Halo Electrical Installations ltd are proud to have been in working partnership with Envirovent for over 7 years. Envirovent are the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of energy efficient and sustainable ventilation products, and as an approved contractor we can survey your property to evaluate your exact needs and ultimately offer a permanent solution to poor indoor air quality and eliminate condensation, mould and damp issues.

Most people don’t even give it a second thought, but the air that we breathe inside our homes is important to our health and provides a comfortable living environment.

It may come as a bit of a revelation but through our daily routines of washing, bathing, cooking etc, we create a lot of moisture – in fact the average family can create a whooping 112 pints of the stuff per week. And, as we spruce up our homes by furnishing and cleaning them we also introduce a concoction of other contaminants into the air inside the home. These include chemicals from cleaning products and formaldehydes from carpets and furniture.

What’s more, as we strive to save money and energy by improving our homes such as installing double glazing, cavity, external wall and loft insulation we prevent ‘natural ventilation’ which means that the moisture we produce along with the stale, polluted air has no means of escape. This causes condensation on windows, which left untreated will lead to black mould and musty odours.

What is Positive Input Ventilation?

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is the name given to a ventilation system or unit which transforms a stagnant and stale atmosphere into a fresh, healthy and condensation free environment by supplying a constant supply of fresh filtered air to homes with a loft space.

We understand that every home has its unique requirements. The can be dependent upon the material fabric of the building, the number of people living in the property and their lifestyle.

EnviroVent’s range of Mr Venty® units have been designed for every make, size and shape of house, flat, bungalow or apartment.

How does Positive Input Ventilation work?

The Mr Venty® range of condensation control units work by delivering clean fresh, filtered air into the home from either the landing in a house or a central hallway in a flat. The unit gently ventilates the property using a technique called Positive Input Ventilation (PIV).

This method dilutes high levels of humidity so that condensation and mould cannot form, whilst also diluting harmful household contaminants, thus creating a healthy all year round living environment.

Furthermore, by reducing the levels of humidity inside the home the household dust mite population can no longer thrive – an added benefit for asthma and allergy sufferers who could see a significant improvement to their symptoms.

Features and benefits of Positive Input Ventilation

• Reduces condensation dampness

• Quiet operation

• Eliminates mould

• Stops streaming windows

• Removes musty odours

• Can reduce heating costs

• Benefits asthma sufferers

• BBA approved

• Superior long life filters

• Reduces radon levels

• Low running costs

• 5 year guarantee

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued use. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as ‘periodic inspection and testing’. 

Once completed you will be issued with an Electrical Condition Report (EICR).

A periodic inspection will:

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
• Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
• Identify any defective electrical work.
• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.

Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.
How often is a periodic inspection required?

Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

• 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
• 5 years for a rented home.
• 3 years for a caravan
• 1 year for a swimming pool.

Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:

• When a property is being prepared for letting.
• Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. We will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
• The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
• The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that  may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
• The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
• The presence of adequate identification and notices.
• The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
• Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

The competent person will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.

If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.