The Importance of Ventilation

In recent years, building regulations have given increased emphasis to creating air-tight, energy efficient homes that are intended to reduce heat loss and remove draughts.  The downside of these improvements is that air flow in modern buildings can be less optimal and this can cause issues for both the fabric of the building and the health of the occupants.

Poor ventilation in a building – whether a home, doctor’s surgery, or an office, can lead to cold spots and increased humidity which can allow condensation to form.  In turn, this leads to damp, and the build-up of unsightly mould.  Mould and Mildew – along with the mites that call it home – is known to aggravate some respiratory and allergic conditions, and damage health. 

How Ventilation Helps Prevent Condensation

Condensation is formed when warm, humid air meets colder surfaces such as windows and exterior walls.  When there is excellent internal air flow through a building, temperatures are more even, and air is better mixed.

This means that the air within the home has a lower average humidity and is not static for as long.  With less moisture in the air there is less opportunity for the condensation to form on walls which reduces the chances of damp.

Good ventilation systems also help to manage the flow of air in and out of a building.  Extractor fans in “wet” spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens where there is more moisture from bathing and cooking push the damp air outside and prevent humidity spreading to other rooms.

Whole house ventilation systems work to create a better overall environment by pulling fresh air in from outside, filtering it, moving it through the building before expelling it.  To maintain an energy efficient system, heat from the air being extracted is recovered and used to warm the air that is being brought in.

Other Benefits of Ventilation

Reducing humidity and condensation is not the only issue that can be addressed with good ventilation.  In some areas of the country which are prone to radon, poor ventilation can allow dangerous radon gas to build up in a property.  The presence of radon gas in high concentrations can contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer.  Better air circulation through improved ventilation reduces the concentration of radon gas in an indoor environment.

In the same way as ventilation reduces the concentration of radon gas in indoor air, it also helps to reduce the presence of other irritants and allergens.  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can build up indoors due to the use of cleaning products and from the general fabric of a building.  Good ventilation helps to remove these from the air and prevent them building up.  During summer, when pollen levels rise, ventilation helps to prevent it getting into buildings by filtering air and removing the need for windows to be open.

For more information about the different types of ventilation offered by EnviroVent, please contact us to book a free survey that will help to determine what products can help to reduce condensation and damp and improve your indoor air quality.