Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC (Sensor Compatible Unit - Hall Control)

Health & Safety Considerations

Before you start, confirm safe loft access, stable footing and good lighting. Lay temporary boards where necessary so you are not standing on plasterboard. Wear eye protection and a dust mask when cutting the ceiling opening, and gloves when handling insulation. Treat concealed services as live until proven otherwise and avoid cutting or fixing in areas where cables, pipes or flues may be present. Keep the fan and duct away from hot flues and do not obstruct any fire barriers. Work methodically, keep the area tidy, take regular breaks, and avoid working alone in hot weather. Electrical connection must be completed via a suitably rated isolator by a qualified electrician.

Site Preparation

Choose a central position for the ceiling diffuser, typically on the landing, so fresh, filtered air can spread evenly through the dwelling. From the loft, check there is clear space between joists for the circular opening and that a short, smooth duct run can be routed from the fan to the diffuser without tight bends. Select a hanging point for the fan where air can circulate freely around the casing, with generous clearance around the filters on each side. Plan the location of the switched fused spur and agree a safe cable route with your electrician. Clear insulation back from the chosen positions so you can work cleanly and so nothing will press against the unit or the filters after installation. Make sure nearby light fittings, smoke or heat alarms and decorative features will not sit directly in the diffuser air path.

Limitations And Good Practice

This model is intended for homes with a loft. It supplies filtered air from the loft into the landing below and it is not an extract system, so do not duct it outdoors or into a closed void. Keep the flexible duct as short and straight as possible and make joints airtight to maintain performance and keep noise low. Do not rest the fan on insulation. Hang it freely and keep insulation well clear of the filters so the unit can draw air evenly. Controls are on the diffuser for easy hallway access after installation. Leaving internal doors ajar will help fresh air circulate through the home.

Step-By-Step Installation

1. Make The Area Safe: Switch off power to any circuits you might encounter and confirm there are no services where you intend to cut. Agree with your electrician how and where the final electrical connection and isolator will be installed, but do not attempt the wiring yourself.
   
   

2. Mark The Diffuser Position: From the landing, locate joists with a detector and mark the centre point between them. Drill a small pilot hole to confirm the position from above, then mark the circular cut line in the loft.
   
   

3. Cut The Ceiling Opening And Fit The Diffuser: Carefully cut the circular hole on your marked line and clean the edge. Offer the diffuser assembly into place from below so the face sits flush and square with the ceiling, then fix securely with suitable fasteners. Leave a slight air gap around the diffuser body and do not pack insulation tightly against it.
   
   

4. Hang The Fan Unit: In the loft, suspend the fan from a convenient roof timber using suitable cord or straps so it hangs level and free of the structure. Position it so the filters on both sides are unobstructed and have free air all around them.
   
   

5. Fit The Flexible Duct: Push the duct fully over the fan outlet spigot and secure it airtight with the supplied tie or clamp. Repeat at the diffuser spigot. Route the duct with gentle curves, avoid kinks, tight bends and sharp edges, and keep the run as short as practicable.
   
   

6. Provide The Power Point And Connect: Fix the power module or a convenient connection point to a nearby timber. Your qualified electrician should install the local isolator, complete the fixed wiring and make the final connection to the unit. Ask them to test the supply and safety before energising.
   
   

7. Commission The Airflow: With power restored, use the controls on the diffuser to set the airflow speed suitable for the property. Confirm a gentle, even flow of air at the diffuser. The unit will automatically boost when loft air is warmer than the home and will pause in very hot loft conditions. If you are pairing an optional 2-way boost switch, follow the pairing process at the diffuser and test that boost activates correctly.
   
   

8. Finish Neatly: Check that insulation is not touching the fan or the filters, seal around the diffuser trim if needed, tidy the loft, and make sure the loft hatch closes well and is draught-sealed.

Linking Switches And Sensors

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC pairs wirelessly with the 2-Way Boost Switch, the CO₂ Sensor and the Relative Humidity Sensor. You carry out all pairing at the hallway diffuser, so there is no need to enter the loft once the unit is installed.

