Vent-Axia Launches its new Passivhaus-Certified 
Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq for New Build Homes

Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has launched its first Passivhaus-certified Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq. With the new Future Homes Standard looking set to reduce carbon emissions for new build homes by a further 75-80% than current Building Regulations, the Sentinel Econiq is designed to provide low carbon heat recovery ventilation for air-tight thermally efficient new build dwellings, making it ideal for Passivhaus projects. The Sentinel Econiq offers exceptional efficiency, near silent operation and complete controllability, providing excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort.

MVHR forms a critical part of a Passivhaus project since it successfully drives down energy demand. An MVHR system’s performance is considered an integral element of the primary Passivhaus heating demand calculation. Boasting excellent heat recovery and a specific electric power as low as 0.22 Wh/m3, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is now Passivhaus certified. One of the quietest systems on the market, it also provides near silent operation (tested and verified by SRL).

Designed and developed in the UK to offer the highest levels of comfort and functionality all year round the Sentinel Econiq’s maximised airflows and minimised noise and energy are achieved through cutting edge EC motors and highly sculpted interiors. Providing exceptional IAQ, the new Sentinel-X wireless control platform delivers complete control of the home environment, provided through a full range of wired/wireless sensors and an intelligent smartphone app. To further improve comfort the Passivhaus-certified Sentinel Econiq also features a built-in preheater as standard with optional duct heaters.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of our first Passivhaus-certified MVHR system. We have already witnessed Building Regulations reducing carbon emissions from new build homes by 30%, but the Future Homes Standard looks set to radically reduce them. To achieve this, homes will become increasingly airtight and heat recovery ventilation will be a key technology to help deliver the final piece of the carbon avoidance by preventing heat loss”, said Steve Pearce, NBR Product Manager. “The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq has been designed to meet these challenges offering the ideal heat recovery ventilation solution to improve indoor air quality and comfort in new build homes.”

The Passivhaus-certified Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is available in three different sizes covering a range of properties, with left and right-handed versions available. With Passivhaus design very low air leakage rates are required to meet the standard and must be demonstrated for each certified building. The air change rate must be less than or equal to 0.6 air changes per hour at 50pa, under test conditions. The Passivhaus-certified Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq’s Constant Volume feature ensures it operates effectively, efficiently, and reliably, providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, maintaining pre-set airflow irrespective of system pressure within its performance capabilities.

Designed to improve IAQ and occupant health, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq’s New Sentinel-X Control platform features a wide array of sensors and controls ensuring the highest levels of IAQ. The Sentinel control logic built within the MVHR ensures the Sentinel Econiq system operates optimally with automated functions such as its built-in intelligent humidistat, frost protection and summer bypass, providing comfort in the home. With an increase in thermally efficient homes, overheating can be a challenge, the Sentinel Econiq’s automatic summer bypass is designed to provide free cooling when available and to eliminate performance loss.

Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq
Image © Vent-Axia

To further improve IAQ the Passivhaus-certified Sentinel Econiq offers ePM2.5 (F7) filters as standard, in line with Passivhaus design requirements. The MVHR filters provide numerous benefits including improving IAQ by removing allergens and particulate matter. They also maintain the system’s energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and enhance longevity of the system.

Meanwhile, to ensure the Sentinel Econiq operates efficiently to its design intent and to help housebuilders comply with Part F (Means of Ventilation) of the Building Regulations, Vent-Axia has developed its pioneering Commissioning Wizard for the Sentinel Econiq, making it the easiest system on the market to commission. Available online and via a smartphone app, the Commissioning Wizard makes it very simple to comply with Part F allowing the ventilation installer to input all the necessary information that Part F requires for compliance. It will then output a complete detailed report for building control to sign off. Far easier than filling in a paper commissioning document on site, it is easy to use and saves time, giving peace of mind that all the necessary questions have been answered to comply.

Offering market-leading connectivity, the Sentinel Econiq is controlled by the innovative Vent-Axia Connect smartphone app as standard. This provides households with year-round control of their ventilation from the comfort of their sofas and allows a multitude of functions to be adjusted. With smart-phone compatible controls, homeowners have the flexibility to increase the ventilation rate during hot periods in the summer or reduce the speed to minimise running costs while away. The app is available for free on iOS and Android.

Designed to make install easy for housebuilders and to maximise space the Sentinel Econiq range includes a horizontal duct option for space-saving installations. In addition, the range includes acoustic enclosures and top box options to further lower noise levels, useful in apartment applications.

For further information on the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq contact Steve Pearce, NBR Product Manager at Vent-Axia: steve.pearce@volution-group.co.uk

For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone +44 (0)344 856 0590 or visit www.vent-axia.com

Passivhaus logo © Passive House Institue