Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 (Heated PIV Unit for Flats & Apartments)

Health & Safety Considerations

Confirm safe access, stable footing and good lighting before you begin. Wear eye protection and a dust mask when drilling the external wall, and gloves when handling sharp metal grilles or ducts.

Treat concealed services as live until proven otherwise and use a detector to check for hidden cables and pipes. Do not core-drill near gas flues, boiler terminals or extractor outlets. Keep the unit and ductwork clear of heat sources and do not obstruct any fire barriers.

Work methodically, keep the area tidy, and avoid working alone in hot or very cold conditions. Electrical work must be completed via a suitably rated isolator by a qualified electrician.

Site Preparation

Choose a location on or close to an external wall where the unit can draw outside air through a short, direct duct. The usual position for the internal supply grille is high on a central hallway wall, aimed to throw air along the ceiling for even mixing and to avoid draughts.

Confirm there is enough space for the casing, for the intake duct to pass through the external wall, and for the supply grille to be oriented correctly. Decide whether you will use 100mm circular duct or 121×60mm rectangular duct and confirm that the wall can accommodate the required core hole or slot.

Plan the route for the mains spur and discuss the cable run with your electrician. Decide which handed version of the unit you have, 2000L or 2000R, so the discharge direction suits the layout and keeps duct runs short.

Limitations And Good Practice

Flatmaster 2000 supplies filtered outside air into the dwelling at low, continuous rates. It is not an extract system and must not be connected to bathroom or kitchen extract ducting. Keep the intake duct as short and straight as possible, seal every joint airtight, and set a slight fall towards the exterior so any incidental moisture drains outwards.

Fit a weather-protected external cowl with insect mesh and seal it to the wall to prevent water ingress. Do not mount the unit where furniture will block the supply path. Leave a small clearance around the casing so the cover can be removed for filter changes. If you intend to use the supplied remote boost switch, agree the position and wiring with your electrician before fixing the unit.

Step-By-Step Installation

1. Make The Area Safe: Isolate any circuits you may encounter, verify the drilling zone is free of services using a detector, and mark out the unit footprint and the intake duct position on the external wall.
   
   

2. Core-drill The Intake Opening: Drill a clean 100mm hole for circular duct, or cut an opening for 121×60mm rectangular duct, aiming for the shortest practicable route straight through the wall. Angle the hole very slightly to the exterior to encourage any incidental moisture to drain outwards. Deburr and clean the opening.
   
   

3. Fit The External Grille Or Cowl: From outside, offer up the weather cowl with insect mesh, mark fixings, drill and plug as required, then seal the back face with a continuous bead of suitable exterior sealant. Fix the cowl square and tight to the wall to prevent water ingress.
   
   

4. Insert And Seal the Duct Sleeve: Cut the duct to length so it is flush or just proud inside, and fully home within the external cowl spigot outside. Seal around the sleeve both inside and out so there are no air leaks. Avoid crushing the duct and keep the bore clear.
   
   

5. Mount The Unit On The Internal Wall: Offer the backplate to the wall, check it is level, mark and drill fixings, then secure with appropriate plugs and screws for the substrate. Leave enough clearance to remove the front cover for maintenance.
   
   

6. Connect The Intake Duct: Push the internal end of the sleeve fully onto the unit’s intake spigot and secure it airtight with the supplied clamp or a suitable band. Check that the joint is fully seated and that there are no gaps.
   
   

7. Fit The Internal Supply Grille: Position the grille high on the wall, aligned with the unit outlet, and secure it so that the louvres throw air along the ceiling rather than directly at occupants. Adjust the louvre angle to encourage mixing without draughts.
   
   

8. Provide The Power Point And Connect: Fix the local isolator and any control module position agreed during preparation. Your qualified electrician should now complete the fixed wiring, connect the unit, and wire the supplied boost switch in the chosen location. Do not energise until all covers are in place.
   
