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Thread: Ventilation system

  1. #1
    Craftsman
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    Ventilation system

    Hi the wealth of knowledge on here astounds me at times so I thought I'd pick your brains!!
    Does anyone have any experience of a positive pressure ventilation system?
    One with heat recovery built-in?
    Did it cure the damp/condensation problems you had?
    A little bit of background, we have a 2 storey 3 bed maisonette which suffers from damp issues, its definitely not rising damp and its not penetrating damp it is general condensation and excess moisture, depending on tenants the problem can be minimal or quite bad . I am looking for a permanent solution as unfortunately tenants do not open windows/do turn off extraction fans/don't run the heating/do dry clothes etc inside, all these things are not ideal in a property prone to damp!
    The building is quite old possibly 1930s terraced 3 storey house. So definitely not energy efficient, it does have double glazing and gas central heating.
    A company called envirovent have conducted a survey and recommended the aforementioned system which they say will cure the issue? They seem to have good reviews on trust pilot etc but I'm still wary.
    Any opinions or advice welcome
    Sorry for the long post!!!


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  2. #2
    Master
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    Who’s to say they won’t turn off your ventilation system when they realise they’re paying for the electric that runs it?

    Could be a big expense for little benefit. I’d insist in fans being left on and no clothes being dried in the house. It might be worth informing them that drying cloths inside and breathing in that moisture is very bad for your health.

    I took this approach with a tenant and the damp miraculously went away soon after.

  3. #3
    Yes they do work, I’m a damp specialist and sell a number of positive air units when the problem is condensation and not Rising

  4. #4
    Master ed335d's Avatar
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    I had PIV installed in a flat prone to condensation (drips down external facing walls) and it was very effective.

    Wasn't too expensive and they're low cost to run; mine was installed in the loft.

  5. #5
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    I installed a unit four years ago,cured the damp .Changed the filters last year as they were dirty.Very pleased with it and have installed units for three other people.

  6. #6
    Craftsman
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    I installed one in my bungalow about 2 weeks ago. It was a Nuaire Drimaster HC. It was an easy enough install - about 90mins.
    So far very pleased. A couple of the bedrooms had major condensation- windows and walls - and now there is very little sign at all.
    System is very quiet and as the unit I put in has a heating unit that takes the chill of the incoming air no one has complained. It actually is just install and forget.
    So so far so good.

    Jake

  7. #7
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    I had a similar issue with condensation, and a specialist firm called Kenwood quoted £1k to fit a similar ventilation system. One active vent and one passive.

    Kenwood guaranteed that it would fix the issue within 4-6 weeks, but the tenant was concerned about the noise and the cost to run the unit. The condensation is being caused by limited ventilation and drying clothes inside I.e lifestyle choices.

    I had committed to installing the Kenwood unit but at the last minute offered the tenants a free standing de-humidifier and they agreed. The condensation has dried up within a week and the tenant is happy (for now).

    I suspect the condensation will only be an issue in the winter, come summer the windows will be open again and they can put the dehumidifier away.

  8. #8
    Master Christian's Avatar
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    Having had two flats, both of which I'd lived in for years previous to subsequently letting, I'd say the biggest factor is the tenant. When I lived in each flat, I'd air it throughout the winter, never dry clothes on radiators and always shower with bothroom door shut and extractor fan on. Consequently never once had a mould problem.

    Tenants just don't care, especially as they can blame the property rather than how they've been using it. First flat we'd let out to a Waitrose Manager - she was in there about a year before suddenly saying she was moving out because of a mould issue. The place was caked in it and stank. I was even cleaning mould from the inside of door frames. Second property pretty much exactly the same...single guy who obviousy never opened the windows and left wallpaper peeling off because of the amount of moisture.

    Biggest problem is winter where they just wont bother opening a window because it's cold yet they still stick clothes on radiators. Smaller spaces such as flats definitely need windows opening particularly because its hard to get a crossflow of air going when all the windows are on the same side of the property.
    Last edited by Christian; 27th January 2021 at 09:53.

  9. #9
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    Thanks for the responses

    I agree its generally a lifestyle choice that causes the issues and some tenants are better than others at managing the problem.
    I am trying to make our life as easy as possible as we have had quite a stressful year due to tenant issues and I am hoping we can move forward this year and steady the ship so to speak...
    I'm trying to build proper relationships with tenants and being as proactive as possible to keep the properties in the best condition possible so as to minimise any issues and hopefully avoid high turnover.. its a new strategy for us as before our client base has been very transient with tenants lasting only 6-12months. If we can move towards longer term tenancies then im hoping for a less stressful life
    For those who have fitted the units what were the installation costs?
    I have been quoted £1100 which seems ok maybe slightly high? And have you or tenants noticed any change to bills for the running of the unit.

