There are many benefits to be gained by installing a ventilation system in your home. Home ventilation refers to the process of moving air around, so that it is changed or replaced in different spaces, improving the quality of the air inside your home. Almost every home in Australia will have some form of ventilation, even if this is just in the form of air ducts in your bricks, which are often neglected, covered up, or are not adequate to cope with everyday living. Modern ventilation systems often use mechanical elements and offer a whole home approach.
These home ventilation systems can help to:
1.Reduce asthma and other conditions
According to Asthma Australia, there are around 1.9 million people who have asthma in Australia. This is equivalent to one in 9 people. Some have mild symptoms, but severe asthma can be debilitating, and even fatal. In 2014, (which is the most recent data available) 419 people died from asthma. There are many different triggers for asthma, but the mould associated with damp, pollution, cigarette smoke, house dust mites, and other things that enter the air in the home, can all trigger attacks or make an existing problem worse. A well-ventilated home will not cure asthma, but it can help to reduce the symptoms and make asthma attacks less common.
2. Reduce home condensation
Condensation is a common problem in many Australian homes. It is a leading cause of dampness and, if it is left unattended, condensation can result in mould growth.
Condensation forms on internal surfaces when the air outside falls sufficiently below the temperature of the moist air inside the property. Moisture in the air then condenses into liquid droplets, leading to damp patches or resulting in the familiar ‘streaming’ on windows. It is more common in the colder months when the difference between the heat inside and outside is most noticeable. A good home ventilation system not only improves the air quality within your home, but it can also help to prevent an increase in moisture levels within a property which can lead to condensation and mould issues over time.
3. Keep the air in your rooms fresh
The importance of ventilation to your physical health cannot be overstated, but, whatever the design and layout of your home, a good ventilation system can also help to keep it fresh, pleasant, and relaxing, helping to prevent the build-up of any stale, musty, or bad odours.
4. Reduce hay fever symptoms
Although it is not as immense health risk as asthma, hay fever can still cause grief, and can also increase asthma symptoms for those who suffer from both. Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to plant pollen. While you may think that you would be better off staying inside of your home, you will still need a fresh flow of air indoors, and a specialised ventilation system can prevent the buildup of pollen, as well as reducing the need to open your windows and doors. Some units also have filters that can help to reduce the amount of pollen in the air.
5. Lessen the impact of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are another reason why home ventilation is so important. These gases can build up from many different sources, including cosmetics, air fresheners, and some cleaning products. One way to lessen the impact of VOCs is to reduce the use of these products; the other option is to control the levels via a ventilation system, the build-up of VOCs in a confined space can also contribute to several health problems.
6. Reduce the risk of rising damp with subfloor ventilation
Rising damp is essentially a flow of water from the ground up into a wall structure. The water essentially seeps into the pores of the wall. Rising damp is common in older buildings, but can also occur in more modern buildings if your damp-proof course has been damaged. Distinctive features are discolouration that make it look like the bottom section of your wall is wet, or bumps and peeling on the wall that resembles prolonged water damage. Though it may cause unsightly aesthetic damage, rising damp can also cause a buildings structure to be compromised, and cause you much more trouble in the future.
One of the ways to combat the risk of rising damp is to install a sub floor ventilation system in your Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney home. By extracting air from a subfloor crawl space we are actually stopping that moist, damp, mouldy air from pushing up into your home. The extraction process is actually pulling fresh air from outside in through the vents on the walls of your subfloor. The airflow being created then promotes drying. Zephyr Ventilation design our subfloor ventilation systems to the specific property but the aim is to achieve cross ventilation through every part of the sub floor area.
If you are interested in having your home assessed for efficient ventilation, give us a call and our home ventilation specialists will come and survey your property to give specific advice on the best system to suit your needs.
https://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/6-good-reasons-to-install-a-ventilation-system-in-your-home-2.jpg614917wsadminhttps://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpgwsadmin2018-11-07 01:56:022018-11-07 01:56:026 good reasons to install a ventilation system in your home
In summer your roof can reach temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. If you are using your air conditioning system to combat the heat of summer it will be fighting this heat build up. By installing a roof ventilation system we can expel this air and the immediate impact is in reducing the amount of air conditioning your property will require which means you will spend less money and help the environment while keeping cool and comfortable.