To pair an accessory, power the unit and stand at the diffuser. Use the diffuser buttons to enter accessory pairing mode. On the accessory, press its pairing or link button. Wait for the diffuser display to confirm a successful link, then exit pairing mode. Test immediately. For the 2-way switch, press Boost and check that airflow increases at the diffuser, then allow it to return to the normal background setting. For the CO₂ sensor, use the sensor’s test function if provided or observe that the unit boosts when indoor CO₂ rises above the trigger level. For the RH sensor, create a gentle rise in humidity or use its test function and confirm that the unit boosts as expected. If pairing fails, move closer to the diffuser, fit fresh batteries where applicable, then repeat the process.

Place each accessory so it measures meaningful room air. A CO₂ sensor belongs at typical breathing height in a regularly occupied space, away from open windows, cooker hoods and direct sunlight. It requires a permanent mains supply, so a qualified electrician should provide this safely. An RH sensor should be located where it samples representative household air, not directly in a bathroom and not in the immediate supply path from the diffuser. The 2-way switch should be fitted where it is convenient to reach, for example on the landing near the diffuser. Avoid mounting wireless devices directly on large metal surfaces that can weaken radio signals, and aim for a clear line of sight where possible for reliable communication through the home.

After linking, carry out a short end-to-end test for each accessory so you are confident the system responds correctly. Record what you have paired and show the household how to use the 2-way switch for temporary boost. Explain that the CO₂ and RH sensors will increase airflow automatically when air quality or humidity rises, then return the unit to its background setting once conditions improve.

Handover And Everyday Use

Once running, the ECO-LINK-HC supplies a continuous flow of filtered air that dilutes humidity and everyday pollutants. You do not need to adjust it daily, the unit manages itself according to loft temperature and the setting chosen at the diffuser. For best results, do not obstruct the diffuser, keep internal doors ajar where practical to aid circulation, and continue to use kitchen and bathroom extract fans in the normal way. If you have paired a 2-way boost switch, use it for short periods when you want a temporary increase in airflow.

Maintenance And Replacement Filters

This unit uses filters mounted on each side of the fan. Under typical domestic conditions, replace both filters every 5 years to maintain airflow, energy efficiency and effectiveness against condensation.

In dustier homes, for example near busy roads, with pets or after renovation, inspect sooner and replace if the filters look visibly loaded or airflow seems reduced. To replace, switch off power at the local isolator, ensure safe loft access, remove the retainers, remove the used filters, wipe the plastic intake stubs with a clean, dry cloth, fit new Drimaster Replacement Filters fully home, refit the retainers and restore power.

If the diffuser displays a change-filter reminder, reset it after fitting. Do not wash or blow out used filters, this can damage the media and reduce performance. Keep the diffuser face clean with a light vacuum or a soft brush during routine housekeeping.

Troubleshooting

If airflow at the diffuser feels weak, clean the diffuser face gently, then check in the loft that the filters are not clogged or pressed against insulation and that the duct has not kinked or collapsed.

If a musty smell or condensation returns, the usual causes are dirty filters, an obstructed duct or the diffuser being blocked by furnishings. Renewing the filters and restoring a clear airflow path usually resolves this.

If the unit seems to pause on very hot days, that can be normal, the temperature control avoids pushing very warm loft air into the home.

If there is unusual noise, ensure the unit is hanging freely and not touching timbers or insulation, and confirm the duct ties are tight so the duct is not flapping.

If power is present but the fan will not run, check the loft isolator and the protective fuse, then consult your electrician or our Technical Department.

Aftercare And Best Results

Leave the settings as commissioned, keep the diffuser clear and plan to fit Drimaster Replacement Filters every 5 years, sooner in dusty conditions. Pair the system with sensible ventilation habits, use extract fans during cooking and bathing, keep trickle vents open, and heat the home steadily in colder months.

These simple practices, together with the ECO-LINK-HC, provide reliable control of condensation and a consistent improvement in indoor air quality.

