Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, EnviroVent has helped over a million homes solve damp, condensation and mould problems across the UK for over 35 years. Their award winning ventilation products help improve indoor air quality by bringing in fresh, clean air and helping to reduce moisture in the air which can cause condensation and mould problems. With an extensive award winning product range including extractor fans, positive input ventilation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and mechanical extract systems, they are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of low energy, sustainable domestic ventilation equipment. Their systems are designed to create an all year round, healthy, fresh and ideal indoor environment, covering a whole host of sectors including major house builders, social housing providers, trade professionals, private landlords and homeowners.
Let’s look at a selection of previous projects they have undertaken, covering a range of different ventilation solutions.
Barratt Developments chose MEV300 for pioneering ‘Zed House’
Barratt Developments, collaborated with top sustainable product manufacturers in the UK, including EnviroVent, to create the 'Zed House’. Marking the pioneering effort of a major housebuilder to surpass the Future Homes Standard, the Zed House aims to achieve an impressive 125% carbon reduction, setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction. Located in Salford, Manchester, the inaugural Zed House will be home to postgraduate students from the local university, offering a unique opportunity to explore and promote sustainable living practices.
Barratt Developments selected EnviroVent's cutting-edge MEV300 low carbon ventilation system for Zed House. This innovative mechanical extract ventilation system is engineered to optimise energy consumption while effectively managing humidity levels, preventing condensation, and inhibiting mould growth. Integrated as part of a suite of low carbon technologies deployed throughout the home, the MEV300 plays a pivotal role in surpassing zero carbon mandates. The MEV300 ventilation system boasts exceptional performance driven by its advanced high-efficiency DC motor technology, resulting in minimal energy consumption and a consequent reduction in carbon emissions. With airflow rates reaching up to 103l/s (370 m3/hr) on average, it ensures optimal ventilation while maintaining eco-friendly operation.
The ventilation system is predominantly crafted from recyclable materials, aiming to diminish its impact on landfill sites. Moreover, its design prioritises ease of component replacement, enhancing its sustainability and longevity.
Barratt's Zed House initiative serves as a testing ground for advanced Modern Method of Construction techniques, as well as a platform for trialling the latest smart technology and sustainable materials. The overarching goal is to identify innovative solutions that empower the industry to construct high-quality, zero carbon, and beyond homes that resonate with customers, all on a large scale.
Grove Road Methodist Chapel conversion utilises the energiSava 400 MVHR
The magnificent Methodist Chapel on Grove Road, a testament to late Victorian architecture, traces its origins to 1896 and stands adorned with a wealth of period features. Originally erected to cater to the burgeoning suburbs on Harrogate's north side, this Grade II listed edifice boasts a grand Italianate design. Characterised by opulent architectural flourishes, including a striking gallery and intricate stained glass windows, it was conceived to accommodate up to 1,000 individuals, embodying an era of grandeur and communal spirit.
Local property developer Mark Hinchcliffe chose to install the EnviroVent energiSava 400 Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit as part of the conversion of the six-bedroom Methodist Chapel. This extensive 6,500 sq ft building underwent careful restoration and Mark and his family now enjoy the benefits of enhanced indoor air quality facilitated by the EnviroVent ventilation system in this unique family home.
Prior to this undertaking, Mark successfully concluded the restoration of the property adjacent to the Methodist Chapel. This property, a former 3,500 sq ft Sunday School dating back to 1929, underwent a transformation into a contemporary space with high specifications. Mark's attention to detail extended to the installation of an EnviroVent MVHR system, further enhancing the property's modern amenities.
He expressed his satisfaction with the EnviroVent ventilation system used in this previous conversion project. Despite the Methodist Chapel's less contemporary design, he and his family were eager to enjoy the same indoor air quality benefits in their own home. He emphasised the suitability of the energiSava 400 system for a family setting, praising its unobtrusive design and low noise levels.
EnviroVent installed two of the energiSava 400 units to adequately ventilate the entire property. However, the installation process presented challenges due to the building's exceptionally high ceilings, reaching almost five metres in one room and 12 metres in the living area. Mark's builders had to devise a solution to create a loft space where the units could be installed. Additionally, scaffolding was erected to facilitate EnviroVent's installation engineers in reaching the ceiling height and hoisting up the ventilation units.