Roof ventilation is a great way to reduce the heat in your home during the summer months and removes moisture during the winter months, which is the main cause of mould. During the winter months we all lock down our houses to keep the warmth in our homes but this also means we keep in the moisture content that we produce. The average person creates over 20 litres of moisture and as the moisture and heat rises into the space between the ceiling and roof, it creates the perfect environment for mould to form. Mould can be extremely dangerous, especially to young children and the elderly and the majority of people who have roof ventilation installed notice an immediate benefit once installation is complete.
Why does a roof space become so hot and humid?
The air in your roof space is a build up of not just the natural ventilation occurring throughout your home but also air extracted from your bathroom, shower and kitchen – especially range hoods or extractor fans over your cooker.
A variety of highly efficient roof ventilation fans and ‘whirlybirds’ can be used to extract the hot or moisture rich air from your roof space and create natural ventilation throughout your property and there are significant advantages in doing this. Hot, humid air in your roof space provides the perfect environment for mould as previously stated so removing this has measurable health benefits. Additionally, it can cause damage to the structure of your home by speeding up decay of the building materials. Both timber and metals are susceptible to decay or corrosion from this type of environment and adequate roof ventilation will help protect the longevity of your home, meaning you save money on expensive repairs later on down the line.
Sub floor Ventilation
Mould lives in dark moist environments with no air flow. A sub floor ventilation system in your Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney home is a great way to combat this situation. By extracting air from a subfloor crawl space we are actually preventing that moist, damp, mouldy air from penetrating upwards into your home. The extraction process is actually pulling fresh air from outside in through the vents on the walls of your subfloor. The airflow being created then promotes drying. At Zephyr, we design our sub floor ventilation systems on a case by case situation with the aim is to achieve cross ventilation through every part of the sub floor area.
Bathroom Ventilation
Bathrooms and laundries need to be well ventilated. Showers, clothes dryers and washing machines all add moisture to the atmosphere in your home. If this moisture is not expelled it will have a direct impact on the air quality in your home.
It’s important to understand that baths, showers, washing machines and clothes dryers produce large volumes of moisture that if left without efficient ventilation would create hot humid air in your home which would quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. We’ve all seen homes that have been affected in this way and you should aim for preventative rather than corrective measures.
Mould can be extremely dangerous, especially to the elderly or young children and if you already have mould in your home you should immediately call our sister company Mouldpro for your mould removal and it’s important you don’t try and dry out the area before the mould is removed as you could spread it further throughout your home. One of our company’s most common callouts is for removal of mould from bathroom ceilings or walls. It’s far better to make sure you have the right ventilation for your bathroom in the first place.
Laundry and bathroom ventilation, for Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney homes, usually consists of extractor fans, ducts and external louvres. It’s important that you have a system that can cope with the amount of moisture that your home produces. If after being used your bathroom represents a steam room there’s a good chance that you don’t have the right type of ventilation system for your home and your needs.
Heat Recovery and Energy Recovery Ventilation
A heat recovery ventilation system exchanges fresh air from outside your property and uses the heat of the indoor air to heat the outside air as it comes in. Great during winter, though during the summer you would need the heat to be exchanged the other way around. An Energy Recovery Ventilation system does exactly this.
Once installed an Energy Recovery Ventilation unit can introduce fresh air from outside into your home. At the same time these ventilators expel the stale indoor air. With its inbuilt, highly efficient heat exchanger, it can recover 70% of the heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air. This means you get the benefits of security, no windows open, don’t lose heat and you still get fresh air into your home. Units can be ceiling or wall mounted and with inner air filters that are professionally designed to remove the pollutants of the incoming air, you will receive fresh and clean air at all times.
Which ventilation system is right for your property?
At Zephyr Ventilation we begin by examining your home and then making the appropriate recommendations for the design of a ventilation system to meet all of your specific ventilation needs. Give us a call today.
https://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Different-types-of-home-ventilation-to-consider-for-your-property.jpg614917wsadminhttps://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpgwsadmin2018-10-29 02:26:122018-10-29 02:26:12Different types of home ventilation to consider for your property
We all know that good ventilation throughout the home is important for both the health of your family and your actual building itself.
Have you ever wondered if your home has effective ventilation? Here are some signs below that may help you to decide whether you need a helping hand with your home ventilation.
Condensation
You wake up every morning and there is condensation dotted around the place on window sills, window coverings, windows themselves and on your benches. This means that the air is damp and not flowing properly allowing for condensation to easily evaporate.
