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Airex Roomvent: Smart ventilation for cleaner, fresher air.

Polina Martinuka
Written by Polina Martinuka
Published July 18th, 2024
9 min read
Published Jul 18, 24

Summary

Airex RoomVent is an innovative smart ventilation system designed to optimize indoor air quality and energy efficiency. It offers automated control to provide ventilation precisely when needed, reducing drafts and minimizing heat loss for enhanced occupant comfort. The system continuously monitors indoor air quality, ensuring a healthy living environment. Additionally, Airex RoomVent can detect properties at risk of dampness and mold, addressing these issues proactively to prevent potential health hazards. Its user-friendly design allows remote control and monitoring via a mobile app, making it a convenient and effective solution for modern homes.
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Details

Name
Airex Roomvent
Date of establishment
2016-02
Organization

Deep dive


Key features

Energy Efficiency: Airex RoomVent is designed with energy-efficient components that help homeowners reduce their energy consumption. By optimizing ventilation based on real-time data, the system minimizes unnecessary heat loss and drafts, contributing to lower utility bills. This smart approach to ventilation ensures that homes maintain a comfortable temperature without excessive energy use.

Smart Sensors: The system is equipped with advanced sensors that detect changes in air quality, including humidity, temperature, and the presence of pollutants. These sensors enable Airex RoomVent to adjust ventilation levels automatically, ensuring optimal indoor air quality at all times. This proactive adjustment helps maintain a healthy living environment by responding to real-time air quality data.

Filtered Air Supply: Airex RoomVent includes a filtered air supply system that removes pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles from incoming air. This feature is crucial for promoting a clean and healthy indoor environment, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. By filtering the air before it enters the home, Airex RoomVent helps ensure that occupants breathe cleaner, healthier air.

User-Friendly Interface: The system features an intuitive control panel that allows users to customize settings and monitor air quality in real-time. This user-friendly interface makes it easy for homeowners to adjust the ventilation system according to their preferences and stay informed about the air quality in their homes. The ability to control and monitor the system remotely via a mobile app adds an extra layer of convenience and accessibility.

"Open air bricks can contribute to up to 15% of the heating loss in a home, as well as causing uncomfortable cold draughts. As a result they are often blocked up by tenants and homeowners so they can’t do their job of ventilation."

Source: airex.tech

The cost of installing an Airex Roomvent system varies, but it is considered a cost-effective retrofit solution for improving energy efficiency in homes. On average, the installation takes about an hour and typically does not require any disruption to the residents' daily activities​.

Airex Roomvent has a payback period of 2-3 years due to energy savings. Additionally, the system is eligible for funding through schemes like HUG and SHDF, making it even more affordable for local authorities and housing associations looking to achieve net-zero targets​.

The bricks come in two sizes: 3x9" and 6x9", and they replace the standard airbricks in a customer's house. Most households require only four or five bricks plus a wifi hub.

Pricing

The Airex RoomVent system, including installation, is priced at approximately £450. This cost is based on a typical installation scenario and provides a payback period of 2-3 years through energy savings. The system has been validated to reduce whole house heat loss by 12% to 16% and ground floor heat loss by 20% to 23%, making it a cost-effective energy efficiency solution.

This smart ventilation system replaces traditional air bricks and includes features such as automated control, real-time monitoring of indoor air quality, and the ability to identify risks of dampness and mold. The installation process is straightforward and can usually be completed in about an hour without the need for specialized electrical work

Case Studies

In a bid to improve energy efficiency in residential homes, Portsmouth City Council embarked on a pilot project that involved the installation of the Airex system in 51 homes. This initiative aimed to enhance energy conservation and reduce heating costs for residents. An independent assessment conducted by Ofgem confirmed the system's effectiveness, validating the project's success. The results were compelling, with the pilot project achieving a 12% reduction in heating costs, underscoring the Airex system's capability to significantly enhance energy efficiency in homes. Buoyed by these promising outcomes, Portsmouth City Council decided to expand the project, implementing the Roomvent system in over 100 additional homes to further their energy efficiency efforts.

Simultaneously, in Scotland, the "Warmer Homes Scotland" program, in collaboration with Warmworks, integrated the Airex system to combat fuel poverty and improve home energy efficiency. The initial phase of this project saw the Airex system trialed in 40 homes. The trials yielded positive results, prompting an expansion of the project. Consequently, the system was installed in 500 homes across Scotland. The cumulative impact of these installations was substantial, with total heating cost savings amounting to £125,000 per year. This significant financial relief played a crucial role in alleviating fuel poverty for numerous households, highlighting the program's success in making homes warmer and more energy-efficient.

