Indoor Environment
Indoor Environment | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Manchester
Whether you’re battling a damp Mancunian winter or a rare Northern heatwave, HEP keeps your space perfectly balanced with bespoke heating and cooling solutions. Our seasoned engineers design, install, and maintain high-efficiency systems that whisper-quietly deliver the ideal temperature while lowering energy costs, so homes and businesses across Manchester stay comfortable every day of the year.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to impeccable ventilation and air quality. Using smart controls, hospital-grade filtration, and discreet ducting, we remove pollutants, regulate humidity, and circulate fresh, clean air to every corner of your building. Breathe easier, work better, and relax more—HEP creates indoor environments where people and productivity thrive.
FAQs
Why is proper ventilation especially important for homes in Manchester’s climate?
Manchester has a relatively cool, damp climate with frequent rainfall. Without adequate ventilation, excess moisture can become trapped indoors, leading to condensation on walls and windows, mould growth, and poor indoor air quality. Good mechanical or natural ventilation removes stale, moisture-laden air and brings in fresh air, helping to control humidity, protect the building fabric, and create a healthier living environment year-round.
How can I improve indoor air quality during Manchester’s long heating season?
1. Upgrade or clean filters in your central heating or HVAC system every 1–3 months. 2. Install a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) to exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air without major heat loss. 3. Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and let them run for at least 10–15 minutes after cooking or showering. 4. Keep humidity between 40–60 % with a de-humidifier or the humidity control setting on your HVAC unit. 5. Choose low-VOC paints, furnishings and cleaning products to minimise chemical pollutants. 6. Schedule an annual air-duct cleaning if you have a ducted system to remove dust, pollen and microbial buildup.
What size heating and air-conditioning system do I need for a typical Manchester property?
Load calculations depend on house size, insulation level, window area, air-tightness and occupancy. As a rough guide, a well-insulated 3-bed semi-detached in Greater Manchester usually needs 6–8 kW of heat output for winter and 2–4 kW of cooling for occasional summer peaks. However, we always perform a detailed Heat Loss & Gain Calculation (to BS EN 12831) before recommending a boiler, heat pump or air-conditioning unit. Correct sizing prevents short-cycling, reduces running costs and prolongs equipment life.
Are heat-recovery ventilation systems energy-efficient in Manchester?
Yes. Modern MVHR units can recover up to 90 % of the heat from extracted air. Because Manchester’s outdoor temperatures are often 5–10 °C cooler than indoor set-points for much of the year, recovering that heat significantly cuts the load on your boiler or heat pump. Properly balanced MVHR can reduce overall heating demand by 15–25 %, all while providing a continuous supply of filtered fresh air. Annual maintenance (filter changes and heat-exchanger cleaning) is essential to keep efficiency high.
How often should I service my heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment?
• Gas or oil boilers: every 12 months by a Gas Safe or OFTEC registered engineer to maintain safety and efficiency. • Air-source heat pumps: inspect annually and deep-service every 2 years (check refrigerant levels, coils, fans and expansion valves). • Split or multi-split air conditioners: annual service covering refrigerant pressure, coil cleaning and drain-line flushing. • MVHR or mechanical extract systems: replace filters every 6–12 months and have the fans/ductwork inspected yearly. Regular servicing keeps energy bills low, prevents breakdowns and preserves manufacturer warranties.
Does humidity control help with common Manchester allergens?
Absolutely. Dust mites and mould, two of the most common indoor allergens in the North West, thrive when relative humidity exceeds 60 %. By maintaining indoor RH between 40–60 % with a properly sized de-humidifier, heat-pump drying mode, or whole-house humidity control in your HVAC system, you significantly reduce the population of mites and the likelihood of mould spores germinating. Balanced humidity also improves comfort by preventing dry skin and respiratory irritation during the heating season.