Does your bathroom completely dry out after showers? Does your laundry turn into a sauna when you use the dryer? These are other areas where condensation builds up and then….
Mould
What happens when condensation and damp air continues to build up? Yes, Mould growth. Mould thrives in a damp environment. If you start to notice a dank musty smell and your clothes and furniture are starting to look and feel somewhat “dusty” it is likely you could have a hidden mould problem. Of course there may be obvious signs of black or green sprinklings of mould within your home also.
Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when excess moisture from the ground absorbs up into porous building materials such as stone, brick, earth, mortar and into the structure of the building. The moisture evaporates from either face of the wall, allowing more to be drawn from below. Rising damp is common in older buildings, but can also occur in more modern buildings if your damp-proof course has been damaged.
Though rising damp may cause unsightly aesthetic damage, it can also cause the structure of the building to be compromised and cause you bigger problems in the future. Damp walls also encourage mould growth as mentioned, which can then lead to health problems for the occupants of your home.
Having sufficient subfloor ventilation under your home will assist in preventing rising damp.
Sickness and Allergies
Does it ever feel like sickness just “lives” in your home? Well it could be due to insufficient ventilation. Not only do the viruses that enter your home continue to circulate, but having a damp environment contributes to mould, which contributes to allergies, which contributes to an unhappy household.
Extreme Temperatures
Do you find your home is too hot? It could be that your home could benefit from a good roof ventilation system. The air in your roof space is a build up of not just the natural ventilation occurring throughout your home but also air extracted from your bathroom, shower and kitchen – especially range hoods or extractor fans over your cooker.
Hot, humid air in your roof space provides the perfect environment for mould as previously stated so removing this has measurable health benefits. Additionally, it can cause damage to the structure of your home by speeding up decay of the building materials. Both timber and metals are susceptible to decay or corrosion from this type of environment and adequate roof ventilation will help protect the longevity of your home, meaning you save money on expensive repairs later on down the line.
During the summer good roof ventilation keeps your roof space cool, which means less requirement for air conditioning, you have a naturally cooler house and your electricity is much less. Having efficient roof ventilation enables you to remove all the moisture from your roof space. This means you remove the conditions necessary for dangerous mould to form, as well as protecting the materials your home is constructed from.
If your home is too cold you may benefit from a heat recovery ventilation system. A heat recovery ventilation system exchanges fresh air from outside your property and uses the heat of the indoor air to heat the outside air as it comes in.
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Have you given much thought to the the crawl-space below your home? Most probably not. Unless an awful smell has appeared or there has been flooding, you may never have given it a second thought. Poor or non-existent underfloor ventilation can cause major issues for your home if not taken seriously – they can also become expensive.
About Sub Floor Ventilation
Even though all homes SHOULD be built with subfloor ventilation, they are sometimes not. Or they may be built with venting… but garden beds and other structures may be built up against the home blocking any air flow beneath the property structure.
If there is not efficient air flow beneath a property, there is poor ventilation. Sometimes the air flow will need to be forced by a professional subfloor ventilation system.
The Risk of Rising Damp
When the ground is very moist, that moisture can be drawn into the air under your home. That damp air can then move up and draw into the porous building materials of your home. The real risk occurs when this damp air is not expelled from underneath your property because ventilation is poor or non existent. Mould and mildew can also begin to grow, and cause a dank musty smell.
Moisture underneath and within your building material can also attract termites as the timber that provides the foundation structure of your home begins to decay. Besides the damage that termites can cause, mould, mildew, rising damp and decaying timber can also result in health problems for the inhabitants of your home.
How do Sub Floor Ventilation Systems Work?
When your home is built the most basic of subfloor ventilation is put in through the form of air vents. Quite often this does not efficiently do the job, depending on your area, individual property and climate. Sometimes taking a look at each vent may reveal a reason why it is not working the way it should, a garden bed may be built up too high against it, the property may have inadequate drainage so rain is flooding into the subfloor, or perhaps the vents have just become blocked by debris or have been originally built in an incorrect position for airflow.
Even though all may be correct with your built in vents, it may not be enough to keep your home from being affected by damp. The overall best solution is an adequate subfloor ventilation system. But how does it work? Professional subfloor fans are positioned to draw out and externally exhaust damp air, using pumps and fans that are specifically designed exactly for the job at hand. These systems are customised for your property floor plan and the type of damp issues you face in your home. Subfloor ventilation systems are extremely quiet, run on a timer system and are generally inexpensive to run.
