How Ventilation can help Hay Fever: A Breath of Fresh Air

Blog Nicky Stephen

How Ventilation can help Hay Fever: A Breath of Fresh Air

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. While medication and avoiding allergens are common strategies for managing hay fever, proper ventilation in your home can also play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explore how ventilation can help hay fever sufferers breathe easier.

Understanding Hay Fever and Its Triggers

Before delving into the benefits of ventilation, it’s important to understand what triggers hay fever:

Pollen: Trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen, which is carried by the wind and can easily enter homes through open windows and doors.

Dust Mites: These tiny creatures thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.

Pet Dander: Skin flakes and saliva from pets can become airborne and contribute to allergic reactions.

Mould Spores: Mould grows in damp, poorly ventilated areas and releases spores into the air, which can trigger hay fever symptoms.

The Role of Ventilation in Reducing Hay Fever Symptoms

Proper ventilation helps in minimising the presence of these allergens indoors. Here’s how:

Reducing Indoor Pollutant Levels:

Air Exchange: Regularly opening windows and doors (when pollen counts are low) allows fresh air to circulate, diluting indoor pollutants and reducing the concentration of allergens.

Mechanical Ventilation: Using fans in kitchens and bathrooms helps reduce moisture and pollutants, preventing the growth of mould and dust mites.

Humidity Control:

Dehumidifiers: Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% can inhibit the growth of mould and dust mites. Ventilation aids in controlling humidity by allowing moist air to escape and fresh air to enter.

Ventilated Attics and Basements: Proper ventilation in these areas prevents damp conditions that promote mould growth.

Filtering Airborne Allergens:

HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can trap pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, reducing the allergen load indoors.

Air Purifiers: Standalone air purifiers with HEPA filters can be used in bedrooms and living areas to further reduce allergen levels.

Preventing Stagnant Air:

Ceiling Fans: Using ceiling fans to promote air movement can prevent the accumulation of allergens in stagnant air pockets.

Regular Cleaning: Keeping the environment clean, reduces the buildup of dust and other particles on surfaces.

Tips for Optimising Ventilation to Combat Hay Fever

To maximize the benefits of ventilation for hay fever relief, consider the following tips:

Monitor Pollen Counts: On high pollen days, keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning to circulate and filter the air instead.

Ventilate During Low Pollen Times: Open windows early in the morning or late in the evening when pollen counts are typically lower.

Maintain HVAC Systems: Regularly clean and replace filters in your HVAC system to ensure it operates efficiently.

Use Fans: Always use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce humidity and remove airborne particles.

Clean Regularly: Vacuum and dust your home frequently to minimise the accumulation of allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for best results.

While hay fever can be a nuisance, improving ventilation in your home is a practical and effective way to reduce exposure to allergens and alleviate symptoms. By ensuring proper air exchange, controlling humidity, and using air filtration systems, you can create a healthier indoor environment that helps you breathe easier during hay fever season. Remember, a well-ventilated home is not only more comfortable but also a key in managing hay fever.

By following these tips and incorporating good ventilation practices, you can enjoy a breath of fresh air and find relief from hay fever.

Vortice supplies commercial MVHR for school gymnasium

Case Studies Nicky Stephen

We have supplied a commercial roof mounted MVHR unit to St Paul’s School in Barnes for a gymnasium, on time and on budget, providing an effective solution that was managed by KPS Southern Ltd.

We consulted with KPS, spent time establishing the precise technical requirements for the project and agreed that the Vortice NRG Mega would be the best possible solution. 
 
The unit included 50mm insulated panels, an onboard CO2 sensor, defrost module complete with dampers and sound attenuation.  Because of the size of the unit, it was delivered in three sections and lifted by crane onto the school roof along with other plant equipment, where it was finally assembled and commissioned.
 
The Vortice NRG Mega heat recovery unit uses the plate heat exchanger to control the internal thermo-hygrometric conditions through the recovery of energy from the air extracted from the room.

Darren Clare, Area Business Manager at Vortice said:

“This is an excellent unit and we were delighted with how smoothly the installation and commissioning went.  The Vortice NRG Mega can also make it possible to guarantee support for the air conditioning system during intermediate seasons using free-cooling or free-heating modes.”

For further information please simply call us on 01283 492949 or click here to download the Vort NRG brochure. 

Medium Pressure Backward Curved Impeller Fan Range from Vortice

Blog Nicky Stephen

Vortice Medium Pressure Backward Curved Impeller Fan Range

In the field of industrial ventilation, Casals has established itself as a reliable and trusted manufacturer of high-quality ventilation equipment. Among its range of industrial fans are the Nimus and Nimax, two models that have proven their efficiency and effectiveness over time. In this blog post, we will explore the features and benefits of these two fans and highlight their contribution to improving the ventilation performance of industrial processes.

The Nimus and Nimax fans come in a range of sizes, capable of moving air volumes of up to 58,000 m3/hr, either by suction or impulsion, thanks to their high-performance, backwards-curved impellors and centrifugal design. They are optimised for moving clean or dusty air of up to 130oC, in environments of up to 60oC, making them ideally suited for applications such as spray booth extraction, smoke extraction, and air renewal in large buildings.