Q) What is the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC and what problem does it solve in a home with condensation?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC is a loft mounted Positive Input Ventilation unit that introduces a gentle, continuous supply of filtered air into the dwelling via a central ceiling diffuser. By steadily diluting the moisture produced by everyday activity, it reduces the background humidity that drives window streaming, damp patches and black mould. As the new air enters, a slight positive pressure encourages stale, moisture laden air to drift out through natural leakage paths and existing extracts, which lowers condensation risk on cold surfaces and improves overall freshness. All everyday controls are placed on the diffuser in the hallway, so commissioning and later adjustments are simple and do not require loft access. The unit is designed to be quiet and economical in use, with long life filters and a robust seven year warranty that make it a low maintenance, set and forget background ventilation strategy for typical UK homes with loft spaces.

Q) How does Positive Input Ventilation in the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC control condensation and black mould?

A) Positive Input Ventilation works by dealing with the root cause rather than the symptom. The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC draws air from the loft through its filters and supplies it at low velocity across the ceiling. This continuous, tempered supply gently raises the mean surface temperature felt by room air, lowers the relative humidity and, crucially, reduces the chance that cold walls and window reveals drop below the dew point. When surfaces remain above the dew point, visible water no longer forms and the persistent dampness that feeds mould growth disappears. At the same time the slight positive pressure encourages older, moisture laden air to move out through gaps and extracts. The process is gradual and stable, so rooms dry gently and stay drier. The result is a fresher indoor environment with fewer damp odours, better protection for finishes and a noticeable reduction in black mould on the usual cold bridge areas.

Q) Where in the property should the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC be installed and where does the diffuser go?

A) The fan unit is suspended in the loft from suitable roof timbers so it can draw air freely through its external filters, while a short, smooth duct connects the outlet to a circular diffuser located on the landing ceiling. Central positioning is preferred because it allows the supply to spread across the ceiling plane and move gently into rooms through door undercuts or slightly ajar doors. From the loft, the installer selects a position between joists for the diffuser opening, checks for clear space to route the duct without tight bends, and keeps insulation clear of the fan casing and the filter inlets. The loft must be suitable as a source of supply air and free from contamination. Flats without lofts, or properties where a clean loft air source cannot be guaranteed, require an alternative ventilation approach. Correct siting and a short, airtight duct run are key to quiet, efficient operation.

Q) Who is the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC best suited for and when is it the right solution?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC is aimed at bungalows and two storey houses that have a loft and experience recurring window condensation, damp corners or black mould. It suits homeowners who want low disruption installation, set and forget operation, and simple hallway access to speed and temperature modes. It is also a strong option in refurbishment and retrofit programmes where adding extensive extract ductwork is impractical. PIV provides whole home background ventilation that complements existing kitchen and bathroom extracts rather than replacing them. It is not a cure for water ingress, leaks or structural defects, which must be repaired, and it is not intended for properties without a suitable loft air source. Where occupants produce very high intermittent moisture loads, pairing the ECO-LINK-HC with good extract fan use and sensible heating and ventilation habits delivers the most robust and predictable results.

Q) What does Hall Control on the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC allow me to adjust from the hallway?

A) Hall Control puts a simple seven segment display and push buttons on the underside of the diffuser so the installer and householder can commission and fine tune the unit without entering the loft. Six airflow settings cover a wide range of property sizes and occupancy patterns. A loft air temperature sensor feeds the adaptive logic that boosts airflow when conditions in the loft are favourable and pauses the fan in very hot lofts for comfort and efficiency. From the diffuser you can select the operating profile, change speed, and view the long interval filter reminder when it appears. Once set, most homes leave the unit alone and let it manage itself automatically. Because the interface is on the ceiling plate, small seasonal tweaks are quick and do not disturb the loft installation. A lock can be applied after commissioning to protect chosen settings where that is preferred.