The Benefits of a Subfloor Ventilation System
The Benefit of Termite Protection
Termites thrive in damp conditions, while feeding on timber. The risk of termites invading your home is increased where timbers have become damp and started to decay. An effective subfloor ventilation system ensures your home is less likely to be affected by termites.
The Benefit of Reduced Structural Damage
A damp subfloor can lead to structural damage. Moist air can start decay healthy timbers and attract termites.
Good ventilation helps to ensure the healthy dry timber that is the foundation of your home stays strong structurally sound without decay, rot and termite activity.
The Benefit of Limited Mould Growth
The main thing mould needs to grow is damp air. When there is mould growing in your subfloor it can cause a range of health issues which will usually trigger respiratory reactions in people which often are mistaken for allergies.
Efficient subfloor ventilation that reduces the air moisture under your home will fortunately limit mould growth.
The Benefit of Cost
There can be no price put on the cost of good health. Damp homes coupled with mould can cause a range of health issues.
The cost of termite treatments and potential structural repairs can be extremely expensive. Quite often insurance will not even cover termite damage. In comparison, the expense of good subfloor ventilation system is minimal.
Professional Subfloor Ventilation Systems Sydney Melbourne Brisbane
If you are unsure whether your property in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne has effective ventilation it is best to call a professional such as Zephyr Ventilation. We can inspect your property and give you expert advice on the right type of ventilation system for your property.
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So you’ve discovered you have a mould problem in your home…. And now you’re wondering… “What’s next?” It’s definitely a smart idea to call in the professionals to deal with the issue, as you don’t want it getting out of hand and affecting the health of your family. Mould spores sprout wings and multiply – so you don’t want the problem to spread. So what usually happens when you call in a mould specialist to assess the problem?
Mould Inspection
The very first step is having a mould inspection and assessment. Mould experts will search your property for visible growth AND invisible growth. Because not all mould can be seen! Sometimes it is hidden behind walls, tiling, inside cupboards and behind furniture. A mould specialist will inspect your property for invisible mould spores and higher than usual moisture levels by using professional humidity meters. Quite often the problem with mould is lack of air ventilation, so moisture builds up until mould takes hold. Once they have thoroughly analysed your property they will determine the correct course of action needed to be taken in order to remove the mould and prevent it’s return.
Mould Correction
The next step in mould removal is to stop any direct moisture sources that may be occurring in your home – These are usually found when looking for the invisible mould sources – such as subfloor water seepage, leaking pipes – this could be behind your walls, within your ceiling, or under the floor, depending on your building structure. Leaking ceilings are another culprit, sometimes caused by leaking gutters, roof, pipes etc. Each property will need a specific course of action for their mould removal based on their situation, so the specifics of each job will be different so it’s always best to have a professional opinion.
Mould Removal
After the correct course of action has been determined for your mould removal, the process is started with a mist spray of mould removal agent. Ensure that your mould expert is using a non toxic, non hazardous, pet-friendly product. This mould removal agent is then spread across all surfaces of your home and extra scrubbing is undertaken on areas with visible mould growth. During the mould removal process air purifiers are used to capture airborne mould spores, removing them from the home environment completely, rather than just moving them around from one space to another.
Removing Excess Moisture
Sometimes moisture levels in a property can be particularly high. This could be due to flooding – either recently or even some time ago – or some other water damage that may have occurred. If this is the case mould professionals will place large dehumidifiers throughout the home to ensure that the building structures are properly dried out. They are also likely to suggest proper ventilation procedures for the home. If moisture is left in the air then mould can continue to thrive, grow again and multiply after the removal process.
Mould Prevention with Ventilation
The final step in removing mould is to ensure that mould does not return by rectifying the root cause of the mould and putting in preventative measures within the property to stop it from recurring. Each property and each case of mould problem is completely unique. At Zephyr Ventilation we can work with your mould specialist to advise you on the process that needs to be undertaken in order to achieve mould prevention now and into the future. Often the main cause of mould problems is lack of ventilation. We can advise on the correct roofing ventilation, subfloor ventilation, bathroom ventilation and more. Call us for advice today.