The effectiveness of the Airex system was demonstrated in both case studies. In Portsmouth, the independent verification by Ofgem lent credibility to the project, confirming that the system could achieve substantial reductions in heating costs. The scalability of the project was evident as the council decided to expand the initiative based on the successful pilot results. Similarly, the "Warmer Homes Scotland" program showcased the potential for broader application of the Airex system, with significant economic benefits realized in the form of annual heating cost savings.

These projects highlight the importance of collaboration between local councils, energy efficiency programs, and independent assessors. The success of the Airex system in both Portsmouth and Scotland underscores the potential for modern energy-efficient technologies to make a tangible difference in reducing fuel poverty and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The financial and environmental benefits achieved through these initiatives demonstrate the value of investing in energy efficiency, providing a model for other regions to follow in their efforts to create more sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions.

Market Position and Competitive Edge of Airex Roomvent

Airex Roomvent has successfully positioned itself as a market leader in the home ventilation sector, thanks to its unwavering focus on innovation, sustainability, and user experience. This commitment has enabled the company to cultivate a loyal customer base and receive positive reviews from industry experts. By continuously enhancing its technology and adapting to the evolving needs of consumers, Airex Roomvent has maintained a competitive edge in a rapidly growing market.

Innovation and Technology

Airex Roomvent stands out in the market due to its pioneering use of smart control systems. Unlike traditional ventilation solutions that rely on manual adjustments or basic automatic controls, Airex Roomvent incorporates advanced smart technology to optimize ventilation efficiency and effectiveness. This system uses real-time data to automatically adjust airflow, ensuring optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Users can also control and monitor the system remotely via a mobile app, providing convenience and enhancing the user experience.

This innovative approach not only improves the overall performance of the ventilation system but also contributes significantly to energy savings and sustainability. By intelligently managing ventilation needs, Airex Roomvent helps reduce energy consumption, lowering both utility costs for homeowners and the environmental impact. This technological edge has positioned Airex Roomvent as a leader in the smart home ventilation market, distinguishing it from conventional systems and attracting a tech-savvy customer base that values efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Focus

Airex Roomvent's dedication to sustainability goes beyond energy savings. The company integrates eco-friendly materials and practices in its product development and manufacturing processes. This commitment to sustainability resonates with environmentally conscious consumers and aligns with global trends towards greener living solutions. By addressing the growing demand for sustainable home technologies, Airex Roomvent not only contributes to environmental conservation but also reinforces its market position as a forward-thinking and responsible company.

User Experience

User experience is at the heart of Airex Roomvent's design philosophy. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and seamless integration into existing home systems. The mobile app interface is straightforward, allowing users to easily monitor and adjust their ventilation settings. This focus on user experience ensures that customers not only benefit from improved air quality and energy efficiency but also enjoy the convenience and ease of use that modern smart home technologies offer.

Competitors

Airex Roomvent differentiates itself through smart air bricks that balance energy efficiency and ventilation, providing significant energy savings with a quick payback period. Its ease of installation, advanced data analytics for proactive maintenance, and compatibility with retrofit projects make it stand out from competitors that typically focus solely on temperature control​. Notable competitors include:

  1. Flair Smart Vents: Flair provides smart vents that offer room-by-room temperature control with integrations for various smart home systems like Ecobee, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Their vents include a sensor device called the Flair Puck, which helps in regulating temperature and airflow​.

  2. Keen Home: Keen Home offers smart vents designed to work with existing HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency and comfort. These vents can be controlled via a smartphone app and are designed to work with various smart home devices. However, Keen has faced some reliability issues recently​​.

  3. Ambi Climate: Ambi Climate is more focused on air conditioners, providing a system that allows for smart airflow control even in homes without a central HVAC system. It monitors humidity and temperature, creating a comfortable environment based on user preferences​.

  4. Ecobee: Known for its smart thermostats, Ecobee also offers sensors that can work in conjunction with smart vents from other brands to provide comprehensive home climate control. Ecobee's integration capabilities make it a strong competitor in the smart ventilation market​.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of the primary challenges for Airex Roomvent is gaining widespread market adoption. Many homeowners and property managers may be hesitant to invest in new technology, especially if they are unfamiliar with its benefits or skeptical about its cost-effectiveness. Other challenges include complex installation requiring professional help, competing with established brands, and maintaining robust customer support as the company scales​.

Despite the challenges, the company has significant opportunities in leveraging government-funded energy efficiency initiatives, tapping into the growing awareness of indoor air quality, advancing smart home technology, and forming strategic partnerships to expand market reach and credibility.


Polina Martinuka
Written by:
Polina Martinuka
Sustainability Research Analyst
Recently graduating from a university in the UK, with a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism, Polina brings a unique blend of investigative skills, the ability to analyze complex data and environmental awareness.