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What is the difference between Equivalent Area (EA) and Geometric Free Area?
Last Updated: 24 October 2025The primary difference between Equivalent Area (EA) and geometric Free Area is that Equivalent Area is a measure of a ventilator’s actual aerodynamic performance, while Free Area is simply a measure of its physical opening size. In the UK, particularly under the Building Regulations Approved Document F (Ventilation), the EA is the required, more accurate...
What is the ideal relative humidity (RH) in our homes?
Last Updated: 21 October 2025The ideal Relative Humidity (RH) for a healthy, comfortable UK home generally sits between 40% and 60%. Maintaining this range prevents health issues, reduces the spread of airborne viruses, and crucially, minimises the risk of condensation and damaging mould growth on cold surfaces. Air Wars: Why Your Home Needs a Humidity ‘Sweet Spot’ Right, let’s...
How Can Landlords Document Hazard Investigations to Satisfy Awaab’s Law Standards?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Landlords must maintain detailed records of hazard investigations, including written reports with dated photographs, repair timelines, and tenant communications. Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords are legally required to investigate hazards like damp and mould within 14 days and complete emergency repairs within 24 hours. Digital logs and compliance checklists are essential to demonstrate adherence to...
How Are Ventilation Regulations Applied to Listed and Specialist Dwellings?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Existing dwellings that are listed or specialist have specific considerations under the amended ventilation regulations. These buildings often require alternative ventilation solutions that respect their historic fabric while still achieving adequate indoor air quality. Consultation with conservation officers is essential to ensure compliance without compromising the building’s character. Understanding Ventilation Regulations for Listed and Specialist...
What is the Optimal RIBA Stage for Engaging a Domestic Ventilation Specialist?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Engaging a domestic ventilation specialist at the correct RIBA project stage is essential for developing an effective, compliant ventilation strategy. Early consultation ensures integration with the core design—not an afterthought—delivering better performance, cost-efficiency, and occupant comfort. Timing varies slightly for new builds, refurbishments, or extensions. Core Principle: Engage Early Involve the ventilation specialist as early...
How does centralised whole house ventilation improve indoor air quality compared to traditional methods?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Centralised whole-house ventilation systems like Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) deliver continuous, filtered airflow throughout all rooms, eliminating pollutants and allergens while retaining heat. Traditional methods (e.g., trickle vents or extractor fans) offer inconsistent, unfiltered ventilation, often worsening air quality by allowing damp and mould growth. MVHR systems reduce CO₂ levels by 30-50% compared...
Why is mould a significant health risk?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Mould is a significant health risk primarily because it releases tiny spores, fragments, and volatile organic compounds into the air, which can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks upon inhalation. In the UK, common indoor moulds like Aspergillus and Penicillium are particularly problematic, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions,...
Why is uncontrolled infiltration not sufficient for ventilation?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Uncontrolled infiltration is generally not sufficient for effective ventilation in UK buildings due to its unreliability, variability, and inability to meet specified minimum fresh air requirements, leading to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and potential damp and mould issues. It’s an accidental process, not a designed solution, making it impossible to guarantee the necessary air...
What is the Decent Homes Standard?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025The Decent Homes Standard (DHS) is a minimum technical standard established by the UK Government for social rented homes to ensure they are safe, in a good state of repair, have reasonably modern facilities, and provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. While historically applied exclusively to the social housing sector, the government is actively...
What is Decarbonisation?
Last Updated: 14 October 2025Decarbonisation refers to the systematic process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, energy systems, and industrial processes. In the context of UK social housing, it specifically involves transitioning housing stock away from fossil fuel dependency toward low-carbon energy sources and implementing energy efficiency measures to minimise carbon...