    Many thanks

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  10. #10
    Master blackal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Christian View Post
    Having had two flats, both of which I'd lived in for years previous to subsequently letting, I'd say the biggest factor is the tenant. When I lived in each flat, I'd air it throughout the winter, never dry clothes on radiators and always shower with bothroom door shut and extractor fan on. Consequently never once had a mould problem.

    Tenants just don't care, especially as they can blame the property rather than how they've been using it. First flat we'd let out to a Waitrose Manager - she was in there about a year before suddenly saying she was moving out because of a mould issue. The place was caked in it and stank. I was even cleaning mould from the inside of door frames. Second property pretty much exactly the same...single guy who obviousy never opened the windows and left wallpaper peeling off because of the amount of moisture.

    Biggest problem is winter where they just wont bother opening a window because it's cold yet they still stick clothes on radiators. Smaller spaces such as flats definitely need windows opening particularly because its hard to get a crossflow of air going when all the windows are on the same side of the property.
    More often than not - it is exactly as you say.

    Additionally on limited finance - they will not run a tumble-drier and will effectively seal up all ventilation. Even without the drying clothes - there will be damp/mould problems. They are also loathe to accept that the problem is of their doing and start making complaints about their "rogue landlords" and that their baby's life is in danger.

  11. #11
    Master j0hnbarker's Avatar
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    Had a similar problem in a house that we owned a few years ago. For various reasons we lived in in it three times, interspersed with two periods of renting to different tenants.

    When my wife and I were there we had no issues whatsoever with condensation, but each time we moved back to the property I found mould on the window frames, everywhere in the en-suite, and huge water stains on the kitchen walls where they'd cooked/boiled god knows what. Each time I had to remediate these issues and trying to do this at their expense was a pain, although I managed it both times.

    The kitchen in particular was something that annoyed me as there was an extractor hood, two windows and a stable door for ventilation!

    My parents had a similar issue with my Gran's old flat which they rent out. Tenants complaining about damp but endlessly drying washing without ventilating the rooms, then complaining about the implications. I've yet to meet a tenant who will reasonably agree to opening windows and using a tumble dryer, so whilst the PPV sounds like an ideal fix, they may kick back once they know they will be paying for it on their electricity bill.

  12. #12
    Master
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    Had a Nuaire Drimaster for 10 years in old house and it cured the condensation problem. Costs pennies to run.

  13. #13
    Master
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    These are easy to fit the worst part is the 240 v supply.

  14. #14
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bonzodog View Post
    These are easy to fit the worst part is the 240 v supply.
    If they’re fitted in a loft there may well be a supply already for any lights etc.
    In our loft we have lights and also some power points which were there when we moved in.

  15. #15
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by bambam View Post
    If they’re fitted in a loft there may well be a supply already for any lights etc.
    In our loft we have lights and also some power points which were there when we moved in.
    I would install a separate supply ,not take it off the ltg circ.

  16. #16
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bonzodog View Post
    I would install a separate supply ,not take it off the ltg circ.
    Why? Whats wrong with using the lighting circuit?

    There's a substantial thread here:
    https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/...&t=1848815&i=0

    The general view is that it works very well, even if you don't fit the heat recovery version. It may well be worth fitted the model with inbuilt heater though. If you're moderately compentent you can install it yourself.

  17. #17
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Pointy View Post
    Why? Whats wrong with using the lighting circuit?

    There's a substantial thread here:
    https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/...&t=1848815&i=0

    The general view is that it works very well, even if you don't fit the heat recovery version. It may well be worth fitted the model with inbuilt heater though. If you're moderately compentent you can install it yourself.
    As a retired sparks ,I would not use the lighting circ,what others do is up to them.

  18. #18
    Craftsman
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    I have looked at doing it myself im reasonably competent in most things it would obviously be a lot cheaper and I have priced units at about £500 .
    The thing is that I'm not actually qualified and with it being a rental I don't want to leave myself open should anything go wrong, I'd rather a professional do it and give me an electrical certificate and guarantee etc.. for info they are proposing to use the lighting circuit.
    I know its generally the tenants fault and I know they will never change their attitude and everything is the fault of the nasty landlord
    I just Want an easy life and if this can help then hopefully its worth the investment.
    Its good to hear that people have positive experience with the ventilation system even if they don't with the tenants

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