   

9. Commission The Airflow And Heater: With power restored, set the background fan speed to suit the property size and moisture load. Enable the integral comfort heater if required and set the thermostat to a sensible comfort level. Check for a gentle, even discharge from the supply grille and verify that the external cowl is secure and unobstructed. Press the boost switch to confirm that airflow increases and then returns to the background setting.
   
   

10. Finish Neatly: Seal around penetrations where needed, tidy the work area, and label the local isolator clearly. Provide any touch-up decoration around the grille and ensure the external cowl sealant is dressed for weathering.

Handover And Everyday Use

Flatmaster 2000 runs continuously in the background to dilute indoor humidity and everyday pollutants. Day-to-day adjustment is not required once the background speed has been set.

For best results, do not block the internal supply grille, keep internal doors ajar where practical to aid circulation, and continue to use bathroom and kitchen extracts in the normal way. Use the boost switch for short periods when you need a temporary increase in airflow, for example after showers or during intensive cooking.

Maintenance And Replacement Filters

Keep the internal supply grille free from dust with a light vacuum or soft brush during routine cleaning. Replace the Flatmaster 2000 Filter at the recommended annual interval to maintain airflow, energy efficiency and hygiene.

To replace the filter, isolate power at the local spur, remove the front cover, withdraw the used filter, wipe the internal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth, fit the new Replacement Filter fully home, refit the cover, and restore power.

Do not wash or blow out the used filter, this can damage the media and reduce performance. Periodically check the external cowl and insect mesh and clear any debris such as leaves or lint.

Troubleshooting

If airflow feels weak, first clean the internal grille, then check that the external cowl and mesh are not blocked and that the intake duct is not crushed or loose at either joint.

If condensation or a musty smell returns, the usual causes are a clogged filter, an obstructed cowl, or the fan set too low. Replace the filter, clear obstructions and increase the speed slightly, then allow several days for the indoor environment to stabilise.

If unusual vibration or noise is heard, confirm that the unit is firmly fixed to the wall, that no cable or duct is touching the fan, and that the grille louvres are not whistling due to being fully closed. Rattles are commonly caused by loose screws or a poorly seated cover.

If the heater does not seem to warm the supply air in cold weather, check that the heater function is enabled and that the thermostat is not set too low.

If the unit will not run, check the local isolator and protective fuse, then ask your electrician to verify the supply.

Aftercare And Best Results

Leave the background speed as commissioned, plan for an annual replacement filter, and keep both the internal grille and the external cowl clean. Pair the system with sensible ventilation habits.

Use kitchen and bathroom extracts during moisture-producing activities, keep trickle vents open where fitted, and heat the home steadily in colder weather. These simple practices, together with the Flatmaster 2000, provide reliable control of condensation and a consistent improvement in indoor air quality for properties without a loft space.

Q) What is the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 and how does it control condensation in homes without a loft?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 is a compact, wall-mounted Positive Input Ventilation system for properties that do not have a usable loft. It draws fresh air from outside through a weather-protected cowl, filters it within the unit, then supplies it gently into a central area such as a hallway at a continuous low rate. This creates a slight positive pressure that encourages moist, stale indoor air to drift out via natural leakage paths and existing extracts. By steadily diluting humidity from cooking, bathing and occupancy, surface temperatures are less likely to reach dew point, so window streaming, damp corners and black mould are reduced. The constant, filtered background supply also helps to dilute everyday odours and pollutants, leaving the dwelling fresher. Because airflow is low and continuous, the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 works quietly in the background with modest energy use and minimal day-to-day intervention.

