Why do we crave manual overrides in an automated world? Because humans are terrible at trusting machines to read the room—literally. Sensors can’t detect your post-curry kitchen haze or your toddler’s impromptu bath-time tsunami. Manual Mode is your veto power, your “I know better” button.
Manual Mode on the AUREN 160 allows you to bypass automatic sensors and set a fixed ventilation speed, ideal for maintaining consistent airflow in specific conditions like high-occupancy rooms, seasonal temperature changes, or when sensor-based adjustments aren’t sufficient.
The Technical Side of Manual Mode #
The AUREN 160 operates with a Class II heat recovery system, designed for indoor use with an IPX4 protection rating. In Manual Mode, the unit bypasses its automatic sensors, allowing users to set a fixed speed. The impeller offers four speed settings:
- Night Speed (10 m³/h, 3.9W, 4dB(A)): Ultra-quiet operation for minimal disturbance.
- Low Speed (20 m³/h, 4.2W, 9dB(A)): Balanced airflow for everyday use.
- Medium Speed (40 m³/h, 5.5W, 21dB(A)): Enhanced ventilation for moderate needs.
- Boost Speed (60 m³/h, 6.7W, 29dB(A)): Maximum airflow for rapid air exchange.
This granular control is particularly useful in the UK, where humidity and temperature fluctuations demand adaptable ventilation strategies.
Practical Applications in the UK #
- Winter Months
- Problem: Retaining heat while preventing condensation.
- Solution: Set to Low Speed to maintain warmth without stifling airflow.
- Summer Months
- Problem: Overheating and stagnant air.
- Solution: Use Boost Speed to flush out hot air and draw in cooler external air.
- High-Occupancy Rooms
- Problem: Spikes in CO₂ and humidity during gatherings.
- Solution: Temporarily switch to Medium/Boost Speed to manage air quality.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Problem: Sensor delays in responding to sudden humidity changes.
- Solution: Manual Mode ensures immediate airflow adjustment, reducing mould risk.
Manual Mode vs. Automatic Mode #
| Feature | Manual Mode | Automatic Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Control | User-set fixed speed | Sensor-driven adjustments |
| Best For | Predictable environments (e.g., bedrooms) | Dynamic spaces (e.g., living rooms) |
| Energy Use | Consistent power draw | Fluctuates based on sensor data |
| Responsiveness | Immediate | 70-second cycle delay |
Why it matters: In UK homes with erratic humidity (e.g., coastal areas), Manual Mode offers reliability where sensors might over- or under-compensate.
Maintenance in Manual Mode #
To ensure longevity:
- Clean Filters Every 3,000 Hours (or annually). Clogged filters reduce efficiency.
- Check Impeller Rotation – Ensure it’s free from debris.
- Reset Alarms – Press the FILTER (R) button post-maintenance.
The Bigger Picture: Why Manual Mode Matters #
The UK’s push for energy-efficient homes (e.g., Future Homes Standard 2025) makes systems like the AUREN 160 vital. Manual Mode aligns with user-centric design, offering control without sacrificing efficiency. For retrofit projects—where decentralised units like the AUREN shine—this flexibility is key.
Take control of your indoor air quality—explore Manual Mode to tailor ventilation to your lifestyle.