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What are the principles of separating incoming and outgoing air?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025The core principles involve maintaining distinct air streams using dedicated ductwork, strategic pressure differentials, and advanced heat exchange technology. Systems like Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) employ separate ducts for supply and extract, ensuring fresh air enters habitable rooms while stale air is removed from wet areas. A heat exchanger transfers thermal energy between...
What is Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)?
Last Updated: 10 September 2025Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a type of mechanical ventilation system that introduces fresh, filtered air into a property, typically from a central point such as a loft or hallway. The fan unit draws air from outside (or the loft space), filters it, and then gently pushes it into the dwelling. This process creates a...
Why are trickle vents necessary for PIV?
Last Updated: 12 September 2025Trickle vents are essential for Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems as they provide a pathway for moist air to escape, preventing it from being forced into the building fabric. When trickle vents are closed, the overpressure created by PIV can drive humid air into walls and ceilings, increasing the risk of damp and mould. Properly...
Why Are Trickle Vents Necessary for MEV/cMEV?
Last Updated: 9 September 2025Trickle vents are necessary for Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) systems to function effectively, but they are not the ideal solution for modern ventilation needs. While they provide a controlled pathway for fresh air intake, their limitations—such as draughts, noise, and aesthetic concerns—make them less desirable compared to more advanced alternatives like Mechanical Ventilation with Heat...
What size trickle vents are needed for a living room?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025For a living room, trickle vents should have a minimum equivalent area of 8,000mm² for multi-storey dwellings and 10,000mm² for single-storey dwellings, as per Approved Document F (2021). This ensures adequate background ventilation to maintain indoor air quality and prevent condensation. Understanding Trickle Vent Sizing for Living Rooms Trickle vents are essential components of natural...
Why is my trickle vent not working properly?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025Your trickle vent may not work properly due to blockages, incorrect installation, or being closed off by occupants. Dust, debris, or paint can clog the vents, while improper positioning or sealing during installation can hinder airflow. Additionally, occupants often close trickle vents to avoid drafts, compromising ventilation effectiveness. Why Your Trickle Vent May Be Failing...
Are Trickle Vents a Legal Requirement in England?
Last Updated: 9 September 2025No, trickle vents are not a legal requirement in England, despite common opinion. Approved Document F requires adequate ventilation, not trickle vents specifically. Trickle vents are simply one of several ventilation compliance pathways available to meet the ventilation standards set out in the Building Regulations. Understanding Ventilation Requirements in England When it comes to ventilation...
Where Should Trickle Vents Be Installed in a Dwelling?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025Trickle vents should be installed in habitable rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms to ensure adequate ventilation. While they provide a basic level of airflow, they are not the most efficient solution. Better alternatives, such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (centralised or decentralised), offer superior air quality, energy efficiency, and moisture control. Understanding Trickle Vents and...
How Are Background Ventilators Sized?
Last Updated: 16 September 2025Background ventilators are sized based on the equivalent area, which is a measure of aerodynamic performance. In the UK, Approved Document F provides specific guidance: habitable rooms in multi-storey dwellings require a minimum equivalent area of 8,000mm², while single-storey dwellings need 10,000mm². Bathrooms require 4,000mm², and kitchens follow the same standards as habitable rooms. Understanding...
What Budget Adjustments Are Needed to Meet Awaab’s Law Requirements?
Last Updated: 9 September 2025To comply with Awaab’s Law, landlords and housing providers must allocate funds for improving ventilation, addressing damp and mould, and ensuring timely repairs. This includes investing in mechanical ventilation systems, conducting property inspections, and training staff to identify and resolve issues swiftly. Budgets should also account for retrofitting older properties to meet modern ventilation standards....