooms but with the potential to add more rooms.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation systems extract air from wet rooms out to atmosphere, either by a centrally mounted system (MEV) or single de-centralised units (d-MEV), with no air being supplied in from atmosphere. The MVHR units both extract stale, moist, warm air from the wet rooms and supply fresh, filtered air into the property, while the inclusion of the heat cell allows for recovery of the heat. MVHR units also offer many smart features, such as the use of CO₂, humidity and usage sensors, app controllability and multiple speed controls.

There is a small amount of background ventilation required when using Mechanical Extract Ventilation units, which is to have 4,000mm² in each habitable room (living, bedroom or study areas) to cover areas not ventilated by the MEV system, and provide adequate crossflow of air into the property. A typical single trickle vent found above a window is 2,500mm², so either two of these or potentially a single larger option would be acceptable.

MEV ventilation systems are suitable for properties with any level of air tightness. However, this involves a significant amount of planning for ducting routes between the wet rooms, which need to be run through voids and other spaces. For retrofit properties, this should be factored in at the earliest opportunity due to the works involved.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. An MVHR system extracts air from wet rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. The heat that is taken through this extraction is retained in a cell centrally within the unit, whilst the stale, moist air is expelled out to atmosphere. Simultaneously, the unit also supplies fresh, filtered air in from atmosphere, which enters the cell and transfers that retained heat back into the property. This can help to reduce heating costs and provide effective, balanced ventilation.

MVHR systems are designed to run continuously at a low or background rate. The units will then boost when required, which may be via a humidity or usage sensor, or through a scheduling feature. Some units may also have a third speed. Both the boost and third speeds are temporary and are designed to remove stale air, or can be used for other reasons, including increased occupancy and overheating. MVHR units are set up based on the airflow calculations of the property, which often involve a system design, according to which the unit is then set up and commissioned.

As the MVHR unit both extracts stale air and supplies fresh, filtered air into the property, there is no background ventilation required.

The vast majority of MVHR systems are installed as a whole-house solution to ensure balanced airflows. However, there are single-room heat recovery fans (sometimes known as SRHR or d-MVHR) available for remote or single areas, such as our heatSava. It is important to ensure that the airflows in the units are balanced; otherwise, this could lead to localised mould and issues with poor ventilation.

Some MVHR units have a pre-heater, either installed as standard or as a modular option, with other units also offering post-heaters. However, these are not designed for heating the property and are instead designed to temper the air entering the property for comfort.

Although MVHR units recover heat that is extracted and, in turn, supply this back into the property, they also have a summer bypass that ensures that this air is diverted around the heat cell in periods of hot weather.

Depending upon the features of the MVHR system, some units have an airflow imbalance, in which the supply side of the MVHR is stopped to prevent the internal workings of the unit, and for comfort reasons. Other MVHR units, including those used in properties built to the Passivhaus standard, and for those properties in which there is a solid fuel appliance, such as a log burner, there will be either an integral or modular pre-heater within the MVHR that will both protect the heat cell and continue to allow the unit to operate as normal.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery can be used in any property, regardless of air-tightness levels. However, this involves a significant amount of prior planning for ducting routes, location of units and other considerations. So, if MVHR is being considered for retrofit works, then it will need to be factored in at the earliest opportunity. Different units are available for houses that can be located in areas like plant rooms or storage areas, whereas there are units for apartments that are suitable for installation in a ceiling void.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery is often recommended for new-build properties or during a building process, due to the ease of being able to run ducting lengths. However, with care and appropriate planning, MVHR can be retrofitted into existing buildings. It is also commonly used in periods in which there is an acoustic, pollution or overheating concern, such as in proximity to an airport, motorway, basement apartment or location in which there are fixed windows that are unable to be opened.

MEV extracts air from wet rooms out to atmosphere, either by a centrally mounted system (MEV) or single, decentralised units (d-MEV), with no air being supplied in from atmosphere. MVHR systems both extract the stale, moist, warm air from the wet rooms and supply fresh, filtered air into the property, as well as the inclusion of the heat cell providing the heat recovery. MVHR units also offer many smart features, such as the use of CO₂, NO₂­ humidity and usage sensors, app controllability and multiple speed controls.

PIV stands for Positive Input Ventilation, an alternative type of ventilation system in a home.

PIV systems provide fresh, filtered air into a property from a central location, often on a landing. The units come with a pulse heater to temper the air, which is then positively pushed around the property, replacing stale, moist air with renewed air. This circular process continues, helping to reduce condensation and mould in the property.

