Overcoming Mould and Condensation in Social Housing
As UK social housing providers continue to grapple with condensation and mould growth, the constant trickle or DMEV (Decentralized Mechanical Extract Ventilation) fan has become an indispensable solution. Renowned for their reliability and performance, even the smallest DMEV fans on their lowest trickle speed can move over half a million litres of air in just 24 hours. With features like auto humidity boost, run-on timer, and pull cord, it’s easy to see why these fans are so effective and popular.
Benefits of Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation
On closer inspection, the benefits of DMEV fans are even more impressive. Most models are IPX4 rated, meaning they do not require a SELV (Separated Extra Low Voltage) version for Zone 1 of a bathroom. They can be wall, ceiling, or window mounted, and they reduce the background ventilation requirement in a home compared to intermittent extract fans, resulting in low total installation costs.
However, this method of ventilation has a significant drawback when used in existing homes. Specifically, it struggles to meet the “whole dwelling ventilation” rates required by current Building Regulations due to the limited number of “wet rooms” that are available in some of our older housing stock. For example, a typical three-bedroom social housing property has just one kitchen and one bathroom. Yet, the minimum whole dwelling ventilation rate needed to comply with current regulations is 31 l/s. The real-world performance of a 100mm constant trickle fan is between 9-12 l/s per fan, making it impossible to meet the minimum requirement without causing excessive noise.
Challenges faced by Social Housing Providers
In social housing, where inadequate ventilation can have serious consequences, landlords and their contractors face a tough decision:
- Set the fans at speeds that generate noise complaints, often leading to the residents turning them off.
- Accept that the ventilation system does not meet Building Regulations, exposing landlords to complaints and disrepair claims.
At Vortice, we believe neither option is acceptable. That’s why we are excited to introduce the new AER DMEV 150 fan which complements our AER DMEV 100 range and completes this popular family of products.
The AER DMEV 150, with its larger diameter, is perfectly suited for kitchens—the primary source of moisture in most homes. It is also IPX4 rated, making it an ideal choice for all wet rooms where traditional options fall short.
This new fan offers the same functionality as others in the range, including multiple trickle speeds, auto humidity comfort boost, run-on timer, and integral pull cord or switched live for full boost. However, its performance is significantly enhanced. The full boost achieves 50 l/s, and the constant trickle speed can be set at 25 l/s with noise levels remaining at a whisper.
Energy-conscious users will be pleased to know that the AER DMEV 150 uses the same motor technology as the rest of the range, offering industry-leading efficiency for a high-performing fan of this type.
We invite you to explore the new AER DMEV 150 and experience the ultimate solution for your mould and condensation challenges.
For more information
For more information on the AER DMEV range of products, download a copy of our Kitchen & Bathroom Ventilation Systems Brochure which is dedicated to the social housing providers.
Our team at Vortice offers a full service solution by conducting a survey to record any signs of damp or mould growth to installing the solution. Vortice will also issue the housing provider with a building regulations compliance certificate. 🏡
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