Heating and Ventilation

by Neil Walker, Technical Sales Support Manager, Intergas

The concept behind heat pumps is simple - powered by electricity, they move heat around to either cool or heat buildings.  It’s not a new idea; they were invented in the 1850s and have been used in homes since the 1960s.  However all of a sudden, they’ve become the hottest home appliance, shoved into the spotlight by the potential for cost savings and climate benefits, as well as by policy incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

Airtech, a leading condensation and mould specialist, has helped a Mid-Devon social housing resident to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) and combat mould in their home. Mid-Devon District Council had a resident with persistent mould so asked for Airtech’s help to find a solution. In response, Airtech supplied and installed its Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and bathroom extractor fan solutions in the property to improve the IAQ and tackle the condensation and mould. 

Vent-Axia and Switchee, the leading ventilation manufacturer and smart technology provider in the UK, are joining forces to launch ‘Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Revive 7 with Switchee connectivity’, a proven cutting-edge ventilation solution specifically designed for social housing.

Vent-Axia’s ventilation solutions enhance indoor air quality (IAQ), while Switchee’s controls ensure that heating and ventilation work in harmony, creating a healthier living environment, putting both resident wellbeing and social housing protection at the forefront of property management.

It is essential to ensure that heat pumps installations in social housing performs as designed and with minimal issues for residents. Here James Griffiths Projects Manager at GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) outlines how the correct pipework specification can help ensure optimal system performance, simplify installation and prevent future issues.

The UK has set a target to reach net zero by 2050 and with around 40% of the UK’s total carbon emissions coming from residential properties, a shift to low carbon heating is required if we are to meet this objective.

Leading ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is welcoming the third, World Ventilation Day, #WorldVentil8Day, a day dedicated to recognising and promoting the importance of ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ). This year World Ventil8 Day will be held on Friday 8th November 2024, with the theme of ‘Enabling Action’. The day aims to highlight ventilation’s crucial role in healthy buildings and a healthy life, with a particular focus on how to help people improve ventilation in their buildings whether it be a home, a school, a workplace or a social space.

Airtech, the condensation, mould and radon specialists, is once again supporting UK Radon Awareness Week by helping raise awareness of the radioactive gas. Run by the UK Radon Association, this year’s UK Radon Awareness Week marks its 10th anniversary with the campaign aiming to raise awareness of the silent health risk that affects homes, schools and businesses across the UK: radon gas. Taking place from 4-10 November, the campaign is emphasising that radon testing is a simple yet crucial step to ensure a healthy home environment. Airtech is therefore advising households, private landlords and employers, to learn about radon and its health effects and to carry out a radon test in homes and workplaces to help protect families and employees.

This solution combines the efficiency of a heat pump with the reliability of a traditional boiler, offering homeowners a sustainable and efficient way to heat their homes and water.

The Xtend Hybrid is designed to address the unique challenges presented by the UK’s diverse range of home insulations. While heat pumps offer an eco-friendly heating solution, they often struggle to meet the demands of less insulated properties, particularly during the colder months. The Xtend Hybrid bridges this gap by utilising a high-efficiency boiler to support the heat pump, ensuring homeowners enjoy uninterrupted comfort and hot water supply throughout the year.