Positive Input Ventilation systems will ventilate all rooms directly linked to the PIV unit. If the unit is located in a central position, this should cover the majority of rooms. However, if you have to walk from one room to get to another, such as an en-suite, or a kitchen or other wet room not connected to the hallway or central space, then that rwet room needs an additional continuous ventilation option, such as a d-MEV.

All PIV units offered by EnviroVent include a filter. These vary in grades, depending upon the requirements of the property or unit, but are generally offered with a minimum of an ISO Coarse 65% grade as standard, unless otherwise stated.

A Positive Input Ventilation unit can be installed in a three-storey property providing the layout allows this. However, there are requirements regarding protected areas in a property with a height of 4.5m or above, which need to be taken into account. A wireless PIV system with specialist metal diffuser will be required in such a scenario. Please get in touch with our Technical Department on 01423 810810, choosing option 5, to discuss fire-stopping requirements further.

A Positive Input Ventilation system can be installed in a property without a loft or low apex. However, a wall-mounted PIV unit will be required. If this is something you're considering, please get in touch with EnviroVent on 01423 810810.

Although a Positive Input Ventilation unit comes with a pulse heater, this is used to temper the air should the temperature outside drop, but it's not a form of heating to be used within a property. If the temperature in the property exceeds 25°C, most of EnviroVent's PIV units will go into sleep mode to prevent excessively hot air from entering the property. They will switch back on when the temperature drops. If the unit is ducted to atmosphere, the unit will continue to run all year round.

There are several types of PIV units available, including those with wireless and app controls, with multiple input for longer or L-shaped landings, or if there's a specific issue with ventilation in a part of a property. There are also units ducted to atmosphere in areas of high radon, or any other requirements.

PIV units provide fresh, filtered air into a central space in a property, whereas centralised MEV units extract stale, moist air from several wet rooms within a property. A PIV system can be retrofitted into a property without necessarily requiring ducting, whereas an MEV unit can require significant works within a property to run ducting between each wet room.

PIV systems are suitable for most properties, providing there's enough ventilation within the loft itself, there's a central location where the unit can be installed in the property, and the property can meet the airflow requirements using PIV as a ventilation solution. This wouldn't be a suitable solution for extremely airtight properties, as there's a need for airflow between rooms and atmosphere.

A Positive Input Ventilation unit needs to be installed by a person competent to do so. The installation of a PIV system involves an electrical connection and the setting up of the unit to meet the property's requirements. Please call EnviroVent on 01423 810810 for any installation queries or to request a free home survey.

PIV systems generally run all of the time, with the exception of units that go into sleep mode during hot weather periods. These units are designed to be unobtrusive and provide fresh, filtered air into the property.

An Intermittent Extract Fan provides ventilation during periods of cooking, bathing or when stale moist air is required to be extracted. This can take the form of an extractor fan, a cooker hood or both.

Approved Document F of Building Regulations refers to the use of Intermittent Extract Fans in conjunction with natural ventilation, which typically takes the form of trickle vents in windows as background ventilation. Exact background ventilation requirements depend upon the property. Some of these requirements are quite significant, as background ventilation is the only solution for ventilating the property when these Extractor Fans are not in use.

There are many different options available for Intermittent Extract Fans. These will increase in size and ducting requirements based on the airflow requirements of the particular room. For domestic Extractor Fans, these generally are either 100, 125 or 150mm in diameter.

Intermittent Extract Fans come with a variety of different features, including:

·        Status indicators showing whether the fan is on or off

·        Electric shutters

·        Timers

·        Humidity sensors

·        Pullcords

·        PIR sensors

Generally, Intermittent Extract Fans are basic in their function, but they do have specific uses depending upon the requirements of a property, similar to a d-MEV.

Intermittent Extract Fans are suitable for less airtight properties due to the requirement of natural ventilation and their use only in kitchens and bathrooms during cooking and bathing. In Approved Document F of Building Regulations, Intermittent Extract Fans are not to be used if the as-built air permeability (tightness level) is ≤5m3/(h·m2) at 50Pa.

Intermittent Extract Fans are operated where and when required, such as in kitchens and bathrooms during cooking or bathing. Conversely, d-MEV fans – or Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation fans – run continuously at a low level known as trickle, before boosting during periods of cooking, bathing or when required.

