In this month’s Face to Face David Millward, Product Manager at Elta Group, discusses the rising demand for indoor air solutions, the latest ventilation trends, and how electrical wholesalers can become part of this evolving market.
Firstly, can you give us a bit of background on Elta Trade?
Absolutely. Elta Trade was established as an avenue to specifically cater to the trade market, drawing on the rich history and expertise of the Elta Group. With over 50 years of experience in air quality solutions, Elta Trade leverages this heritage to provide top-tier products and services to electrical wholesalers.
Our aim is to deliver the same reliability and innovation that Elta is known for in the commercial and industrial sectors, now tailored for the domestic market through our dedicated distribution channels.
Speaking of commercial and domestic markets, what ventilation trends are you seeing in those areas?
The latest trends in ventilation focus on efficient heat recovery units and the overall benefits of improved air movement. There’s growing awareness about the dangers of stagnant air and the development of mould. Elta Trade offers multiple solutions to address these issues.
In residential settings, Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery, or otherwise known as MVHR, systems are popular, especially in new buildings where ductwork can be planned during construction. For existing buildings, decentralised systems and single room heat recovery units offer solid alternatives. These systems ensure continuous air supply and extraction without the need for extensive ductwork.
You mentioned heat recovery units. How do heat recovery units work, and what applications are they best suited to?
Heat recovery units are designed to replace stale indoor air with new, filtered air while maintaining the desired temperature within a space. These units work by transferring heat from the outgoing stale air to the incoming new air, thereby recovering thermal energy. A typical MVHR system includes a supply air fan and an extract air fan with a heat exchanger.
The system pre-warms incoming air in the winter and pre-cools it in the summer, reducing the energy required for heating or cooling. MVHR systems are versatile, suitable for both residential properties and commercial applications such as schools and offices.
Along with heating and cooling, the need for better air quality seems to be driving demand. Why do you think that is?
Air quality has had a huge spotlight shined on it in the past few years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in public awareness about indoor air quality. Media attention and the pandemic have heightened discussions around home ventilation systems, making them as commonplace as conversations about other home improvements like new windows or fresh paint. This increased awareness, coupled with regulatory reforms and the Future Homes Standard, is driving demand for Mechanical Extract Ventilation systems and Positive Input Ventilation systems, commonly known as MEV and PIV systems respectively.
Homeowners and professionals alike are becoming more conscious of the importance of good air quality and the responsibilities that come with it.
If wholesalers want to take advantage of these markets demands, what advice can you give them?
The best thing they can do is understand what solutions are needed and working with a manufacturer who can supply not only the equipment but also the expertise needed to discuss their features with potential buyers. Becoming an Elta Trade stockist is straightforward and begins with a conversation. We believe in providing good air quality and have been manufacturing quality products for five decades.
The support we offer our stockists includes the wealth of knowledge and experience we’ve accumulated over the years. We understand that our stockists’ success hinges on the support and service we provide. Interested wholesalers can reach out to us for an open discussion about how to get started.
And finally, when you look ahead to the next 12 months, what is Elta Trade hoping to achieve?
Our primary objective is to strengthen our distribution channels and establish Elta Trade as a reliable brand within the domestic sector, similar to our strong reputation in the commercial and industrial markets.
We aim to enhance market awareness about our quality solutions and the benefits they bring, ensuring that our products continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Through strategic partnerships and continued innovation, we are committed to delivering superior air quality solutions that set industry standards and fulfils our mantra of ‘Air Movement, Air Quality.’
Find out more about Elta Group here
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