What is PAS?
Compliance with PAS standards is mandatory for all installers of domestic energy efficiency measures... read on for a simple explanation of the process.
What is Ventilation?
Mandatory installation standards PAS2035:2019 and PAS2030:2019 have introduced ventilation upgrades as a requirement of all publicly funded energy efficiency retrofit measures. This is because ventilation can often be inadequate following insulation upgrades in a property, causing problems with damp due to a lack of air flow.
Building regulations state that there needs to be 8000ea (equivalent area - a measure of aerodynamic performance) of airflow in each habitable room. Our installers typically achieve this by installing two different types of ventilation:
- Window Vents (aka 'Trickle Vents')
- Extractor Fans
Window Vents (Trickle Vents)
How they work
Trickle vents are small devices fitted either to the window frame or between the glass and the frame. The vents are designed to be opened and closed by the homeowner to allow for fresh air to circulate through the home, whilst letting polluted air out. They are designed to be in-keeping with the style of the window, as shown in the photo below.
Extractor Fans
How they work
Extractor fan draw out the air from inside the property and expel it outside, through vents or ducts. This allows fresh air to circulate through the house. Extractor fans can extract pollutants and moisture from the air creating a fresher living environment.
Features
- Discreet design
- Low energy usage - using between 1.1 and 5.4 watts
- Uses smart technology features, including automatic humidity sensing and a logical approach to overrun timing which helps to reduce heat loss and energy wastage
- Ultra-quiet ventilation (10 – 39 decibels
Benefits of ventilation
- Ensures the installation complies with industry standards such that it can be guaranteed and lodged with Trustmark
- Prevents the build-up of moisture, condensation and damp by ensuring air flow throughout the property
- Improves air quality
- Reduces air humidity
- Can help remove allergens and odors
Ventilation FAQs
How long does the ventilation take to install?
One extractor fan typically takes half a day to complete whilst two extractor fans is a full day job. Window vents can be installed much faster and, depending on the number of vents required, can be installed in one morning.
Will the trickle vents make my house cold?
When used correctly, trickle vents do not contribute excessively to heat loss. The vents are designed for use over a 13mm slot meaning only a small amount of air can pass through the vent. Trickle vents work in conjunction with mechanical extractor fans when more immediate ventilation is required.
Will installing trickle vents damage my windows?
Our installers will not install vents in properties where they believe the vents will damage the windows. Speak to the installer if your windows are still under a guarantee period.
Is the ventilation noisy?
The fans our installers use are much quieter than typical bathroom fans. The noise output ranges from 10-39 decibels. In low-speed (trickle) mode, they produce 10 decibels which is about the same as normal human breathing. At maximum extraction, the fan produces 39 decibels which is equivalent to quiet library sounds.
Do Action Surrey fund this?
Yes, ventilation is a mandatory requirement and so it will be funded by Action Surrey. Installers must ensure the works meet the required retrofit standards and therefore are unable to install measures if sufficient ventilation is not also fitted.
