TRICKLE VENTS
Trickle vents help to deliver natural ventilation in buildings
ECOSlide® sash windows are designed to improve natural ventilation in the home, trickle vents have often proved unpopular with homeowners because they can spoil a window’s aesthetic appeal. However, thanks to ECOSlide®’s ingenious design, this isn’t an issue. The vents are cleverly concealed in the sash rebate, making them virtually invisible. This means ECOSlide® windows can let in fresh air and comply with Part F.
What is Part F?
Technically, this allows for a wide variety of different ventilation methods – including more complex mechanical ventilation systems as well as simpler solutions like trickle vents. The regulation now states that “all rooms with external walls should have background ventilators”.
Part F requires buildings to have sufficient natural ventilation, and as long as that’s achieved, it doesn’t matter which method is used to deliver it. However, more complex ventilation systems are expensive to buy, tricky to install, and require ongoing maintenance.
Window trickle vents are a much simpler, more cost-effective solution – and that means that, in the vast majority of cases, they’re going to be used instead.
Should trickle vents be left open in winter?
Why is good home ventilation needed?
Trickle vents are designed to improve air quality and reduce condensation, but they can also let cold air in. To balance energy efficiency and air quality, it’s generally recommended to keep trickle vents partially open in winter. However, it’s important to adjust them as needed based on temperature and humidity levels. It’s not advised to leave trickle vents fully open at all times, as this can lead to excessive heat loss.
In recent years, the industry has understandably focused on making window and doors as energy efficient as possible. This is extremely important, both to ensure the UK meets its 2050 target for achieving net zero, but also to help homeowners reduce their energy bills. However, when buildings are too airtight, other problems occur – stale air, excess moisture and mould. Damp and mould in particular can cause lasting damage.
Please enquire with your ECOSlide® supplier about ventilation when ordering.