Each fan’s impellor is subjected to a rigorous balancing process, ensuring noise and vibrations are kept to an absolute minimum. Both the Nimus and Nimax range come in 16 different orientation options, making them ideal for any ducting arrangement. These fans may also be customised to suit any installation requirements, with options including additional cooling wheels, heat-resistant enamel paint coating for improved performance at high temperatures, and fully welded housings for improved water tightness.

Vortice would be happy to work alongside you for specific applications and to work together to produce a fan to the requirements of the installation. Should you want to know more about the ranges of industrial fans we offer please visit out website at www.vortice.ltd.uk to download the Nimus and Nimax Range Leaflet  or email .

Take a look at the history behind Vortice Industrial range of products here:

Vortice would be happy to work alongside you for specific applications and to work together to produce a fan to the requirements of the installation. Should you want to know more about the ranges of air handling units Vortice offers please download the Vortice Air Handling Units and Heat Recovery Systems Brochure or email .

What Vortice PIV products can do to prevent black mould

Podcasts Nicky Stephen

How Passive Input Ventilation can help with black mould issues

Vortice has launched a new Positive Input Ventilation System (PIV) in both loft and wall versions to help eradicate the issue of mould in the home.   We spend more than 90% of our time indoors and unless we take steps to ventilate our homes correctly, the quality of the air we breathe can be 50 times more polluted than outdoor air, with all the associated health risks.

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) means that a loft unit continuously draws air through the loft’s natural leakage and ventilation points from outside, then feeds it through a filter into the property via a central hallway diffuser. The wall unit works in the same way but is directly ducted to the outside and situated in the hallway of the property.  By bringing this fresh air in, it reduces the humidity in the home, reducing the opportunity for mould to grow. The main benefit of the VORTICE system for the occupant is the air distribution box accessory; this allows the air to be distributed evenly in the home, reducing the requirement for a heater.

Richard Williams, General Manager of Vortice Ltd explains how Vortice products can help in this second podcast on the subject with BusinessNet Explorer.

The Air Handling Unit range from Vortice

Blog Nicky Stephen

The Air Handling Unit range from Vortice

Vortice is the leading manufacturer of ventilation and air conditioning systems, with over 60 years of experience in the industry. The company, based in Milan, Italy has a global presence, with subsidiaries in many countries around the world.

Vortice products are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, food production and construction.

The most common Vortice air handling unit is the CTAE range which is suitable for most applications, is highly configurable and each unit is designed on the specific requirements of the customer. CTAE units can be configured to satisfy the requirements for hospitals and pharmaceutical applications.

CTAE

Other ranges that are available for more specialist applications are:

STEELCLEAN – Hygienic Air Handling Units for Hospital and Pharmaceutical Sector

Steelclean

Includes a fully welded stainless steel drain pan and plug fans.

PROCLEAN – Hygienic air handling units for the food industry made with a completely self supporting glass-fibre reinforced structure.

Proclean

AIR CLEAN – Sanitary units in a vertical configuration with double thermal break profiles and panels

Airclean

Take a look at the history behind Vortice Industrial range of products here:

Vortice would be happy to work alongside you for specific applications and to work together to produce a fan to the requirements of the installation. Should you want to know more about the ranges of air handling units Vortice offers please download the Vortice Air Handling Units and Heat Recovery Systems Brochure or email .

Car Park Extraction and CO detection

Blog Nicky Stephen

Car Park Extraction and CO detection

Vortice is continuing its development process on its existing product range of axial and centrifugal fans including, material handling, smoke rated and ATEX. Vortice is now pleased now to include Jet Fans in its range of fans produced by Vortice group company Casals Ventilation.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas produce when fuels such as gasoline, propane, and oil are burned. It is an extremely toxic gas that can even cause death when allowed to build up to dangerous levels. Multi-storey and underground car parks are at particular risk of CO build-up due to the number of cars that can be present in the space.

To solve the issue of CO build-up in car parks, it is critical that these spaces are adequately ventilated.

This is achievable by installing fans that move fresh air into the space, while pushing out contaminated air that has a significant CO content.

Natural ventilation may also be used to assist in diminishing CO levels. Vortice offers a range of fans suitable for this purpose, as part of the Casals range of process fans. These include fans located within the car park itself, or roof mounted with ducting to service the space. These fans are also able to double as smoke fans in the event of a fire.

The Casals range can be used in conjunction with the CO-MASTER and CO-SENS accessories.

This allows the CO concentration in a space to be measured and for fans to be switched on automatically when the ppm exceeds a set threshold. This allows for more efficient air renewal in a space, with the CO-MASTER being able to activate fans in specific zones, to avoid fans being used where unnecessary.

CO Master and CO Sens

Overall, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to prevent the build-up of CO in car parks to ensure the safety of those who use them. Through proper use of ventilation and sensors, the danger of CO in car parks can be reduced to the benefit of all.

Vortice would be happy to work alongside you for specific applications and to work together to produce a fan to the requirements of the installation. Should you want to know more about the ranges of industrial fans we offer please visit our catalogues page to download The Jet Fan Brochure or email .