Q) How does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 differ from the standard Flatmaster and other PIV units?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 builds on the proven wall-mounted Flatmaster concept by adding a thermostatically controlled integral comfort heater and an included remote boost switch as standard. It retains the through-wall supply approach that suits flats, apartments and basements, but introduces temperature tempering in colder weather for added comfort at the point of supply. It is offered in two handed versions, 2000L and 2000R, which simplify neat duct routing in tight spaces. Compared with loft-mounted PIV units that draw from a loft void, the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 always sources air directly from outside and therefore requires careful siting of the external cowl. Commissioning remains simple with selectable speeds matched to property size and moisture load, and routine care focuses on keeping the grille clear and renewing the filter at the recommended interval to preserve airflow and hygiene.

Q) Which homes suit the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 and when is it the right choice?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 is intended for dwellings that lack a loft route for supply air yet suffer from condensation and musty odours, for example flats, apartments, maisonettes and basements. It is also useful in conversions where a loft-mounted unit cannot be fitted or a roof penetration is undesirable. Because it provides a continuous, filtered through-wall supply, it suits properties where a central hallway grille can throw air along the ceiling and where short, direct intake ducting is possible. Landlords value it in managed stock for predictable maintenance and the included boost control, while owners appreciate set-and-forget operation. As with any background system, it works best alongside good habits such as using kitchen and bathroom extracts, keeping trickle vents open and heating steadily in colder months to complement the gentle, continuous dilution it provides.

Q) How does the handed option on the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 work and which should I choose?

A) The model is available as 2000L and 2000R, which designate the direction the unit discharges air when viewed from the front of the casing. Flatmaster 2000L discharges to the left, and Flatmaster 2000R discharges to the right. Choosing the correct handed version lets you minimise bends and keep the intake and supply runs short and tidy, which improves airflow and reduces noise. In practice, you select the version that best aligns the internal outlet with your preferred grille position while allowing the outside intake to pass directly through the wall. During planning, sketch the wall layout, the external cowl position and the desired hallway grille location, then confirm which discharge side gives the straightest, cleanest route. Correct handing saves installation time, aids commissioning and helps the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 operate efficiently and unobtrusively.

Q) Where should I install the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 and how should the internal grille be oriented?

A) Mount the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 on or close to an external wall so it can draw outside air through a short, direct intake sleeve. Fit the internal supply grille high on a central hallway wall and orient its louvres to throw air along the ceiling plane, not directly at people. This promotes quiet mixing and avoids draughts while allowing the gentle flow to migrate into rooms through door undercuts or slightly ajar doors. Leave clearance around the grille and casing so covers can be removed for filter changes. Keep the intake route short and airtight, and avoid siting the external cowl near flues, exhausts or local pollution sources. A little forethought about grille position and louvre angle delivers a discreet, even supply pattern that supports whole-home performance at the lowest practical speed.

Q) What duct sizes and through-wall details does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 support?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 accepts either 100 mm circular duct or 121 × 60 mm rectangular duct, giving flexibility for different wall types and internal space constraints. Best practice is a short, straight intake sleeve through the external wall, cut cleanly and sealed airtight both inside and out. Set a slight fall towards the exterior so any incidental moisture drains outwards. Externally, fit a robust weather cowl with insect mesh and seal it square to the wall to prevent water ingress and air leaks. Internally, push the sleeve fully onto the intake spigot and secure it with the supplied clamp or a suitable band. Good workmanship at these junctions reduces pressure loss, preserves quiet operation and helps the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 maintain steady, energy-efficient airflow over its service life.

Q) How quiet is the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 in everyday use and what influences noise?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 is designed to provide unobtrusive background ventilation. Low, continuous airflow and correct grille orientation along the ceiling keep discharge noise soft and even. Installation quality is the largest influence on perceived sound. Short, straight duct runs reduce air noise, and fully airtight joints prevent whistling. Avoid fully closing grille louvres, which can create hiss, and ensure the external cowl is firmly fixed and sealed to prevent vibration. Because the unit includes an integral heater, siting the internal grille away from obstructions helps maintain smooth flow when heating is active. If any unusual sound appears, it usually points to a loose fixing, a poorly seated cover, a partially obstructed intake or louvres set too aggressively, all of which can be corrected quickly.