Both Extractor Fan types can have similar controls, such as a humidity sensor, timer or pullcord. But since d-MEV fans are continuously running, they require a much lower level of background ventilation and are typically more silent, with lower power consumption. d-MEV fans also often are only 100mm in ducting size, rather than 125 or 150mm seen in Intermittent Extract Fans, due to reduced minimum airflow requirements under regulations.

Intermittent Extract Fans traditionally have on-unit controls, for timers or humidity sensors, which can be adjusted directly on the fan. For specialist Extractor Fans, wireless or hard-wired options may also be available.

Intermittent Fans and other types of Extractor Fans are required to ventilate to atmosphere to remove the stale, moist air from the wet rooms within the property.

Ducting is the network of pipes in HVAC systems that delivers and removes air. For example, in a d-MEV system, ducting carries the airflow generated by an extractor fan in a wet room, such as a cooker hood in a kitchen, and directs it to atmosphere. When correctly selected and installed, ducting helps control humidity and prevents condensation and mould in modern buildings.

envirovent offers:

·        Fast Track radial semi-rigid ducting

·        Fast Track Plus radial semi-rigid ducting

·        Fast Track click-and-lock thermal ducting

·        Fast Track rigid ducting with self-seal connectors

·        PVC rigid ducting

·        Flexible ducting

·        Spiral wound metal ducting

·        Insulated ducting

·        Acoustically insulated ducting

Fast Track - 75mm, 90mm circular

Fast Track Plus - 75mm, 90mm circular

Fast Track Thermal - 125mm, 160mm circular and 204mm x 60mm rectangular

Fast Track Rigid - 100mm, 125mm, 150mm circular

Rigid PVC - 100mm, 125mm, 150mm circular and 204mm x 60mm, 220mm x 90mm rectangular

Spiral Wound Metal - 100mm to 200mm circular

Flexible - 100mm, 125mm, 150mm circular

Acoustic - 100mm, 125mm, 150mm circular

Insulated - 100mm, 125mm, 150mm circular

Fast Track click and lock thermal ducting is a type of ducting that has inherent thermal properties, meaning there is no additional insulation required to meet standards for an unheated space when installing ducting. Patented click and lock technology cuts down installation time and negates the need to use sealant and screws to fix the ducting, as seen in traditional rigid plastic ducting.

The Fast Track range of ducting products is suitable for a variety of installations and can save a lot of time on site thanks to the click and connect, click and lock or self-seal options, which negate the need to use sealant and screws. Some of the ranges are also certified for use with envirovent's MEV and d-MEV fans, making the range an all-round solution.

Metal ducting can be used in a variety of installations, particularly if there is a protected area or requirement for fire stopping. If running in an unheated area or outside of the building's thermal envelope, appropriate insulating material or sleeving is required. envirovent offers metal ducting up to 200mm.

A full range of connectors and other ancillaries is available for the ducting ranges, including bends, t-pieces, couplers and reducers. There are also specialist ancillaries available, including silencers and filter boxes.

Insulated flexible ducting is available, either as acoustically insulated flexible ducting or regular insulated flexible ducting. These can be used on installations but should be kept to a minimum, supported every 600mm and pulled taut as per regulations. There are also insulated sleeves available for 100-150mm circular ducting, as well as 204x60mm and 220x90mm rectangular ducting.

A push through kit is a piece of ducting attached to a ventilation termination alongside a rubber seal. This allows for a ventilation installation to take place without accessing the external wall from the outside by pushing the kit through and then pulling back to secure the seal. Depending upon the height of the property and regulatory requirements, this is available in plastic or as a non-combustible variant for high-rise properties.

Filters are used to reduce the potential of airborne contaminants often found in household carpets, air fresheners, mould, pollen and dust from entering a property. Some ventilation units have filters as standard, particularly those that are supplying air into a property. Filters are graded depending on the amount and size of particles that they can allow through. This is usually defined with percentages and figures that relate to the size of the particles. Most ventilation units at envirovent that have a filter included have either ISO Coarse 45% or 65% filters as standard. Further information can be found on envirovent's website regarding grading.

All PIV units including ATMOS and ATMOS Wall, MVHR units including the Nitrobox, the Eco dMEV+ and Eco dMEV+LC fans offer a variety of filters up to F7 or ePM1 70% grades, helping to reduce these contaminants entering the home. Filter boxes are also available that can be added onto some units including the Inline fan range.