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6 good reasons to install a ventilation system in your home
/in Blog /by wsadminThere are many benefits to be gained by installing a ventilation system in your home. Home ventilation refers to the process of moving air around, so that it is changed or replaced in different spaces, improving the quality of the air inside your home. Almost every home in Australia will have some form of ventilation, even if this is just in the form of air ducts in your bricks, which are often neglected, covered up, or are not adequate to cope with everyday living. Modern ventilation systems often use mechanical elements and offer a whole home approach.
These home ventilation systems can help to:
1.Reduce asthma and other conditions
According to Asthma Australia, there are around 1.9 million people who have asthma in Australia. This is equivalent to one in 9 people. Some have mild symptoms, but severe asthma can be debilitating, and even fatal. In 2014, (which is the most recent data available) 419 people died from asthma. There are many different triggers for asthma, but the mould associated with damp, pollution, cigarette smoke, house dust mites, and other things that enter the air in the home, can all trigger attacks or make an existing problem worse. A well-ventilated home will not cure asthma, but it can help to reduce the symptoms and make asthma attacks less common.
2. Reduce home condensation
Condensation is a common problem in many Australian homes. It is a leading cause of dampness and, if it is left unattended, condensation can result in mould growth.
Condensation forms on internal surfaces when the air outside falls sufficiently below the temperature of the moist air inside the property. Moisture in the air then condenses into liquid droplets, leading to damp patches or resulting in the familiar ‘streaming’ on windows. It is more common in the colder months when the difference between the heat inside and outside is most noticeable. A good home ventilation system not only improves the air quality within your home, but it can also help to prevent an increase in moisture levels within a property which can lead to condensation and mould issues over time.
3. Keep the air in your rooms fresh
The importance of ventilation to your physical health cannot be overstated, but, whatever the design and layout of your home, a good ventilation system can also help to keep it fresh, pleasant, and relaxing, helping to prevent the build-up of any stale, musty, or bad odours.
4. Reduce hay fever symptoms
Although it is not as immense health risk as asthma, hay fever can still cause grief, and can also increase asthma symptoms for those who suffer from both. Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to plant pollen. While you may think that you would be better off staying inside of your home, you will still need a fresh flow of air indoors, and a specialised ventilation system can prevent the buildup of pollen, as well as reducing the need to open your windows and doors. Some units also have filters that can help to reduce the amount of pollen in the air.
5. Lessen the impact of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are another reason why home ventilation is so important. These gases can build up from many different sources, including cosmetics, air fresheners, and some cleaning products. One way to lessen the impact of VOCs is to reduce the use of these products; the other option is to control the levels via a ventilation system, the build-up of VOCs in a confined space can also contribute to several health problems.
6. Reduce the risk of rising damp with subfloor ventilation
Rising damp is essentially a flow of water from the ground up into a wall structure. The water essentially seeps into the pores of the wall. Rising damp is common in older buildings, but can also occur in more modern buildings if your damp-proof course has been damaged. Distinctive features are discolouration that make it look like the bottom section of your wall is wet, or bumps and peeling on the wall that resembles prolonged water damage. Though it may cause unsightly aesthetic damage, rising damp can also cause a buildings structure to be compromised, and cause you much more trouble in the future.
One of the ways to combat the risk of rising damp is to install a sub floor ventilation system in your Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney home. By extracting air from a subfloor crawl space we are actually stopping that moist, damp, mouldy air from pushing up into your home. The extraction process is actually pulling fresh air from outside in through the vents on the walls of your subfloor. The airflow being created then promotes drying. Zephyr Ventilation design our subfloor ventilation systems to the specific property but the aim is to achieve cross ventilation through every part of the sub floor area.
If you are interested in having your home assessed for efficient ventilation, give us a call and our home ventilation specialists will come and survey your property to give specific advice on the best system to suit your needs.
Different types of home ventilation to consider for your property
/in Blog /by wsadminRoof Ventilation
In summer your roof can reach temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. If you are using your air conditioning system to combat the heat of summer it will be fighting this heat build up. By installing a roof ventilation system we can expel this air and the immediate impact is in reducing the amount of air conditioning your property will require which means you will spend less money and help the environment while keeping cool and comfortable.
