Condensation Solutions For Your House
Condensation in a house introduces a host of unpleasant problems - steamy windows, ceiling mould, wet spots and mildew. Not really the accessories that will enhance your home or your health. However, there is an effective, straightforward solution to condensation problems - involving a simple ventilation device. Read on to find out more...
Traditionally, what have homes used for ventilation?
For the most part there were really two options available to homeowners. Traditional vents which were little more than 6 inch holes in the side of the house or if you didn't have those, your windows.
What is the downside of vents?
Standard vents are effectively holes in the wall. With energy costs rising every year, they're inefficient and draughty.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, positive pressure ventilation systems are small units which introduce fresh, dry air from the roof space, pass it through a filter and distribute the air around the inside of the house. The drier air displaces the moist air caused by showers, washing and cooking. The end result is a drier living environment and as dry air costs less to heat than moist air, another benefit of this system should be a reduction in your heating bills.
What types of homes are most suitable for a positive pressure ventilation systems?
It's not so much the type of home because all properties can benefit from this type of system. It's more the lifestyle of the occupants in the home that can be a big determinant of the value of this system. Homes which are left empty for the majority of the day, results in two peaks of moisture generation. This is normally in the morning when the occupants shower and dress for the day and again when evening meals are prepared, laundry is done and maybe showers are taken again before an evening out. The house is then left closed, hot and steamy with no means of ventilation. The benefit of a positive pressure ventilation system in this type of living situation is that they have sensors that detect moisture and heat. The sensor will ensure that any moisture left in the air is exhausted while the building is unoccupied.
How many pressure systems are needed?
Typically one large,main unit would cover the house. It's fitted into a central point, a loft space is perfect and is then ducted out into the hallways upstairs. Areas like kitchens and bathrooms which are the warmest and wettest parts of the house may require an additional small, filterless unit if extra extraction and ventilation is needed. Many bathroom fans are simply not strong enough to extract moisture or often aren't even used if they're on a separate switch. Many kitchens just have a box unit over the cooker that extracts grease but not condensation. The moisture is pushed back into the room. The small, filterless units made for bathrooms and kitchens come with hydrostatic sensors that can detect moisture and remove it automatically when needed. If kitchens and bathrooms are already well ventilated, the additional units aren't necessary. The positive pressure ventilation systems and filterless units can work independently of each other but work very well together.
How long does it take to install a positive pressure ventilation unit and is there much disruption?
One day installation is the norm. A qualified electrician installs the unit and the house is left exactly as it was found.
Is maintenance necessary, and if so, what's needed?
All units come with a five year maintenance guarantee on them. Once the filters have been changed within
that time period, a further five years takes effect.
Any other benefits?
Most people initially purchase these types of products because they want to get rid of the problem of moulds
and mildew on the ceilings and windows wet on the inside because there's no ventilation. But what I thought
was nice was when a man thanked me recently after I installed a filterless extractor in they're kitchen cum
dining room. He said for the first time, he and his wife were able to see out the window while eating
dinner they had just cooked.
Further information
See further information on condensation and ventilation solutions here.
pickapro.ie would like to thank AAA Advanced Damp Proofing, for their helpful advice and tips for this article.