Indoor air quality

A combination of technology and training can help housing association professionals ensure that their approach to damp and mould reflects the call for ‘zero tolerance’ made by the Housing Ombudsman.

The Property Care Association (PCA), has a carefully curated package of training options available to Housing Association professionals, that can be tailored to suit specific needs.

In addition, the Association can signpost professionals to its newly developed Condensation and Mould Diagnostic System, that can identify the root cause of the issue and provide impartial recommendations to remedy the problem.

Following the introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, there has been a sharp focus on dampness in tenanted buildings, with Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway calling for a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to damp and mould.

Leading British ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia, has donated ventilation units to local charity, Giving Back Crawley, as part of the refurbishment of its new base. A small charity that serves the local homeless community, Giving Back Crawley found a permanent place to operate from, including preparing and cooking hot meals, but the building needed a complete refurbishment following water damage. Vent-Axia supported this great cause with ventilation to help make the place a suitable home for the charity.

Vent-Axia was more than happy to help Giving Back Crawley. One of the company’s members of staff Linda Dawson regularly volunteers at the charity so was able to give a first-hand account of all the good work the charity does with helping the homeless in Crawley. Cooking and delivering over 100,000 meals in the last 18 months to those who need them most, Giving Back Crawley serves the homeless community in Crawley, West Sussex and is entirely run by volunteers. As well as serving their guests free meals, the charity provides the essential items they need to get by such as clothing, bedding and wellbeing items. Giving Back Crawley’s new base also allows them to run a free grocery shop and host regular health checks with paramedics.

A new residential range of Lossnay Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems will allow housing providers to provide clean and healthy air for the homes of their tenants.
The latest additions to Mitsubishi Electric’s renowned Lossnay range is designed specifically for the UK housing market and makes energy efficient, super-quiet ventilation accessible to even more homes.
The residential Lossnay VL-CZPVU-R/L-E is designed to extract stale air continuously and efficiently from spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and utility rooms where air can become polluted with high humidity, fumes and chemicals.

Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has supplied its Lo-Carbon PoziDry Compact Pro to successfully tackle persistent condensation and mould in a social housing property. The housing association selected the PoziDry Compact Pro for a flat which had mould in the bedroom and living room. The unit was chosen since it is the ideal solution for combating condensation and mould in problem properties without a loft.

Prior to the installation of the Lo-Carbon PoziDry Compact Pro in the property there was no ventilation. The unit was installed in the flat’s cloakroom and has successfully eliminated the on-going condensation and mould problem. This is not only protecting the building’s structure but will also positively impact the inhabitant’s health by improving their indoor air quality.

Leading ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is delighted to announce that it has been named as the winner of the ‘Industry Initiative Award’ at the prestigious Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2021. The company’s ‘COVID-19 Support Campaign’ took the crown in an award that that was in-part, decided by an industry vote as well as being critiqued by an expert judging panel.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event was a virtual one. Winners were announced in a live presentation that showcased the very best that the sector has to offer. For almost a decade, the Electrical Wholesaler Awards has provided a unique platform for the recognition of excellence and achievement across the electrical wholesale sector.  

Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is sharing ways to help take of your lungs and protect your household from indoor air pollution during Love Your Lungs week, which takes place 21 - 27 June 2021. Indoor air pollution can affect lung health and is linked to increased risk of pneumonia, COPD and lung cancer. If an asthma sufferer has an allergic reaction to a pollutant in the air, this can also make asthma symptoms worse. Vent-Axia has been committed to protecting public health by improving indoor air quality since 1936. As part of this commitment, Vent-Axia is therefore supporting the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Love Your Lungs campaign, which raises awareness of lung health.

Condensation and mould can be a recurring problem for many landlords and their residents. During the pandemic this has been a bigger problem due to people spending more time at home and generating more moisture which can lead to condensation and mould. So, what can landlords do to tackle the issue and keep mould at bay? James Kane, from condensation and mould control specialist Airtech Solutions, explains how housing associations can avoid disrepair cases and provide healthy homes for their residents by working with specialist companies that offer surveying, mould treatment and ventilation.