Roof ventilation is a great way to reduce the heat in your home during the summer months and removes moisture during the winter months, which is the main cause of mould. During the winter months we all lock down our houses to keep the warmth in our homes but this also means we keep in the moisture content that we produce. The average person creates over 20 litres of moisture and as the moisture and heat rises into the space between the ceiling and roof, it creates the perfect environment for mould to form. Mould can be extremely dangerous, especially to young children and the elderly and the majority of people who have roof ventilation installed notice an immediate benefit once installation is complete.
Why does a roof space become so hot and humid?
The air in your roof space is a build up of not just the natural ventilation occurring throughout your home but also air extracted from your bathroom, shower and kitchen – especially range hoods or extractor fans over your cooker.
A variety of highly efficient roof ventilation fans and ‘whirlybirds’ can be used to extract the hot or moisture rich air from your roof space and create natural ventilation throughout your property and there are significant advantages in doing this. Hot, humid air in your roof space provides the perfect environment for mould as previously stated so removing this has measurable health benefits. Additionally, it can cause damage to the structure of your home by speeding up decay of the building materials. Both timber and metals are susceptible to decay or corrosion from this type of environment and adequate roof ventilation will help protect the longevity of your home, meaning you save money on expensive repairs later on down the line.
Sub floor Ventilation
Mould lives in dark moist environments with no air flow. A sub floor ventilation system in your Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney home is a great way to combat this situation. By extracting air from a subfloor crawl space we are actually preventing that moist, damp, mouldy air from penetrating upwards into your home. The extraction process is actually pulling fresh air from outside in through the vents on the walls of your subfloor. The airflow being created then promotes drying. At Zephyr, we design our sub floor ventilation systems on a case by case situation with the aim is to achieve cross ventilation through every part of the sub floor area.
Bathroom Ventilation
Bathrooms and laundries need to be well ventilated. Showers, clothes dryers and washing machines all add moisture to the atmosphere in your home. If this moisture is not expelled it will have a direct impact on the air quality in your home.
It’s important to understand that baths, showers, washing machines and clothes dryers produce large volumes of moisture that if left without efficient ventilation would create hot humid air in your home which would quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. We’ve all seen homes that have been affected in this way and you should aim for preventative rather than corrective measures.
Mould can be extremely dangerous, especially to the elderly or young children and if you already have mould in your home you should immediately call our sister company Mouldpro for your mould removal and it’s important you don’t try and dry out the area before the mould is removed as you could spread it further throughout your home. One of our company’s most common callouts is for removal of mould from bathroom ceilings or walls. It’s far better to make sure you have the right ventilation for your bathroom in the first place.
Laundry and bathroom ventilation, for Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney homes, usually consists of extractor fans, ducts and external louvres. It’s important that you have a system that can cope with the amount of moisture that your home produces. If after being used your bathroom represents a steam room there’s a good chance that you don’t have the right type of ventilation system for your home and your needs.
Heat Recovery and Energy Recovery Ventilation
A heat recovery ventilation system exchanges fresh air from outside your property and uses the heat of the indoor air to heat the outside air as it comes in. Great during winter, though during the summer you would need the heat to be exchanged the other way around. An Energy Recovery Ventilation system does exactly this.
Once installed an Energy Recovery Ventilation unit can introduce fresh air from outside into your home. At the same time these ventilators expel the stale indoor air. With its inbuilt, highly efficient heat exchanger, it can recover 70% of the heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air. This means you get the benefits of security, no windows open, don’t lose heat and you still get fresh air into your home. Units can be ceiling or wall mounted and with inner air filters that are professionally designed to remove the pollutants of the incoming air, you will receive fresh and clean air at all times.
Which ventilation system is right for your property?
At Zephyr Ventilation we begin by examining your home and then making the appropriate recommendations for the design of a ventilation system to meet all of your specific ventilation needs. Give us a call today.
Signs that your home does not have effective ventilation
/in Blog /by wsadminWe all know that good ventilation throughout the home is important for both the health of your family and your actual building itself.
Have you ever wondered if your home has effective ventilation? Here are some signs below that may help you to decide whether you need a helping hand with your home ventilation.
Condensation
You wake up every morning and there is condensation dotted around the place on window sills, window coverings, windows themselves and on your benches. This means that the air is damp and not flowing properly allowing for condensation to easily evaporate.
Does your bathroom completely dry out after showers? Does your laundry turn into a sauna when you use the dryer? These are other areas where condensation builds up and then….
