Reducing Heat Loss and Improving Comfort: CC Ltd.'s Success with AirEx Floorvent Installation
CC Ltd., an RICS-regulated multidisciplinary building surveying company specialising in sustainability, retrofit PAS 2035, and visual marketing for properties, partnered with one of the largest housing associations in the North East of England to deliver their SHDF Wave 2.1 retrofit initiative. With CC Ltd. providing expertise in legally required compliance services, the mission was to improve the energy efficiency of their client's housing stock, maximising the budget available to bring comfortable living conditions to residents.
THe Challenge
A common occurrence through the retrofit process is the challenge of treating draughty suspended timber floors. Traditional methods, such as underfloor insulation, were often not feasible and proved expensive, limiting the number of homes that could benefit from the retrofit measures. Persistent cold draughts also posed a challenge to achieving desired energy efficiency outcomes, making it crucial to find an innovative yet affordable solution.
“As lead Retrofit Coordinator on a large social housing decarbonisation fund project, my primary goal was to enhance my home’s energy efficiency and thermal comfort, particularly by addressing heat loss from suspended timber floors, which can cause discomfort, high heating costs, and risks like condensation and mould growth. AirEx provided an effective solution, significantly improving the home’s energy performance and livability.”
Solution Implementation
CC Ltd. recommended introducing the AirEx Floorvent solution—a smart airbrick designed to replace traditional airbricks. Floorvent monitors temperature and humidity in the underfloor voids of homes with suspended floors, opening a vent door only when ventilation is needed, unlike traditional airbricks that constantly remain open. This innovative approach effectively mitigates heat loss, addressing a significant contributor to energy inefficiencies in homes.
“Upon discovering AirEx, I was impressed by their innovative Floorvent system, which addressed my concerns about energy efficiency and thermal comfort. The smart ventilation control, designed to reduce heat loss from suspended timber floors while enhancing comfort and air quality, aligned perfectly with my sustainability goals to competitors, AirEx’s advanced features, ease of installation, and potential for significant energy performance improvements stood out”
Results Achieved
Following the implementation of AirEx’s Floorvent technology, their client has installed the solution in 19 properties across the North East of England. The results have been impressive, with a significant annual reduction of 4,798 kg of CO2 emissions within their housing stock. Additionally, residents have experienced tangible benefits, including total annual fuel cost savings of £4,750. This translates to a lifetime total of £118,750 in savings for residents, alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with heating their homes.
“Since implementing AirEx Floorvent, I’ve seen notable improvements in energy efficiency and comfort, across multiple projects. The system has led to quicker heating times, extended warmth retention, and reduced heating expenses. Optimal ventilation and air quality have prevented issues like condensation, timber rot, and mould growth, promoting a healthier indoor environment. These results have validated my choice and exceeded my expectations.”
Contribution to Energy Efficiency Goals
By integrating AirEx Floorvents into their retrofit strategy, their client successfully added 2-4 SAP points to each property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. This achievement not only enhances the energy efficiency of individual properties but also aligns with their client's overarching goal of advancing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Validation of Results
The quantification of savings and emissions reduction is based on the methodology and results of AirEx's Ofgem-approved ECO3 demonstration action project, ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the figures presented. This validation underscores the effectiveness of AirEx Floorvent technology in achieving tangible outcomes in real-world housing scenarios.
Conclusion
The collaboration between CC Ltd., their client, and AirEx Technologies exemplifies a successful partnership aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in social housing. By addressing heat loss issues through innovative solutions like Floorvents, their client not only improves the comfort and well-being of residents but also contributes to broader sustainability goals. This underscores the importance of leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to drive positive change in the social housing sector, ultimately creating healthier, more sustainable communities for all.