Airborne moisture is created more often than we think. General everyday activities such as cooking, showering and even breathing all generate indoor moisture. Poor ventilation will lead to a build-up of this as well as harmful pollutants, which can have negative effects on the health of both the house and its occupants.
Ventilation systems operate by exchanging fresh air from the outside with stale air and moisture from the inside of a building to prevent condensation and build up. Without it, you are at risk of the following dangers:
Indoor air pollution: Poor ventilation can result in the build-up of indoor air pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dust, smoke, carbon, fibres and pollen entering through open windows or doors. Inhaling these pollutants can lead to numerous physical health problems, such as triggering existing respiratory problems, allergic reactions and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’.
Sick Building Syndrome is described as physical health symptoms that are directly linked to the time spent in a particular building. SBS is predominantly caused by poor ventilation, resulting in the accumulation of harmful pollutants. Those with SBS could experience headaches, fatigue, eye and throat irritation, and difficulty concentrating.
Maintaining a clean ventilation system will eliminate the accumulation of harmful pollutants and promote a healthy living or working space. Failing to do so puts the entire household at risk, especially those who are asthmatic or have a weakened immune system.
Increased humidity: Without sufficient ventilation, the building’s humidity will increase. High levels of humidity will promote the growth of mould, which will trigger allergic reactions and respiratory conditions. Once again, this is particularly dangerous for those who are asthmatic or have a weakened immune system.
As well as harming the building’s occupants, the development of mould and damp can deteriorate materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. This can cause structural issues and create a dangerous living or working space. The primary advice for preventing mould in your house, is to install an efficient ventilation system.
Carbon Dioxide accumulation: Not only can ineffective ventilation introduce a build-up of damp and moisture into your home, but it can also cause a build-up of Carbon Dioxide. Everyday activities, such as breathing and cooking with gas stoves all release Carbon Dioxide and without a sufficient ventilation system, this accumulation can have health risks to the occupants including headaches, dizziness, and reduced cognitive function.
Spread of airborne pathogens: Respiratory pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can remain suspended in the air for longer periods without sufficient ventilation. Airborne pathogens lingering in the air can promote the spread of airborne diseases and infections such as the common cold or flu.
Temperature inconsistencies: Poor ventilation can make it increasingly difficult to manage and maintain temperature levels within a building. Especially now that we are entering the colder months, failing to regulate and control home temperatures can introduce physical stress and could even lead to health issues such as heat exhaustion or hypothermia.
Mental Health side effects: As explored above, poor ventilation in a home can have numerous detrimental effects to the occupant’s physical health, such as fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. All of these factors and more can have knock-on negative effects on the individual’s mental health. This could include stress, irritation, sleep disturbances and insomnia, or the worsening of existing mental health conditions. Taking steps to improve your house’s condition through installing efficient ventilation systems can improve your quality of life and potentially improve these negative symptoms.
Not only will introducing a positive ventilation system to your home protect you from these health risks, but it will bring advantages such as maintaining air regulation – ensuring there is always clean air running through your home, and eliminating odours and pollutants.
At Consumer Energy Solutions, we provide the most efficient ventilation services for your home. When we insulate a home we are duty bound to make sure it is ventilated to PAS2035 requirements. We install Combustion Ventilation to expel any combustion gases from your appliances, Extractor Vents to draw moisture laden air out of the wet rooms and Trickle Vents allowing air to pass from one side of the window to the other, minimising the need to open windows and doors for aeration.
Dedicated mechanical ventilation systems automatically provide consistent air flow whilst having the capacity for you to have full control of them yourself. We will work with you to find the most efficient systems for you. For more information visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/our-services/ventilation/