Mould
What happens when condensation and damp air continues to build up? Yes, Mould growth. Mould thrives in a damp environment. If you start to notice a dank musty smell and your clothes and furniture are starting to look and feel somewhat “dusty” it is likely you could have a hidden mould problem. Of course there may be obvious signs of black or green sprinklings of mould within your home also.
Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when excess moisture from the ground absorbs up into porous building materials such as stone, brick, earth, mortar and into the structure of the building. The moisture evaporates from either face of the wall, allowing more to be drawn from below. Rising damp is common in older buildings, but can also occur in more modern buildings if your damp-proof course has been damaged.
Though rising damp may cause unsightly aesthetic damage, it can also cause the structure of the building to be compromised and cause you bigger problems in the future. Damp walls also encourage mould growth as mentioned, which can then lead to health problems for the occupants of your home.
Having sufficient subfloor ventilation under your home will assist in preventing rising damp.
Sickness and Allergies
Does it ever feel like sickness just “lives” in your home? Well it could be due to insufficient ventilation. Not only do the viruses that enter your home continue to circulate, but having a damp environment contributes to mould, which contributes to allergies, which contributes to an unhappy household.
Extreme Temperatures
Do you find your home is too hot? It could be that your home could benefit from a good roof ventilation system. The air in your roof space is a build up of not just the natural ventilation occurring throughout your home but also air extracted from your bathroom, shower and kitchen – especially range hoods or extractor fans over your cooker.
Hot, humid air in your roof space provides the perfect environment for mould as previously stated so removing this has measurable health benefits. Additionally, it can cause damage to the structure of your home by speeding up decay of the building materials. Both timber and metals are susceptible to decay or corrosion from this type of environment and adequate roof ventilation will help protect the longevity of your home, meaning you save money on expensive repairs later on down the line.
During the summer good roof ventilation keeps your roof space cool, which means less requirement for air conditioning, you have a naturally cooler house and your electricity is much less. Having efficient roof ventilation enables you to remove all the moisture from your roof space. This means you remove the conditions necessary for dangerous mould to form, as well as protecting the materials your home is constructed from.
If your home is too cold you may benefit from a heat recovery ventilation system. A heat recovery ventilation system exchanges fresh air from outside your property and uses the heat of the indoor air to heat the outside air as it comes in.
Either way – We can help! Give us a call at Zephyr Ventilation for specialist advice on effective ventilation for your property.
What are the Benefits of Sub Floor Ventilation Systems?
/in Blog /by wsadminHave you given much thought to the the crawl-space below your home? Most probably not. Unless an awful smell has appeared or there has been flooding, you may never have given it a second thought. Poor or non-existent underfloor ventilation can cause major issues for your home if not taken seriously – they can also become expensive.
About Sub Floor Ventilation
Even though all homes SHOULD be built with subfloor ventilation, they are sometimes not. Or they may be built with venting… but garden beds and other structures may be built up against the home blocking any air flow beneath the property structure.
If there is not efficient air flow beneath a property, there is poor ventilation. Sometimes the air flow will need to be forced by a professional subfloor ventilation system.
The Risk of Rising Damp
When the ground is very moist, that moisture can be drawn into the air under your home. That damp air can then move up and draw into the porous building materials of your home. The real risk occurs when this damp air is not expelled from underneath your property because ventilation is poor or non existent. Mould and mildew can also begin to grow, and cause a dank musty smell.
Moisture underneath and within your building material can also attract termites as the timber that provides the foundation structure of your home begins to decay. Besides the damage that termites can cause, mould, mildew, rising damp and decaying timber can also result in health problems for the inhabitants of your home.
How do Sub Floor Ventilation Systems Work?
When your home is built the most basic of subfloor ventilation is put in through the form of air vents. Quite often this does not efficiently do the job, depending on your area, individual property and climate. Sometimes taking a look at each vent may reveal a reason why it is not working the way it should, a garden bed may be built up too high against it, the property may have inadequate drainage so rain is flooding into the subfloor, or perhaps the vents have just become blocked by debris or have been originally built in an incorrect position for airflow.
Even though all may be correct with your built in vents, it may not be enough to keep your home from being affected by damp. The overall best solution is an adequate subfloor ventilation system. But how does it work? Professional subfloor fans are positioned to draw out and externally exhaust damp air, using pumps and fans that are specifically designed exactly for the job at hand. These systems are customised for your property floor plan and the type of damp issues you face in your home. Subfloor ventilation systems are extremely quiet, run on a timer system and are generally inexpensive to run.
