Heat Recovery Ventilation System?

Mark_Hewitt

I'd like to hear more comments on how to prevent mould growth, as we have a significant problem with it in our bathroom, as you might expect with the steam etc.

We scraped all the tiles etc and replaced the shower curtain at the start of the summer and have had the window open most of the time since then and the problem has not returned. However with the onset of winter leaving the window open is going to make it bitterly cold in there, so not practical at all. We already have an extractor fan, just wondering if there is anything else that can be done.

marshallka

Mark_Hewitt wrote: »

I'd like to hear more comments on how to prevent mould growth, as we have a significant problem with it in our bathroom, as you might expect with the steam etc.

We scraped all the tiles etc and replaced the shower curtain at the start of the summer and have had the window open most of the time since then and the problem has not returned. However with the onset of winter leaving the window open is going to make it bitterly cold in there, so not practical at all. We already have an extractor fan, just wondering if there is anything else that can be done.

One of these systems installed....;)

roswell

How about going back to basics with your damp problem it sounds to me like your soil level outside may be above your damp course level can you see your damp course when looking at the external brick work?

also if you are down hill from your neighbour and the mould in the wardrobe is on the wall between you whats on the otherside of the wall thier bath room or any plumbing that could be leaking ??

dampdaveski

Hi Roswell,
I don't fit many drimaster units with a heater, as these units have 6 speeds so you can generally strike a balance between effective ventilation and not turning your hallway into a fridge.
They are a bit more of a pain to fit as the heater models more often than not have to be taken from a 'socket' circuit instead of the usual lighting circuit.
You can retrofit the heaters at a later date if you want to so that's an option.

Mark,
You say you already have an extractor fan, every customer I meet (almost) thinks if they have an extractor fan then thats it, question is, what is an extractor fan when it's switched off? - an ugly piece of plastic in the wall, it won't do anything to ventilate your bathroom when it's switched off.
that's why I always fit continous duty extractor fans, these always run on trickle to give background ventilation and arn't expensive to run.
The ones I fit are the Nuaire Genie X range and the envirovent filterless extract fans, both are good, envirovent unit is more expensive but is a more modern effective fan. Lots of info on the condensationproducts site i've already mentioned
Roswell
the picture link is 'like' marsh's problem if you read the thread properly, I shall refrain from commenting on your other theory's for the sake of good manners

stevehead

I'm just about to install 3 of the single room (Thru Wall) Heat Recovery Units in my 1960's end terrace.
Condensation has always been an issue in the bathroom (mould), and on all the north facing windows (ancient DG).
Last winter, compounding this:
New cavity wall insulation. Walls are now warmer so more vapour condenses on windows.
No more GSH, so no toasty radiators under the windows.
Draft proofing - less fresh dry air exchanging with stale damp air

For the front room, which is open plan with the dining room, I'm installing a Mitsubishi vl100. This has a 77% exchange efficiency, and a decent flow rate.
Upstairs, I'm installing a VentAxia HR25 (86% efficient) in both the bathroom and the master bedroom. These have a much lower exchange rate than the Mitsi, but are ideal for the room usage / size.
There's not a lot of user feedback about these things on the Web, so fingers crossed they'll do what they claim. Being installed next weekend.

Second thing will be Triple Glazing in December. That'll keep the inner pane temps very high. Two effects of this - no condensation and no convection drafts.

2Sheds

Just installed a Drimaster 2000-3S, in our 3 storey 1960's townhouse, hence the 3S model.

Really hope it will stop the daily wiping down of condensation on bedroom windows etc in the cold weather

It has made the hallway feel a bit colder and draughty, also noticed a bit of a loft 'smell' now in the hallway.

marshallka

Hi dampdaveski, having our drimaster 2000 fitted next week. We have given the soffits and facias time now and although they are state of the art ventilated etc and they did need doing its not solved our problems so having one of the units. I have taken a look in my wardrobe for the first time in a couple of months and its worse than ever now:eek:...everything is ruined...

Glad we got the soffits and facias done though TBH cause they were past their sell by date.

Thanks again for all your help.;)

marshallka

2Sheds wrote: »

Just installed a Drimaster 2000-3S, in our 3 storey 1960's townhouse, hence the 3S model.

Really hope it will stop the daily wiping down of condensation on bedroom windows etc in the cold weather

It has made the hallway feel a bit colder and draughty, also noticed a bit of a loft 'smell' now in the hallway.

Hi 2sheds, I did ask about circulating the musty smell around the house and he said it can do that until it all dries out. We are also doing a damp course again when the weather is better cause ours goes beyond just the condensation we think.

How is yours doing now?? Would love some feedback???

marshallka

Hi, well we had out "standard drimaster" fitted this week (although paid and signed for a drimaster 2000:mad::mad:). It was only when I was looking at the fitting instructions on the net (cause he never gave us any paperwork at all) and noticed that we should have a sensor installed.... I did ask them when fitting it where they were going to fit the sensor and they said it was not needed. I feel so annoyed now. You cannot trust anyone. It just that they have charged us £750 for under one hours work and I know these units are only about £250 to buy so a nice profit of £500.:mad::mad:

I don't know if this will work either as they have actually fitted it right above the second entrance door and only about 6 inches from the side wall also and have put two foams pieces along the side of the vents so only two vents working. Also the standard model has no heat recovery to it so I am going to be on the phone on monday demanding a 2000 fitted and not the one they have. My hubby is an electrician too and was so annoyed that I agreed to having ANYONE fitting it but as he works so much at the moment and revising at nights I wanted something doing quick so agreed to this being fitted.

wovonb

Hi there

Just wondered if you have anything to report now you have had the unit installed for a while. Looking to solve a similar problem

Thanks

Kate