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What are In-house Repairs?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025In-house repairs, carried out by a Direct Labour Organisation (DLO), refer to maintenance, servicing, and improvement works on residential properties by a team of tradespeople directly employed by the social housing provider, such as a local council or housing association. This model contrasts with the outsourcing of work to external contractors. The DLO approach is...
What is an Impeller?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025An impeller is a rotating component within a fan or pump, comprising a series of blades that work to increase the pressure and velocity of a fluid, such as air or water. In the context of domestic ventilation, it is the key part of a fan responsible for moving air. The impeller is the heart...
What is Humidity Control?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025The management of moisture levels in the air within a building to prevent condensation and maintain occupant comfort and building longevity. Humidity control is vital in the UK, particularly in a damp climate, to avoid issues such as mould growth, the deterioration of building materials, and to ensure a healthy indoor environment. Humidity control refers...
What is Humidity?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour present in the air. In the context of buildings, this is a crucial factor for both comfort and a healthy indoor environment. It’s typically measured as Relative Humidity (RH), expressed as a percentage. This value represents the ratio of the current water vapour content to the maximum...
What is a Void Property?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025A void property is a residential or commercial building that is currently unoccupied and not generating an income for its owner, often a local authority, housing association, or private landlord. The term is most commonly used in the context of social or private rented housing where a tenancy has ended and the property is awaiting...
What is a Wall-Mounted PIV?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025A wall-mounted PIV unit is a mechanical ventilation system designed to improve indoor air quality and control condensation in residential properties, particularly those without a loft space. Unlike a traditional loft-based PIV system that draws air from the roof void, a wall-mounted unit draws fresh air directly from outside through a ducted connection in an...
What is System 1?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025System 1 is a now-outdated term used in the 2010 edition of Approved Document F, Volume 1 for dwellings. In the 2021 edition (as amended), this approach is now referred to as natural ventilation with background ventilators and intermittent extract fans. This type of ventilation is only considered suitable for less airtight dwellings. This system...
What is a Ventilation Strategy Report?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025A Ventilation Strategy Report is a formal planning and design document required by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) or Building Control bodies in the UK, particularly for residential developments, refurbishments, and extensions where air quality, occupant health, or energy efficiency are critical. It outlines how a building or dwelling will achieve adequate ventilation to meet statutory...
What is a Humidistat?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025A humidistat is a device that measures the relative humidity (RH) of the air in a given space. When the RH reaches a pre-set threshold, the humidistat activates a ventilation fan to reduce moisture levels. This is particularly useful in areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, to prevent condensation,...
What is the High Rate?
Last Updated: 29 August 2025A high rate in the context of residential ventilation refers to the maximum extraction flow rate required by mechanical ventilation systems to rapidly remove pollutants, odours, and moisture from ‘wet rooms’ such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. This is also commonly known as the boost rate or purge rate. Explanation and Practical Application In...