Statistics show that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. More often than not, the buildings we are in have inadequate ventilation which can be detrimental to our health! So why is it important to ventilate our homes, where we spend most of this time? Keep reading to find out.
Air Quality: A well designed ventilation system ensures a continuous supply of fresh air, which helps maintain good indoor air quality. Without adequate ventilation, pollutants, odours, and excess moisture can accumulate, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Health Benefits: Fresh air is essential for our well-being. Ventilation helps remove airborne contaminants, such as dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It also reduces the risk of respiratory problems as well as improving our focus and has a positive impact on our mental health.
Moisture Control: An effective ventilation system prevents excessive humidity build-up. High humidity levels over time can lead to mould growth, which poses health risks and damages building materials. With a balanced system (MVHR), or a negative pressure system (dMEV or cMEV), the risk of mould growth is all but eliminated, providing maintenance is kept up to date.
Odour Removal: Effective ventilation removes cooking smells, pet odours, and other unpleasant scents, creating a more pleasant living environment.
Temperature Regulation: Ventilation helps regulate indoor temperatures. In warmer months, it allows hot air to escape, while in colder months, controlled ventilation prevents condensation and dampness. Systems can be specified to include a small amount of heating or cooling, but it is imperative to discuss this at design stage.
Combustion Safety: Proper ventilation is critical for homes with fuel-burning appliances (e.g., gas stoves, boilers). It ensures that combustion gases (such as carbon monoxide) are safely expelled outdoors.
If ventilation is so beneficial to our health, comfort and the fabric of the building, why is it often forgotten about or the first service to be value engineered at the start of the build. We have concern if the electrics or plumbing is incorrect, with tests to check. However, with ventilation it is often ignored with little concern for the long-term effects that include moulds, poor air quality and effects to our health.
These effects are not apparent until the dwelling is occupied for 6-12 months. As a nation we show concern for climate change and the outdoor air quality we breathe but not for the air we breathe in our home where we spend a good proportion of our life.
Therefore, ventilation should be as important as any other service in a dwelling, and considered in the early stages of any project to ensure adequate space is allowed for any machinery and ductwork to be distributed around the property.
We at CV HVAC Ltd are ready to discuss your ventilation requirements, so please contact us if you wish to find out how we can help you.
