Ventilation

Ventilation in the home is just as important as heating and insulation, but it must be controlled. Ventilation is require to:

• maintain good indoor air quality
• supply air for the safe burning of fuel in appliances
• helps to prevent condensation by allowing the moisture laden air to escape

Unnecessary ventilation is often uncontrolled and draughts blow into the home through doors, windows and cracks in frames, etc. Wherever you feel cold air coming in, bear in mind that warm air will be going out. Draught proofing can easily be fitted around doors and windows and is a fairly inexpensive measure.

Controlled ventilation is achieved by installing certain measures such as extractor fans, trickle vents on window frames, air vents for fuel burners, flues and mechanical ventilation systems.

Fuel burning appliances need ventilation so that they can burn effectively and safely. Such appliances can produce poisonous carbon monoxide gas if they don't have enough oxygen to operate correctly. Fuel burning appliances should be regularly serviced by a qualified, registered heating engineer.

As with condensation, if you are producing moisture in a particular room, for example, when bathing in the bathroom or cooking in the kitchen, close the door to prevent the moisture going into the rest of the house. To allow for rapid ventilation and fresh air, open a small window for a short while afterwards and remember to use any extractor fans you may have in the rooms.