Nuaire has today unveiled the IAQ-VALVE, a filtration system that combines a standard supply air valve with a carbon filter.

The carbon filter valve is said to be capable of capturing up to 91% of NO₂ and other harmful pollutants. Through a process known as ‘adsorption’, the pollutants are attracted and held on the surface of the carbon, trapping them before they enter the home. 

A spoonful of activated carbon equates to the surface of a football field, says Nuaire.

The system utilises a standard MVHR supply valve that is part of a ducted ventilation system. With no requirement for an access hatch, specification and design are straightforward, with all the homeowner seeing is a discrete, white ceiling valve. 

The installation of IAQ-VALVE is designed to take into account the varying availability of void space in new build homes and apartments. For deeper ceiling voids, the valve can be ducted vertically using rigid duct with the valve added after the ceilings are plastered around the duct opening. For lower ceiling voids down to 180mm, it can be installed using a first-fix plenum making connection simple.

Improving indoor air quality is a driving factor in the design of the new product. Annual mean levels of NO₂ near busy roads regularly breach legal levels, and as a result, people living in homes nearby are at risk of developing asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and dementia. 

Andy Mudie, Business Development Director at Nuaire, explains: “IAQ-VALVE represents a new type of life-saving technology that simplifies the design and installation of carbon filters. The virgin activated-carbon pellets remove a reassuringly high level of pollutants produced from vehicle fuel combustion, including harmful NOX, sulphur dioxide, ammonia and VOCS, all of which are known to damage the body and reduce life expectancy.

“Removal of pollutants is the most important aim of any carbon filter product, but that must be followed by factors that make specification, installation and maintenance easier. We have considered the end user, designer and contractor in the unique design of IAQ-VALVE."