How a Drimaster helped improve condensation, mould and indoor air quality in a 100-year-old home.

The Project

Located in West Cornwall, this three-bedroom detached bungalow dates back to 1920. The predominantly solid-brick property includes a lounge-dining room, gally kitchen and bathroom, alongside two cavity-wall extensions. 

The Challenge

The homeowners were experiencing condensation throughout the property, along with visible mould on some walls and ceilings.

The issue was particularly concerning because their daughter has asthma, and they were concerned that the poor indoor air quality associated with the mould could be exacerbating her symptoms. Before installing a Nuaire Drimaster Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system, the family had tried using anti-mould paints on the affected walls and ceilings. However, these proved ineffective, with the underlaying condensation and damp issues continuing.

Finding a Solution

The recommendation to install a Drimaster PIV came from a friend of the homeowners, who owns a few properties throughout West Cornwall. Having experienced damp problems in his own properties, he had installed Drimaster systems throughout them and had been delighted with the result, particularly the reduction in damp and mould.

Before the Drimaster was installed, the loft space was checked to ensure that its condition was suitable for the installation. It was important to make sure the loft was free from damp and mould and that the conditions were appropriate for installing a PIV system, in line with relevant guidance and Nuaire’s installation requirements. Once the loft was confirmed as suitable, the homeowners opted for Drimaster-ECO NOx, which was installed in the loft, with the air distribution vent positioned in the hallway. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a whole-home ventilation system that draws filtered air into the property, creating a gentle positive pressure that helps expel stale, humid air. This can help reduce condensation, damp and mould while improving indoor air quality. The Drimaster-ECO NOx works on the same principle but also incorporates carbon filtration to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other outdoor air pollutants entering the home. This provides the added benefit of improving indoor air quality in areas where external pollution is a concern. 

The Results

According to the homeowners, the condensation problems began to improve within one to two weeks of installation. Over time the visible mould and condensation disappeared. “The mould and condensation have significantly reduced, and the air quality is much improved. We noticed a gradual difference over time, with the condensation becoming less of an issue and the overall environment feeling fresher and more comfortable. The mould has also reduced considerably, and the improvement in the air quality has been very noticeable”.

For the family, improving the indoor environment was particularly important. The homeowners felt that the mould and poor air quality had been affecting their daughter’s asthma, so the improvement in the home environment was especially welcome. The Drimaster has made a significant difference to the home. 

A Long-Term Success

The Drimaster has now been installed for several years and continues to provide the homeowners with support against the condensation and mould problems they previously experienced. They have also been impressed by the system’s running costs, particularly considering the difference it has made to their home. “It has been a successful installation and costs so little to run for such a significant improvement in our air quality”. 

Key Benefits

“We’ve noticed a real improvement since the installation. The condensation issues have reduced, and the air quality feels much better, and the whole installation was straightforward with very little disruption. It’s also reassuring to know that the system is inexpensive to run”. For this West Cornwall family, installing a Drimaster provided a simple and effective way to tackle persistent condensation and mould, while creating a more comfortable living environment.