A recent report by the National Union of Students (NUS) revealed that half of all students have a problem with condensation (52 per cent), whilst 47 per cent have issues with mould and 41 per cent with damp in their private, rented accommodation.
Issues of condensation and mould have been closely linked to a range of respiratory and dermatological disorders and to the creation of toxic home syndrome, when the air indoors is found to be up to 50 times more harmful than that outdoors.
Rebecca McLean, Marketing Director at ventilation specialist EnviroVent, said: “It is not acceptable that such a high proportion of private dwellings inhabited by students are affected by condensation and mould. This has huge implications for health, as the presence of mould has been closely linked to conditions such as asthma. Condensation and mould are issues which can be fixed with an effective ventilation system, which has benefits both for the health of the occupant and the fabric of the building.”
She added: “Landlords that invest in an effective ventilation system can see the benefits in terms of reduced maintenance and re-decoration costs. Having a clean, fresh internal environment is also a useful selling point, increasing the appeal to potential tenants.”
EnviroVent has seen a recent increase in demand for its PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems for houses and flats. PIV works by drawing in fresh, filtered clean air from the loft space in a house or from outside in a flat or apartment. This dilutes high levels of humidity, forcing moisture laden air to the outside.
The result is less condensation and a much reduced risk of mould forming. EnviroVent’s Mr Venty range of PIV condensation control units are designed to transform a stagnant and stale atmosphere into a fresh, healthy and condensation-free environment and are ideal for student flats and houses.
All of the ventilation solutions offered by EnviroVent are designed and manufactured by the company in the UK.
A PIV system has very low maintenance and low running costs. It is quick and install within a property, either in the loft space or hallway and requires no annual servicing.