Several grades and types of ventilation filters are available, including pleated filters, wrap-around or plastic-framed filters. The size and type of these vary depending on the type of unit and grading. Typically, ISO Coarse 45%, 60%, 65%, ePM10 50%, ePM1 2.5%, ePM1 70% and carbon filters are offered, giving a real variety to ensure peace of mind about the breathability in properties.

Filters should be checked and changed regularly. There are no specifically defined timeframes as it depends upon the type of unit, grade of filter and surrounding area. A carbon filter or highly rated filter will need to be checked, cleaned and checked a lot more than a lower-rated filter. A similar filter within a property in a city centre would need to be replaced at a different frequency  compare to one in a property in the countryside. For further details on ventilation filter inspection and replacement please contact us.

Filters do come in different sizes and thicknesses, generally based on the size of the ventilation unit. They also vary based on their grade and type, such as pleated and fabric filters, which look and feel very different.

Some ventilation units have specific filter slots, others require the lifting of a cover or lid to replace, and others have a Velcro outer for easy replacement. Details on how to fit a replacement filter can be found in the installation guide and user resident guide of the ventilation unit, or can be carried out as part of a service by envirovent. Contact us for more information. 

Replacement filters designed for the specific ventilation units that envirovent offers can be purchased via specialist stockists. Please contact us for further information.

An Inline fan is a ventilation unit, mainly extract but sometimes also supply, that has ducting at each end with a fan sitting Inline in the middle.

These are typically used to ventilate fans to a roof or where there are no direct walls for terminating. A lot of these fans are torpedo-shaped, or where appropriate, there are Inline kits for regular extractor fans such as the Filterless, Infinity 8 and Cyclone 8 fans. Instead of the fan being seen on the wall or ceiling, instead there is a diffuser or grille in its place.

Inline fans are extremely flexible and can be used where space is at a premium, where ducting is required or where a specialist installation is needed, such as for a basement. Inline fans can also be used for aesthetic reasons or in properties where a roof termination is the only option.

Inline fans offer a variety of control options; some can be directly on the unit, but there are also stepped or variable speed controllers available.

There are also options to wire in additional sensors, such as an AirSens RH sensor or a PIR sensor.

Some Inline fans can also be used alongside a heater battery if suitable for supply ventilation.

Some Inline fans, such as the Silent MV and ECOWATT variants, can be used for both extract and supply ventilation using the airflow direction arrows for guidance.

This really sets the range aside, and for the larger variants, can show suitability for commercial industrial applications.

Domestic Inline fans are generally from 100 to 150mm in ducting size.

Commercial industrial versions are also available from 150mm to 400mm in size.

Some larger sizes may also be suitable for use where there are no openable windows in a living space in a property for pollution, acoustic or other issues, or for overheating under Purge guidance.

Inline fans, providing they are installed and commissioned correctly, generally have very low noise levels.

The Silent MV and ECOWATT range have sound-absorbent insulation as standard and can often reduce the sound by 12 dB(A) compared to other fans on the market.

envirovent offers a variety of commercial and industrial ventilation products, including acoustic cabinet fans, twin fans, plate-mounted fans and inline fans.

Specialist products are also available upon request and depending on the application.

Ducting and accessories are offered, including ducting (up to 200mm), reducers, t-pieces, couplers, suspension rings and bends.

For further information, please contact Envirovent on 01423 810810.

Yes, please get in touch with envirovent and speak to either the Technical Team and Desk Based Account Manager team on 01423 810810 or email dbam@envirovent.com.

envirovent can assist with providing guidance on the best ventilation options to suit many different properties, from single homes to blocks of flats, to commercial fans and retrofit properties.

envirovent has a full Ventilation Design Service, providing a design showing the location, ducting and airflows required, as well as general guidance via the technical and internal Desk Based Account Manager team to provide that full level of support.

A Single Room Heat Recovery Unit (SRHR) is a version of a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit designed for a single room or space, providing localised mechanical ventilation and heat recovery from extracted air.

These can be used in conjunction with a regular, centralised MVHR unit if there is a single room in a remote area in a property or if the layout of the property allows. SRHR units can sometimes be ducted, but are often installed through-wall, so would require an external wall for mounting.

Depending upon the nature of the unit, there may be specific stipulations regarding installation requirements, such as the heatSava that, due to airflow directions and the potential of short-circuiting, should not be installed in a corner of a room. SRHR is considered an alternative form of ventilation.