Mechanical ventilation systems (MVS) are another alternative to trickle vents and other ventilation solutions. MVSs are more expensive than trickle vents or extractor fans, but they can provide a more controlled and efficient ventilation system. MVSs are often used in homes with high levels of moisture.
Obviously if you have MHRV you should not have vents. An easy alternative to trickle vents is to simply cut out some of the rubber gasket which modern windows have. I cut it out at the bottom of opening top lights, so the incoming ventilation is high and rising.
Including trickle vents in every new window is not mandatory - but you are pretty likely to need them - unless you're installing MVHR.
Use a standing fan
If you're unable to install vent fans in your bathroom or kitchen, you could use a standalone fan in the room. This will help to circulate air around, and remove humidity.
Passive ventilation can be as simple as an open window or a vent in a wall that allows air to move in and out of the building. Passive ventilation does not require energy, but it can still have a cost.
CO2 levels that are higher than 1150 ppm will typically occur in bedrooms that are not fitted with a ventilation system and where windows and doors are closed. Above 2600 ppm: Insufficient ventilation—both sleep quality and next-day performance are adversely affected.
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is particularly helpful during the winter months, when it's common to have warm, dry, stale air circulating throughout your home. It works by bringing cool, fresh air into the home while also exchanging it for the stale air indoors.
Older windows may not have them fitted as standard, but thanks to an update in Building Regulations in 2022, they are now required if replacing your windows or fitting new ones. Trickle ventilators can be fixed to your windows yourself if you wish to install them.
Cross ventilation (single spaces): Being unsophisticated and efficacious, this type of ventilation is a horizontal process that is driven by pressure differences between the windward and leeward sides of the occupied indoor environment.
This is vital for the health of the occupant and to reduce air pollution in a confined space. New trickle vents must significantly reduce indoor air pollutants and disperse water vapour effectively. This is necessary for all habitable rooms of a property.
Trickle Vents and Building Regulations 2022
The Building Regulations Approved Document Part F was updated in June 2022. The focus was to improve ventilation in houses as buildings become more airtight.
The Disadvantages of Trickle Vents:
Trickle vents, particularly when open, can increase noise pollution in the home by creating an opening in the sealed window. Maintenance: All windows require regular maintenance throughout the year, particularly during Spring cleaning.
New rules (after 15 June, 2022)
In line with the new rules, all windows and doors must be fitted with trickle vents, unless there is an alternative, dedicated ventilation system fitted.
Generally, depending on quality and features, they can range from £15 to £40 per vent. For through-frame, over-frame, or glazed-in options, the costs typically fall between £15 to £25 per window. Additionally, the cost may differ for new installations versus retrofitting an existing window.
Passive ventilation methods are driven by natural principles. The two main ones are wind-driven, which uses the wind to move air through a building, and buoyancy-driven, which is based on the fact that hot air rises, and is replaced by cold air. Joanna Hunter.
Passive Wall Ventilation
They do not need a power supply, so can be located anywhere in the room, generally at high level. Passive wall vents are generally far superior to using window trickle vents.
Trickle vents are so effective because they work constantly in the background without making the home uncomfortably cold. *Any reduction in the temperature of your home from a trickle vent is very marginal and unnoticeable.
Draughts can occur due to various factors, such as:
Age and wear: Over time, UPVC windows may deteriorate, leading to gaps and cracks that enable draughts. Sealant degradation: The sealant used to secure the windows can degrade over time, compromising its effectiveness in preventing draughts.
If you have trickle vents in your windows (they are usually either above or in your window frames), keep them open. Note that you should be careful not to over-ventilate your home when it is cold as it will cause the temperature inside to drop and increase the chance of condensation occurring.
Persistent Odors: Homes should refresh and clear out odors naturally through proper ventilation. If cooking smells, smoke, or other odors last longer than they should, it's likely your home isn't circulating air properly.
If it's safe to do so, open doors and windows as much as you can to bring in fresh, outdoor air. While it's better to open them widely, even having a window cracked open slightly can help. If you can, open multiple doors and windows to allow more fresh air to move inside.
Experts say there's no such thing as a home that's too tight; it just requires proper ventilation. Without ventilation, pollutants can build up and impact air quality. You can determine how tight your home is with a blower door test.
An effective ventilation system is an essential part to a clean and healthy home. Ventilation systems can be referred to any system that allows air to flow and move between the inside and outside of a property. Our best recommended system is a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system (MVHR).