Vortice air purifiers installed in primary school classrooms

Case Studies Nicky Stephen

Head Teacher Ruth Burton at Packington Church of England Primary School knows how important it is to maintain a healthy environment for her pupils as they start their primary education.  In light of Covid 19 and other winter illnesses circulating, she felt that installing air purifiers in each classroom could make an enormous difference to the health of both children and teachers, particularly in the winter months.  Ventilation manufacturer Vortice was delighted to donate and demonstrate the difference the DePuro Pro 300 air purifier could make.

While young children are prone to catching all sorts of illnesses and they need some exposure to boost their early immune systems – knowing that they would not be constantly exposed to viruses in their classrooms was seen as a huge benefit by teachers and parents.

Head teacher Ruth Burton said:

“The wellbeing of our school community is so important to their learning.  We are delighted with the impact the Vortice DePuro Pro air purifiers have made in keeping illness in the classroom to the minimum.”

The plug and play DePuro Pro 300 air purifier from Vortice is suitable for spaces up to 90 square metres and 2.5m high – ideal for classrooms.  It offers double air filtration with two Absolute HEPA H14 filters and a molecular filter that reduces the number of particles in the air such as viruses, micro-organisms and bacteria. 

VORTICE INDUSTRIAL INTEGRATED REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT HRU INSTALLED IN MIDDLESBROUGH

Case Studies Nicky Stephen

Vortice has recently worked with Quartz Electrical and Mechanical Services to install an impressive heat recovery air handling unit at Middlesbrough College.  The RXH/Hi is an integrated refrigerant circuit heat recovery unit, ensuring that Middlesbrough College not only has good indoor air quality, but it also reaps the benefits of heat recovery thereby reducing the energy costs and the C02 footprint.  The unit was installed in a new extension to the college creating a state-of-the-art digital IT centre.

For buildings that require air exchange and are not equipped with dedicated air conditioning systems, the installation of these RXH/Hi units allows the introduction of primary air at a controlled temperature without disturbing the internal conditions in the occupied spaces, this makes it unnecessary to use additional systems to heat or cool the incoming primary air.  On new installations the complete air exchange requirement is carried out, allowing a reduction in the size of the main air conditioning system. The unit also benefits from air cooling which can be adjusted in the summer or winter, ensuring that the unit operates at maximum efficiency.

Paul Gunner Sales Director of Vortice commented

“We enjoyed working with Quartz and Middlesbrough College to ensure the best and most competitive solution for their requirements.  They are extremely happy with the result and we are looking forward to helping them further with additional ventilation systems.”

Understanding the importance of quiet ventilation

Podcasts Nicky Stephen

Understanding the importance of quiet ventilation

Marketing Manager Jennifer Quinn discusses with BusinessNet Explorer the role quiet fans have to play in stress-free living.  In the third of its Brand Leader Podcast series, she talks about the Lineo commercial range with its new Lineo Quiet and Quiet ES as well as the company’s heat recovery units Neti and Avel and the axial Punto Evo Flexo, all of which are designed to be as quiet as possible. 

The newest of these products, Lineo Quiet and Lineo Quiet ES are acoustically lined, powerful fans creating a sound no noisier than rustling leaves. Find out more here.

Working from home? Keep it well ventilated …

Case Studies Nicky Stephen

The lockdown and the ‘new normal’ we all face at the moment has seen dramatic changes in our lives – one of these being ‘working from home’. As many people are still working from home, Vortice continues to be passionate about keeping people safe whilst working in these uncertain times.

Vortice knows that there are fundamental things people can do to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) within the home. A better IAQ is linked to improved concentration and productivity and more health benefits such as better sleep.

See our tips below to help create healthy indoor air quality whilst spending so much time at home.

  1. Open your windows

It has been widely published by the Government that opening windows can drastically reduce the build up of contaminants and is the most effective way of reducing this build up in the home. The UK Government states that opening windows prevents the build up of virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home and therefore helps stop the spread of Covid. The more fresh air that is brought inside the home, the quicker any airborne virus will be removed from the room.

2. Use ventilation fans where possible

Many people forget to use their extractor fans or they turn them off, but it is imperative that these are utilised in order to create an air path throughout the home to improve indoor air quality.

Using these fans will also help reduce a build up of warm air, condensation and then damp.

3. Keep pollutants to a minimum

One key aspect we can do to improve our IAQ is to reduce pollutants within the home. Pollutants come in the form of pet hair, dust, cleaning products and fireplaces which emit CO2. A build up of such pollutants can include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Longer exposure to such pollutants can cause asthma, respiratory diseases and heart disease.

Pet hair is a pollutant within the home. Whilst it may be comforting to cuddle your pet whilst working, try and keep pet hair and dander to a minimum by vacuuming regularly.

Continuous use of air fresheners, gas stoves and strong cleaning products can also cause a build up of pollutants.

4. Other points to consider

  • Check houseplants for mould and repot if needed
  • Do not allow pets to sleep in the bedroom, especially with asthma sufferers