Q) How does the integral heater in the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 operate and when should I use it?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 incorporates a thermostatically controlled comfort heater, rated up to 300 W, that tempers the incoming airstream in colder weather. When enabled, it energises automatically below the set temperature to add a gentle lift to the supply air, improving perceived comfort while still maintaining background ventilation. There is also a manual override for occasions when immediate warmth at the grille is desirable. Because the heater is at the point of delivery, distribution losses are minimised, and the warmed air spreads along the ceiling to avoid draughts. Use the heater during colder periods while retaining sensible heating and extraction habits elsewhere in the home. In milder conditions, you can disable it and rely on the fan alone. The goal is steady comfort without over-ventilating or creating unnecessary air movement.

Q) What controls does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 include and how does the boost function help?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 provides simple background speed selection during commissioning to match property size and moisture load. A wall-mounted remote boost switch is included, letting occupants temporarily increase airflow during short-term moisture events, for example showering, indoor clothes drying or intensive cooking. Pressing boost raises airflow for a period, then the unit returns to its background setting automatically. This approach keeps day-to-day energy use modest while giving you an on-demand uplift when needed. The heater can be enabled and its thermostat set to a comfortable level so supply air is gently tempered in cold weather. Clear labelling of the isolator and boost switch, together with a quick handover demonstration, ensures occupants can use the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 effectively from day one.

Q) How much does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 cost to run and what are typical figures?

A) Day-to-day running costs are easy to estimate using a typical UK unit rate of about 26 pence per kilowatt-hour. On a low setting at around 8 W, the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 uses roughly 0.19 kWh per day, about 5 pence. At a mid setting around 14 W, consumption is about 0.34 kWh per day, around 9 pence. On a higher setting near 22 W, it is roughly 0.53 kWh per day, about 14 pence. If you use boost at about 72 W, allow an extra 2 pence for each hour of boost. The integral heater is rated up to 300 W and costs about 7.8 pence for each hour it runs. Actual costs vary with your tariff, chosen fan speed and heater use, but the fan alone is comparable to running an LED bulb continuously, with the heater adding a small, on-demand top-up for comfort.

Q) What installation steps are involved when fitting the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000?

A) A typical installation involves confirming a clear, service-free drilling zone, then forming a clean 100 mm core hole or a slot for 121 × 60 mm duct straight through the external wall with a slight outward fall. The external weather cowl with insect mesh is fixed and sealed, the intake sleeve is cut to length and sealed airtight inside and out, and the unit backplate is levelled and secured on the internal wall with adequate clearance for maintenance. The sleeve is pushed fully onto the intake spigot and clamped, and the internal grille is mounted high on a central wall with louvres set to throw air along the ceiling. A qualified electrician provides a local isolator, completes the fixed wiring and connects the included boost switch. The installer sets the background speed and heater thermostat, then verifies smooth, quiet operation before making good.

Q) Can the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 be used in basements or cellars and what should I check first?

A) Yes, the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 is widely used in occupied lower-ground spaces to reduce damp odours and stabilise humidity by supplying a steady flow of filtered outside air. Before installation, confirm that a suitable external wall can accept a short, direct intake sleeve and that the external cowl can be sited away from splash zones, standing water and local pollutants. Ensure the internal grille can be positioned high on a wall to throw air along the ceiling and that furniture will not block the supply path. If the space has structural damp, water ingress or drainage defects, those issues should be addressed in parallel. In many basements, pairing a well-sited Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 with functioning local extraction delivers a noticeable improvement in freshness and helps keep surfaces drier day to day.

Q) How do I commission the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 for best performance in my dwelling?

