Ventilation and extraction Engineer

[Mark]

So you all know you have an extraction system in your apartment? The design and function seems to differ from block to block but we all have bathroom and kitchen extraction at least (some blocks have systems that cover every room and can be programmed). But did you know this is not a buildings system? The ducting is building wide of course but every apartment has it's own fan and motor system which it is down to you to service and repair when it fails.

Not exactly a Dalston business, Surevent are a small, family run business that specialise in installing, servicing, and repairing ventilation and air extraction systems. As my flat is now approaching it's 5th birthday I decided it was time to get my own system serviced and used Surevent. I found them to be very prompt, friendly, and thorough: And very reasonably priced. I highly recommend them.

You can find their website HERE

[argayu]

It´s been a long time since this post was published however Mark do you remember (roughly) how much you paid for this service?

I asked them for a quote: £120 which it seems a bit too excessive for a standard service (the system is working as usual) at a 1-bedroom flat.

If anyone knows other alternatives, please feel free to share these.

Thanks

[Mark]

Oh crikey.... Not a blasted clue.

It's been too long argayu, really can't remember. I contacted several places at the time and these guys were middling in the price range but most enthusiastic about the work (I recall that one simply wasn't interested because he did mostly industrial and my job wasn't worth his time, despite having 'Domestic' in his ad!).

[argayu]

No worries Mark and thanks for the follow-up.

I'll shop around and report back if any alternative brings a more reasonable price.

PS Thanks for the latest DSRA Newsletter, much appreciated!

[anjalijingree]

Hi both,

I recently realised the extractor fans in my bathrooms weren't working anymore and my electrician offered to replace them. Having removed the fans he found that the actual fan and motor system in the ceiling isn't working - Mark you pointed out this is up to us to service and replace. Is it not the responsibility of the maintenance company? If it is up to us, do you know how do we get access to it?

Many thanks!
Anjali (Marley House)

[Mark]

Hi Anjali.

As each flat has it's own system that independently feed into the building-wide venting system, it is not considered the responsibility of the management company but rather the lease holder of the affected property. If you rent, speak to your agent or landlord, if you own (as in the lease-holder of) your flat it is down to you. I live in a duplex and my master system lives upstairs in the ceiling of the washing washing cupboard. If you live in a single storey apartment it most probably hangs out in the ceiling of the cupboard that houses your water tank. Over the years I have visited probably 40 or 50 flats throughout this development and have learned that system differs not just from phase to phase, not just block to block, but also within blocks! Ludicrous I tell you. Happy to pop in and have a quick looky-loos: Being as I know what to look for and all. Or contact Gerald Bernard, the on-site FirstPort Development Manager: Speak to the concierge in Gaumont and they will point you to his office. Or I can have a look for you. ;o)

Send me a personal message here if you are familiar with using forums, or email me at [e-mail] with your address and availability and we will track the beastie down. I work from home so am around most of the time.

Hope that helps.