Q) How much airflow can the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC deliver and how do I choose the correct speed?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC provides six selectable speeds with a maximum flow capability up to around 252 cubic metres per hour, which covers everything from compact bungalows to larger two storey homes. The goal is steady dilution, not a strong jet, so the installer selects the lowest speed that gives a gentle, even flow at the diffuser and supports the desired reduction in condensation. The adaptive temperature response will then make modest, automatic adjustments, boosting when loft conditions are helpful and pausing in very hot lofts. If the property is extended, internal doors are changed or occupancy shifts, the chosen speed can be revisited in minutes at the diffuser. Keeping the duct short and straight, sealing joints airtight and maintaining clean filters ensures the unit achieves the selected rate quietly and efficiently throughout the service interval.

Q) Is the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC quiet in use and what influences perceived noise?

A) The ECO-LINK-HC has been designed for discreet, background operation, with considerate acoustics when installed correctly. Perceived noise is mainly influenced by installation quality. Suspending the fan so it does not touch the structure prevents vibration transfer, keeping the duct run short and smooth minimises air noise, and avoiding kinks or crushed sections prevents whistling. The ceiling diffuser spreads the supply at low velocity across the ceiling plane, so occupants sense a gentle freshness rather than a draught or a harsh jet. Ensuring insulation is not pressing against the casing or the filters avoids rustling and resonance. If an unusual sound appears later, it almost always points to a contact point, a loose clamp or a flattened duct. Restoring a smooth, free airflow path and re hanging the unit so it is free swinging returns the system to quiet service.

Q) What are the day to day running costs of the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC and how energy efficient is it?

A) The ECO-LINK-HC is a low energy background ventilation strategy. The fan has been engineered to provide the required airflow at modest electrical input, which keeps running costs low in continuous service. In practice, users often compare the fan load to leaving an efficient LED lamp on through the day. Because the unit adapts to loft temperature, it makes best use of favourable conditions without calling for user input, and it pauses in very hot lofts to avoid moving excessive heat into the dwelling. Actual electricity use depends on the speed selected at commissioning and on the property’s leakage characteristics. Keeping the duct short and airtight, ensuring the diffuser remains unobstructed and renewing filters at the recommended interval help the fan operate at its intended efficiency so the cost of continuous, whole home dilution remains modest all year.

Q) Which wireless accessories can link to the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC and what do they add?

A) The ECO-LINK-HC is RF enabled so it can pair with optional devices that improve convenience and responsiveness. A two way boost switch gives at a touch temporary increases in airflow from a convenient wall position, which is useful during busy periods or when you want a little extra freshening. A carbon dioxide sensor monitors indoor CO₂ and automatically raises ventilation when the concentration climbs, then lets the unit return to background once levels fall. A relative humidity sensor responds to rising indoor moisture, for example during clothes drying or cooking outside of the kitchen extract period, and prompts a boost that helps keep surfaces above the dew point. These accessories communicate wirelessly with the diffuser, are installed within the occupied spaces for best effect and allow the PIV to respond to real conditions without routine user intervention.

Q) How do I pair the two way boost switch, CO₂ sensor or humidity sensor with the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC?

A) Pairing is carried out at the diffuser, so there is no need to re enter the loft once the unit is installed. Power the ECO-LINK-HC, stand at the diffuser and use its buttons to enter accessory pairing mode. Activate the pairing or link button on the accessory and wait for the diffuser display to confirm a successful link, then exit pairing mode. Test immediately so you know the system is communicating. For the two way switch, press Boost and check that airflow increases at the diffuser, then observe it returning to the background setting. For the CO₂ or humidity sensor, use the device’s test function if provided, or observe the unit boosting when the measured value passes the trigger. If pairing fails, move closer to the diffuser, renew accessory batteries where applicable and repeat. Record what you have linked for future reference.

Q) Will the diffuser on the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC cause uncomfortable draughts or upset nearby smoke alarms?