Operating from the loft space, the MVHR system functions through a network of ducts designed to extract stale, moist air from various areas inside the building, such as the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms. This air, laden with contaminants, passes through the Heat Recovery unit and is then expelled outside. Simultaneously, clean, fresh air is drawn in from the exterior. As these two air streams intersect, heat is transferred from the outgoing stale air to the incoming fresh air, without any mixing of the streams.
Remarkably, the system captures over 90% of the energy from the outgoing stale air. This energy is then utilised to precondition the incoming air, which is subsequently delivered as warm, filtered air into the living areas of the property through the ducting.
EnviroVent's Quality Director, Darren Chadwick, remarked, “This is one of the highest ceilings we have ever fitted with a ventilation system. It required careful planning to ensure that the energiSava units were able to cope with the large volume of living space in this property, ensuring that all areas were adequately fed with a constant stream of fresh, pre-warmed air. I’m pleased to say the project ran smoothly”.
Mark Hinchcliffe elaborates, “It made perfect sense to go with an MVHR system again. I chose EnviroVent because they are a UK manufacturer and their technical knowledge is second to none. The system also works architecturally and doesn’t detract from the beautiful interior design or period features of the Chapel.”
The energiSava 400 represents the latest innovation in EnviroVent's esteemed lineup of award-winning products. Serving as a comprehensive whole-house heat recovery system, it ensures year-round optimal indoor air quality. Notably user-friendly, the system features intuitive 'set and forget' controls, while its advanced functionality autonomously monitors humidity levels. Any increase triggers an adjustment in the extract rate, maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Renowned for its energy efficiency and silent operation, the Passivhaus certified energiSava 400 effectively manages condensation while upholding indoor air quality. EnviroVent's MVHR systems utilise multiple extract points strategically positioned throughout the home, the system then delivers warm, filtered air back into living spaces, effectively controlling relative humidity levels in the process.
Moreover, this low-energy consumption system fosters a healthy indoor environment throughout the year. By filtering the incoming air, the system provides relief to homeowners afflicted with conditions such as asthma, hay fever, and bronchial-related ailments.
Midland Heart housing association spearhead Birmingham-based Project 80 with EnviroVent energiSava 250 MVHR systems
Project 80, undertaken by Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart, marks a significant stride towards sustainability by aligning with the Government's Future Homes Standard. This ambitious endeavour aims to slash carbon emissions by up to 80%, surpassing targets by three years. The development, comprising 12 homes on Grosvenor Road, serves as a living research project, continuously monitored to inform the government's forthcoming consultation on the Future Homes Standard, slated for introduction in 2025.
Notably, the properties on Grosvenor Road bear the familiar facade of contemporary homes, constructed using locally sourced materials. This showcases the practicality of attaining the Future Homes Standard without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. The project serves as a vital component of the government's net-zero strategy, offering insights into how new homes can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Midland Heart opted for the energiSava® 250 MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) system for several homes within Project 80, recognizing its outstanding efficiency, affordability, and minimal carbon footprint. Renowned for its ability to recover between 60–95% of heat from exhaust air, the energiSava® 250 MVHR significantly enhances the energy efficiency of the dwellings. Additionally, to offer an alternative ventilation solution and facilitate cost comparison against the MVHR systems, some properties were equipped with EnviroVent's Filterless Extractor Fans.
The decision by Midland Heart to select the energiSava® 250 MVHR went beyond its energy efficiency. EnviroVent's robust sustainability credentials, coupled with a transparent roadmap aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2030, played a pivotal role in this choice. This commitment to sustainability aligns closely with Midland Heart's values and further solidifies the partnership in advancing towards a greener future.
The energiSava® 250 MVHR unit stands out as a favoured choice among housing associations for new builds due to its ability to optimise ventilation throughout the property while minimising energy loss. MVHR systems are meticulously balanced, offering both extract ventilation and a supply of fresh tempered air. By extracting moisture-laden air from wet rooms such as bathrooms, WCs, kitchens, and shower rooms, while simultaneously supplying fresh air to living areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, MVHR systems ensure optimum ventilation with minimal energy loss.