The Benefits of a Subfloor Ventilation System
The Benefit of Termite Protection
Termites thrive in damp conditions, while feeding on timber. The risk of termites invading your home is increased where timbers have become damp and started to decay. An effective subfloor ventilation system ensures your home is less likely to be affected by termites.
The Benefit of Reduced Structural Damage
A damp subfloor can lead to structural damage. Moist air can start decay healthy timbers and attract termites.
Good ventilation helps to ensure the healthy dry timber that is the foundation of your home stays strong structurally sound without decay, rot and termite activity.
The Benefit of Limited Mould Growth
The main thing mould needs to grow is damp air. When there is mould growing in your subfloor it can cause a range of health issues which will usually trigger respiratory reactions in people which often are mistaken for allergies.
Efficient subfloor ventilation that reduces the air moisture under your home will fortunately limit mould growth.
The Benefit of Cost
There can be no price put on the cost of good health. Damp homes coupled with mould can cause a range of health issues.
The cost of termite treatments and potential structural repairs can be extremely expensive. Quite often insurance will not even cover termite damage. In comparison, the expense of good subfloor ventilation system is minimal.
Professional Subfloor Ventilation Systems Sydney Melbourne Brisbane
If you are unsure whether your property in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne has effective ventilation it is best to call a professional such as Zephyr Ventilation. We can inspect your property and give you expert advice on the right type of ventilation system for your property.
How can I remove mould from my home?
/in Blog /by wsadminSo you’ve discovered you have a mould problem in your home…. And now you’re wondering… “What’s next?” It’s definitely a smart idea to call in the professionals to deal with the issue, as you don’t want it getting out of hand and affecting the health of your family. Mould spores sprout wings and multiply – so you don’t want the problem to spread. So what usually happens when you call in a mould specialist to assess the problem?
Mould Inspection
The very first step is having a mould inspection and assessment. Mould experts will search your property for visible growth AND invisible growth. Because not all mould can be seen! Sometimes it is hidden behind walls, tiling, inside cupboards and behind furniture. A mould specialist will inspect your property for invisible mould spores and higher than usual moisture levels by using professional humidity meters. Quite often the problem with mould is lack of air ventilation, so moisture builds up until mould takes hold. Once they have thoroughly analysed your property they will determine the correct course of action needed to be taken in order to remove the mould and prevent it’s return.
Mould Correction
The next step in mould removal is to stop any direct moisture sources that may be occurring in your home – These are usually found when looking for the invisible mould sources – such as subfloor water seepage, leaking pipes – this could be behind your walls, within your ceiling, or under the floor, depending on your building structure. Leaking ceilings are another culprit, sometimes caused by leaking gutters, roof, pipes etc. Each property will need a specific course of action for their mould removal based on their situation, so the specifics of each job will be different so it’s always best to have a professional opinion.
Mould Removal
After the correct course of action has been determined for your mould removal, the process is started with a mist spray of mould removal agent. Ensure that your mould expert is using a non toxic, non hazardous, pet-friendly product. This mould removal agent is then spread across all surfaces of your home and extra scrubbing is undertaken on areas with visible mould growth. During the mould removal process air purifiers are used to capture airborne mould spores, removing them from the home environment completely, rather than just moving them around from one space to another.
Removing Excess Moisture
Sometimes moisture levels in a property can be particularly high. This could be due to flooding – either recently or even some time ago – or some other water damage that may have occurred. If this is the case mould professionals will place large dehumidifiers throughout the home to ensure that the building structures are properly dried out. They are also likely to suggest proper ventilation procedures for the home. If moisture is left in the air then mould can continue to thrive, grow again and multiply after the removal process.
Mould Prevention with Ventilation
The final step in removing mould is to ensure that mould does not return by rectifying the root cause of the mould and putting in preventative measures within the property to stop it from recurring. Each property and each case of mould problem is completely unique. At Zephyr Ventilation we can work with your mould specialist to advise you on the process that needs to be undertaken in order to achieve mould prevention now and into the future. Often the main cause of mould problems is lack of ventilation. We can advise on the correct roofing ventilation, subfloor ventilation, bathroom ventilation and more. Call us for advice today.