A) The diffuser is designed to spread air at low velocity across the ceiling so the supply mixes gently and occupants feel a general freshness rather than a direct breeze. Correct speed selection at commissioning is important, as PIV is intended to dilute steadily rather than blow forcefully. When planning the position, the installer should avoid placing the diffuser within the immediate air path of heat or smoke alarms and should consider nearby light fittings or decorative features. If a detector must sit close by, a small relocation usually prevents nuisance alarms. Keeping the grille face clear with a light vacuum during routine housekeeping maintains the intended pattern. In compact landings, leaving doors slightly ajar helps the supply move into rooms, which further reduces any perception of a directed flow at the diffuser location.

Q) How does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC work alongside existing extract fans and trickle vents?

A) The ECO-LINK-HC is a whole home background supply system that complements local extraction rather than replacing it. Keep kitchen and bathroom extract fans in good order and run them during and after cooking or bathing to remove peaks at source. Leave trickle vents or door undercuts open so the gentle supply from the landing can migrate into rooms and older air can drift towards extracts. Heat the home steadily in colder weather to maintain surface temperatures and reduce the chance of dew formation. Used in this way, PIV provides the stable baseline that keeps humidity in check day after day, while extract fans handle intermittent spikes. The combination delivers robust control of condensation with better indoor air quality and very little everyday user effort after commissioning.

Q) What are the key installation steps and good practice points for the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC?

A) Installation is completed from the loft with minimal disruption. The installer selects a central landing position between joists, cuts a neat circular opening and fixes the diffuser flush with the ceiling. The fan is hung from roof timbers so it is level and free of the structure, with clear space around the external filters on both sides. A short, smooth length of flexible duct is pushed fully over the fan outlet and diffuser spigots and clamped airtight. The duct is routed with gentle curves to avoid kinks and compression, and all joints are sealed to prevent leakage. A qualified electrician fits a local isolator and makes the fixed wiring connection. Insulation is kept clear of the casing and filter inlets so the unit can draw air evenly. A final check confirms a gentle, even flow at the diffuser and a tidy, draught sealed loft hatch.

Q) What maintenance does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC need and how often do the filters require changing?

A) The unit is designed for long, low maintenance service. It draws loft air through external filters mounted on each side of the fan to protect the dwelling and the motor. Under typical domestic conditions both filters should be renewed every five years. The diffuser display shows a change reminder at that interval. In homes near busy roads, with pets or following renovation, filters may load more quickly, so it is sensible to inspect sooner and replace if airflow seems reduced or the media appear clogged. To change filters, isolate power at the local spur, ensure safe loft access, remove the retainers, slide the old elements off, wipe the intake stubs with a clean, dry cloth, fit genuine Drimaster replacements fully home, refit retainers and restore power. Do not wash or blow out used filters, as this can damage the media and reduce performance.

Q) What simple troubleshooting steps should I try if the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC seems less effective?

A) Start with the easy checks. Lightly vacuum or brush the diffuser face to remove surface dust. In the loft, confirm the duct has not kinked, collapsed or come loose at either spigot, and that clamps remain tight. Make sure insulation is not pressed against the fan casing or the external filters and that the filter media are not visibly loaded. If airflow at the diffuser still feels weak, renewing the filters often restores performance. If the unit appears to pause in very hot weather, this can be normal, as the adaptive logic avoids introducing excessive loft heat. Unusual noises typically indicate contact with a timber, loose fixings or a flapping duct. Re hanging the unit so it is free swinging and restoring a smooth, airtight duct route returns quiet operation. If power is present but the fan will not run, consult your electrician or supplier.

Q) What are the main limitations of the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC and when might it not be appropriate?

A) The ECO-LINK-HC requires an accessible loft that is suitable as a source of supply air and has space to hang the unit with clear access to both external filters. It is a supply system and must not be ducted outdoors or into a sealed void. It does not replace local extraction in wet rooms, which should remain in use. PIV cannot solve problems caused by liquid water ingress, plumbing leaks or severe fabric defects, which need direct repair. Flats without lofts, or properties where loft air cannot be kept clean, will need a different ventilation specification. Where a home is exceptionally airtight or has unusual internal layouts, the commissioning speed and door undercuts may need closer attention so the supply can move freely. In all cases, good installation practice and sensible ventilation habits are important to achieve the intended results.

