Everything you need to know about the Nuaire Flatmaster

In this article, I’ll be teaching you all about the Nuaire Flatmaster positive input ventilation unit (PIV).

You’ll learn:


What is a Nuaire Flatmaster

The Nuaire Flatmaster is a highly efficient PIV (positive input ventilation unit) specifically designed for use with properties without lofts. It is a low energy solution to ventilating apartments, basements, cellars and other areas of the home with high humidity levels.

Air is drawn in through an external grille, then passed through a G3 filter and discharged in a central location via a ducting run in the flat, basement or cellar.
A constant flow of fresh, filtered air is present in the property 24 hours per day, making mould and condensation formation very unlikely.

Very few units can match the Nuaire Flatmasters practicality and functionality whilst maintaining such compact dimensions. 

Why was the Flatmaster created?

The creation of the Drimaster in the 1970’s was hailed a huge success and solved condensation and mould growth for thousands of properties all over the UK. Nuaire soon realised that people living in properties without roof cavities could not enjoy the new technology, and so relied on standard bathroom and extractor fans to ventilate the property.

Space was the main concern when trying to integrate a Positive Input Ventilation unit in an apartment, they are smaller by nature, so the unit had to blend in especially well as to not become an eyesore.

The design needed to be both powerful enough to positively pressurise an entire apartment or basement, whilst being discreet and compact.
Nuaire achieved this by installing a powerful 230V motor capable of extracting up to 21.8L/s, in a unit only 19” long and 6” wide!

The compact dimensions allow the unit to installed within cupboards, above units in kitchens or against ceilings, keeping it as inconspicuous as possible.    
Small apartments could now benefit from all the advantages that PIV units brings, with a low cost, low energy, low noise and unobtrusive unit.

What is Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)?

The Flatmaster uses exactly the same principles of positive input ventilation as the Drimaster units.

Fresh air is drawn from a grille on the exterior of the property and into the unit. It then passes through a high grade (g3) filter and then discharged through a centrally located diffuser via a short length of ducting.

This is not simply a case of bringing fresh air into the property. By adding a constant supply of fresh air into the property, the internal pressure rises.

This creates a two-fold approach to condensation removal:

Circulation of air and Internal & external pressure differences

In order for water vapours to condensate, they must gather in one place (usually in the least insulated part of the property). By increasing the level of circulation of air in any given property, the likelihood of water vapour being able to collect in one single place is drastically reduced.

The fresh air keeps water vapours constantly moving around the property, while increased pressure added by the new air discharged by the central diffuser, forces out the old stale moisture laden air through naturally created gaps in windows and doors.

Flatmaster left & right-handed models

Flatmaster 2000L and 2000R models have heating elements located on either the right or left side, with R models being installed on the right side of the property, and L models installed on the left side. This allows the unit to take fresh air directly from the closest exterior wall of the property.

In cooler climates, heating elements are suggested to “temper” the air being taken in. Nuaire flatmaster heat units such as the left and right models, will make use of a small heating element within the unit, gently tempering the air before discharging it. This does not heat the air in the way a radiator would, but simply takes the chill off.

Flatmaster running costs

Nuaire are very conscious of energy efficiency for both the benefit of the environment and peoples energy bills.

Nuaire Flatmaster condensation ventilation units have been designed to be as economical as possible, with as little as 3W when on set to its continuous trickle mode.

The running cost of a single Flatmaster would be around 1p per day, on its lowest settings and depending on the energy supplier.

Noise levels

An obvious concern with an internal unit mounted in the living space of a property, is the noise it may produce. Drimaster units had a low output of noise, but as they are loft mounted units, the noise they created could barely be heard.

Nuiare had to create units that could be installed within the home but at a very acceptable noise level.

A great deal of effort has been made to ensure the noise created by the motor will be minimal. Specifically designed cases help to mitigate noise created by the motor, whilst still being able to house the heating units and remain very compact.

Flatmaster Noise Comparisons

Fan Speed Setting

Unit dB at 3M

 

Flatmaster

Flatmaster 2000

Low

15

13

Medium

18

23

High

23

29

Boost

-

41

You can see from this table, that a Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 on full “Boost” will have a maximum decibel level of 41.

This is equivalent to the sound of a library. If the unit is installed within a kitchen cupboard, you can expect the noise level to be barely noticeable.

Is a Flatmaster right for your property?

If you live in an apartment, have a cellar or basement or do not have any loft or attic access, the Flatmaster is the ideal solution for whole-house ventilation by way of a PIV unit.

If you are concerned that you don’t have any cupboards or spaces where the unit could be concealed, it can be mounted against the ceiling in the corner of a room to keep it as low-profile as possible.

With one single unit, your entire property will be free of condensation build-up and eventual mould growth. This saves on hassle and cost of treatments in the future to repair staining and damage caused by mould growth. You have the added benefit of protecting your property from the growth of dangerous black mould strains.

It is a low cost, easy to install, unobtrusive, complete ventilation solution. Created by a house-hold name with a fantastic reputation for quality and performance.

If the Drimaster unit isn’t right for your property, the Flatmaster is!  

How to maintain your Flatmaster filters

Maintenance of your Flatmaster filters couldn’t be easier.

Check on your filters once a month for dust and debris build-up. They can be easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or light dusting.

If they appear very dirty, they can be removed and gently washed in lukewarm water with a mild detergent.
Ensure they are fully dry before reinstalling them into the unit. 

A sign that your filters may need to be replaced, is condensation formation despite the unit being in action. This is a sign that the filters may be damaged or blocked and may need replacing, this should only be required once every 2 years if maintenance is kept up. 

Key Takeaways

The Nauire Flatermaster is the ideal unit for anyone who wants a complete ventilation solution, but has no access to loft or attic space. You get all the benefits of the renowned Drimaster unit, but in a more compact and inconspicuous unit that can be tucked away in a cupboard or discreetly mounted on the ceiling of a room.

It is extremely cost effective at 1p per day on its lowest setting and provides high quality fresh air 24 hours per day.

Noise levels are absolutely minimal, and they require minimal maintenance.

Flatmasters are one of the top performing small space PIV units on the market today. 

Is there anything I missed?

Is there anything else that I missed about the Flatmaster that you would like to know?

Let me know in the comments below and I can answer your questions or maybe even write an