Fueling Resident Happiness: Broadacres Housing Association's Success with Airex Floorvent System
Broadacres Housing Association is an innovative, not-for-profit housing association based in the market town of Northallerton in North Yorkshire. They are dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of their properties while reducing fuel poverty among their residents. As part of SHDF Wave 2.1, they embarked on a trial project to evaluate the receptiveness of the Airex Floorvent system amongst residents. This case study illuminates their firsthand experience with Airex and how it can positively affect both retrofit projects and the satisfaction of residents.
Project Overview
Broadacres Housing Association selected a mid-terrace bungalow located in Great Broughton, North Yorkshire, for the Airex trial installation. The property featured a suspended timber floor, and the project involved replacing five traditional air bricks with the Airex Floorvent system and a home hub. The installation was carried out by the Broadacres team with support from Airex.
“The whole process was fast and efficient, leaving a neat and impressive finish, and replacing the air bricks with the Airex system was straightforward and caused very little disruption to the customer”
Efficient Installation and Minimal Disruption
A key objective of this trial was to assess the ease of installation and its impact on the occupants. The replacement of the air bricks with the Airex system was straightforward, causing minimal disruption to the customer. This process involved the removal of the old ventilation bricks, drilling old mortar, and using a hammer and chisel, which resulted in little disruption and a relatively short duration.
“Most of the work was done from the outside, the old ventilation brick was removed the old mortar was drilled, then a hammer and chisel were used, so not too noisy with little disruption and it didn’t take very long”
Energy Efficiency Gains
One of the most significant advantages of adopting the Airex Floorvent system is the resulting energy savings and EPC uplift it offers. Residents who benefit from the Airex system can anticipate lower heating bills, as heat loss in their homes is reduced by an average of 12%. This is a particularly valuable benefit in the current cost-of-living climate, as it eases the financial burden on residents while improving insulation and comfort.
“We can now take advantage of the additional 2-4 SAP points gained from the Airex Floorvent installation. This can be added to the home’s EPC rating, providing a convenient method for upgrading some of our high D-rated homes to a C rating. Customers can now benefit from lower heating bills (12% reduction) and improved insulation, which is particularly beneficial in the current cost-of-living climate.”
The reduced heat loss is also reflected in the EPC rating of the property. Following a Floorvent installation the rating can be expected to rise by 2-4 SAP points. The product can therefore be used by landlords to help meet minimum energy efficiency EPC targets.
Commitment to Resident Satisfaction
Broadacres Housing Association is dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency for their residents, especially those vulnerable to fuel poverty. Based on the success of the Airex trial installation, they are now planning to implement this innovative technology in more retrofit projects. This commitment aligns with their goal of making their properties more energy-efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective for their residents.
The Airex Floorvent system has demonstrated its potential to be a cost-effective, highly impactful method of enhancing resident comfort and well-being. Broadacres Housing Association's experience using Airex in the trial project showcases the system's efficiency, minimally disruptive installation, and significant energy-saving benefits. As a forward-thinking company, Broadacres eagerly embraces innovative technologies like Airex that can revolutionise energy-saving, aiming to incorporate Airex into their retrofit projects to enhance residents' lives and create more sustainable housing solutions.