Q) Can the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC improve indoor air quality beyond moisture control?

A) Yes. While the primary target is moisture management and the prevention of condensation related mould, the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC also improves general air quality by providing a constant, filtered background supply that dilutes indoor pollutants from cooking, cleaning products, furnishings and occupancy. This gentle renewal reduces stale odours and can make homes feel fresher, particularly where windows are opened less often during colder months. Optional accessories enhance this effect by responding to real conditions. A CO₂ sensor boosts airflow when occupancy is high and the air is stuffy, while a humidity sensor increases ventilation when moisture rises outside of normal extract periods. Together these features provide a consistent baseline of fresh air with on demand response during busier times, supporting a healthier indoor environment with minimal user effort.

Q) How suitable is the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC for retrofit projects and what disruption should I expect?

A) The ECO-LINK-HC has been designed with retrofit in mind. Installation is typically completed from the loft through a single circular ceiling opening for the diffuser, so there is no need to run extract ductwork to external walls. The fan hangs from roof timbers, connects to the diffuser with a short length of duct and is powered from a nearby isolator installed by a qualified electrician. Aside from brief cutting and fixing on the landing ceiling, disruption is minimal and internal finishes remain largely untouched. Commissioning is carried out at the diffuser, and any optional wireless accessories can be paired from the hallway without entering the loft. For most occupied homes, the job is quick, tidy and avoids relocation of services, which is why PIV is popular as a low disruption route to better moisture control and everyday air quality.

Q) What warranty and aftercare support does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC include?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC is supplied with a seven year warranty that typically comprises one year parts and labour followed by six years parts, provided the unit is installed and maintained in line with guidance. This level of cover reflects the low stress, continuous duty design and robust build quality of the fan and diffuser controls. Recording the installation date, chosen speed and any linked accessories helps future service. The long life filters, the five year change reminder and easy access at the diffuser simplify routine care. If assistance is needed, the product is supported through established trade networks for specification, spares and aftercare. In normal use most households simply keep the grille clean, leave the settings as commissioned and plan for filter renewal at the recommended interval to preserve performance and warranty confidence.

Q) What everyday habits help the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC deliver the best possible results?

A) Leave the airflow setting as commissioned, keep the ceiling diffuser clear of obstruction and lightly clean the grille during routine housekeeping. Keep internal doors ajar where practical so the gentle supply can migrate into rooms, and maintain door undercuts to aid movement. Use kitchen and bathroom extracts during and after moisture producing activities, and leave trickle vents open to support a steady through movement. Heat the home steadily in colder weather to maintain surface temperatures. If you have paired the two way boost switch, use it during busy periods for a short uplift, and let the CO₂ or humidity sensor manage automatic boosts when conditions demand. Replace both external filters at the recommended interval, sooner in dusty homes. These simple practices, together with the ECO-LINK-HC, provide reliable control of condensation and a consistent improvement in indoor air quality.

Q) How should I position and power the optional sensors and two way boost switch for reliable operation with the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC?

A) Place a CO₂ sensor at typical breathing height in a regularly occupied space such as a living room or landing, away from open windows, cooker hoods and direct sunlight that can skew readings. It requires a permanent mains supply, so a qualified electrician should provide this safely. A relative humidity sensor should sit where it samples representative household air, not in a bathroom and not directly under the diffuser stream, so that it reacts to genuine moisture build up rather than the supply. The two way boost switch belongs where it is convenient to reach, for example near the diffuser on the landing. Avoid mounting wireless devices directly on large metal surfaces, which can attenuate signals, and try to keep a clear path to the diffuser. After pairing, test each accessory end to end so you know the system responds correctly when needed.

Nuaire Drimaster DRI-ECO-LINK-HC User Guide

Nuaire Drimaster DRI-ECO-LINK-HC Consultants Specification

Nuaire Drimaster DRI-ECO-LINK-HC Installation & Maintenance

Nuaire Drimaster DRI-ECO-LINK-HC Product Information

PIV House Builder Catalogue

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