Homes are designed to be safe and affordable, but challenges like mould can quickly turn an asset into a liability. In this article from Blauberg UK, they explore that, for tenants, the issue often begins with a well-intentioned extractor fan that creates unexpected problems.
- Why do your tenants frequently switch off extractor fans?
- How can a more thoughtful ventilation solution save your investment from mould damage?
All without alienating the very people it’s designed to help.
The Real Cost of 'Energy-Efficient' Fans
Imagine this...
"A tenant in a small, tightly insulated flat notices their bathroom filling with mould. The landlord installs an “energy-efficient” extractor fan, expecting it to solve the issue. At first, it works - mould vanishes, and the air feels fresher. But as winter sets in, something changes. Energy bills climb. The fan, though cheap to run, is constantly expelling warm air, forcing the heating system to work overtime. Faced with a tough decision - higher bills or returning mould - the tenant chooses the latter and switches the fan off."
This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It’s a reality faced by many tenants, like Maria, a single mum in a London flat, whose story is explored here.
Why Tenants Switch Off Extractor Fans.
Your tenants aren’t switching off extractor fans because they don’t care about mould or upkeep. They’re making a rational choice to protect their finances, who wouldn't?
When the extractor fan you have installed, is designed to save energy but it does the opposite, it actually increases heating bills, it becomes part of the problem, not the solution.
For you, this can create a vicious cycle. A switched-off fan leads to unchecked humidity and mould growth, damaging walls, ceilings, and even structural elements of the property.
The Hidden Cost: How Mould Destroys Homes.
Mould isn’t just an unsightly problem - it’s a silent destroyer of properties. When left unchecked, it rapidly accelerates the degradation of your investment, leading to spiralling repair costs, reduced property value, and potential legal liabilities.
- The UK Government English Private Landlord Survey 2024 states that approximately 26% of landlords identified damp or mould in at least one of their properties in the past year.
- Structural damage: Can weaken beams, flooring, and insulation, leading to costly refurbishments.
- Leave you vulnerable to litigation, as mould-related health issues (like respiratory problems) grow increasingly linked to housing standards enforcement.
- Now, Awaab's Law requires landlords to address reported health hazards in homes within specific timeframes.
A Better Way: Heat Recovery Ventilation.
Instead of opposing tenants' decisions, what if you:
- Offered a solution that genuinely saved them money?
- That they wouldn’t feel the need to switch off?
Enter the Vento Heat Recovery Unit, a smarter alternative that:
- Recovers Heat: Captures up to 85% of the outgoing warmth to preheat incoming air*.
- Lower Bills: Costs just £1.25 per month to run while saving tenants up to £29 per month in heating during winter.—over £200 annually*.
- Mould Prevention: Continuous ventilation without financial penalties ensures tenants keep it running.
A solution well worth having!
Protecting Homes, Satisfying Tenants.
You can play a key role in protecting assets while supporting tenants.
Choosing solutions like the Vento Heat Recovery Unit, a smarter alternative that creates a win-win scenario for:
- Tenants: Affordable to run, no compromise on warmth, and no mould concerns. Less likely to turn off.
- Landlords: Safeguards the property against expensive mould damage and builds trust with tenants. Protecting your asset.
From “Energy-Efficient” to Truly Effective.
Maria's story is a reminder of what happens when we solve one part of a problem but overlook another. By switching to Vento, her landlord could have provided a complete solution, sparing her the stress of rising bills and mouldy walls.
As designers of social housing, it’s time to think beyond “energy-efficient” fans and embrace solutions that address the whole issue. After all, the goal is not just to ventilate but to create homes where tenants thrive and assets are protected.
* For Key Information and Assumptions, visit the full article page on the Blauberg UK website here.
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