The energiSava® 250 system is distinguished by EnviroVent's proprietary Intellitrac® Technology, a cutting-edge feature that continuously monitors and regulates humidity levels to ensure optimal ventilation without requiring user intervention. Operating at a low level continuously, it maintains good indoor air quality effortlessly. As humidity levels fluctuate, the motor speed adjusts accordingly, effectively controlling condensation and minimising the system's operation time at maximum speed, thus conserving energy.
Andy Makin, Managing Director at EnviroVent, expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with Midland Heart on this groundbreaking low-carbon project. He emphasises the significance of this initiative being closely monitored in alignment with the government's consultation on the Future Homes Standard, highlighting the pivotal role of low-carbon, low-energy ventilation systems in shaping the homes of the future.
Chris Miller, Director of Development at Midland Heart, echoes this sentiment, stating their pride in spearheading this pioneering project. He looks forward to continued collaboration with EnviroVent as one of their partners.
Project 80 serves as a shining example of Midland Heart's proactive approach as a forward-thinking housing association, leading the way in constructing homes where carbon emissions and energy efficiency are meticulously monitored. This endeavour aims to provide invaluable insights to shape the future of home design, aligning closely with ongoing consultations on housing standards.
Additionally, the project will serve as a living laboratory for student learning, offering a hands-on opportunity to study the practical implications of innovative housing solutions. The evidence gathered will play a crucial role in shaping future policy on climate change adaptation within the built environment.
Miller Homes Specifies PIV
EnviroVent's Positive Input Ventilation Systems (PIV) were selected and installed in the new build development at Greenvale Park, Newcastle. Developed by Miller Homes, this site comprises a range of 2 and 3 bedroom properties situated near the A1 motorway and the Metro Centre.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems are designed to enhance indoor air quality by continuously supplying fresh, filtered air into a property. This process facilitates air movement and reduces excess moisture, mitigating issues such as condensation and dampness. PIV systems operate by forcing out stale air from inside the property by creating positive pressure in the building that expels the stale air through the fabric of the building, while simultaneously circulating fresh filtered air into the property at a consistent rate. This constant air exchange promotes a healthier living environment.
In the case of Greenvale Park, PIV systems were installed to fulfil energy-efficient ventilation requirements outlined in Part F of the Building Regulations and to meet the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) requirements for achieving code level 3. It's worth noting that a BBA (The British Board of Agrément) approved PIV unit is recognized as a compliant system within the Building Regulations and can contribute to achieving a favourable SAP rating.
Edward Burton, Senior Architectural Technician at Miller Homes, sheds light on the decision to opt for Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) over other ventilation systems available on the market. He explains, "We decided to use PIV because of a number of issues. There were acoustic requirements which ruled out the use of trickle vents and we were not keen on using wall mounted options. Initially, we would have used MVHR, but as we used PV panels to achieve 10% renewable energy, PIV became the best option."
Matthew Hurd, Director of consultancy, Energy & Design, and SAP Assessor, adds his perspective based on his experience collaborating closely with Miller Homes. He remarks, "In domestic new build dwellings, using the latest L1A 2010 Regulations, PIV can show better results in SAP than some MVHR systems on air permeabilities of around 5 and higher."
Energy-efficient ventilation is a key consideration for homeowners, and selecting a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) unit can offer numerous benefits in this regard. By leveraging the naturally higher temperatures in loft spaces, which are typically around 3 degrees higher than outside temperatures, and harnessing solar gain on brighter days, PIV units can save an average of 150 Watts per day. This translates to approximately 10% of annual space heating costs, providing significant energy savings over time.
Moreover, PIV systems capitalise on the warm air that accumulates at ceiling level, which can be up to 7 degrees higher than at ground level. The gentle influx of fresh, filtered air introduced from the loft space helps redistribute this warm air throughout the home, further reducing space heating expenses.
In terms of sustainability, EnviroVent's PIV systems come with a 5-year maintenance-free warranty and are designed to outlast the lifecycle of the properties they serve. Additionally, these systems are equipped with Ultra Low Watt DC motors, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
For new build properties, PIV systems offer favourable results in SAP assessments without the need for core drilling or extensive ductwork, making them an efficient and convenient choice for achieving energy-efficient ventilation.