A) After installation and electrical testing, select the lowest background speed that controls moisture reliably for the property size and occupancy. Stand at the internal grille and confirm a gentle, even discharge along the ceiling, with doors ajar to assist circulation. Enable the comfort heater if desired, set the thermostat to a sensible level for the season and demonstrate the included boost switch. Walk the intake route and check that joints are airtight, the sleeve has a slight outward fall and the external cowl is sealed square to the wall. Finally, label the isolator, record the initial speed and heater settings, and explain simple habits such as using local extracts during moisture peaks. This practical handover ensures the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 delivers quiet, efficient background ventilation from day one.

Q) What routine maintenance does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 require and how do I change the filter?

A) Routine care is simple. Keep the internal grille clean with a light vacuum or soft brush so discharge remains smooth and quiet. Replace the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 filter annually to preserve airflow, energy efficiency and hygiene. To change it, isolate power at the local spur, remove the front cover, withdraw the used element, wipe internal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth, fit the new replacement filter fully home, refit the cover and restore power. Do not wash or blow out the old filter as this damages the media. Periodically check the external cowl and insect mesh for leaves or lint and clear them to maintain a free intake. A quick visual inspection during planned visits keeps the system operating consistently with minimal call-backs.

Q) What practical tips will help me get the best day-to-day results from the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000?

A) Leave the background speed as commissioned and avoid obstructing the internal grille so air can spread along the ceiling. Use bathroom and kitchen extracts during and after moisture-producing activities to remove peaks at source. Keep trickle vents open and maintain door undercuts or leave doors slightly ajar to assist gentle migration into rooms. Heat steadily in colder months to keep surfaces warmer, which complements the background dilution provided by the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000. Use the included boost switch sparingly for short periods when you need extra airflow, for example after showers, then let the unit return to background. Replace the filter annually and glance at the external cowl occasionally to clear any debris. These simple habits deliver reliable, quiet control of condensation with minimal running cost.

Q) What are the main limitations of the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 and when might it not be suitable?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 is a supply-only background system. It must not be connected to bathroom or kitchen extract ducting and it will not remedy liquid water ingress, plumbing leaks or structural damp, which require direct repair. It depends on a suitable external wall location for a weather-protected intake and on an internal grille position that allows free discharge along the ceiling. Avoid siting the intake near boiler flues, exhausts or heavy pollution sources. Do not mount the unit where furniture blocks the supply path or where the cover cannot be removed for filter changes. In unusual layouts or very airtight flats, the commissioned speed and grille orientation may need careful adjustment to achieve free movement of air into rooms without creating perceptible draughts.

Q) How does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 interact with existing extract fans and trickle vents?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 provides the steady, filtered background supply that keeps humidity and indoor pollutants diluted between peak events, while local extract fans remove short-term spikes at source. Keep extract fans in good order and use them during and after bathing and cooking. Leave trickle vents open and maintain door undercuts so the gentle hallway supply can migrate into rooms and older air can drift towards extracts. This combined approach is robust in retrofit projects because it addresses both background and peak loads without high energy use. Together with steady heating in cold weather, it offers a practical route to controlling condensation, reducing mould risk and improving everyday freshness throughout the dwelling.

Q) What troubleshooting steps should I try if the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 seems less effective?

A) Start with simple checks. Lightly vacuum the internal grille and confirm furniture is not blocking the discharge. Inspect the external cowl and insect mesh for debris and clear any leaves or lint. Ensure the intake sleeve is not crushed and that joints remain airtight. If airflow still feels weak or a musty odour returns, the usual causes are a clogged filter, an obstructed cowl or a background speed set too low. Replace the filter, clear the intake and increase speed slightly, then allow several days for conditions to stabilise. If unusual noise or vibration occurs, check the cover is seated, fixings are tight and the louvres are not fully closed. If the heater does not seem to temper the air in cold weather, confirm it is enabled and the thermostat is not set too low. For electrical issues, consult a qualified electrician.

Q) What warranty and independent assurance support the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000?

A) The Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 is backed by a 5-year warranty comprising 1 year parts and labour followed by 4 years parts, reflecting robust construction for continuous background operation. Independent assessment covers performance and design considerations appropriate to this class of through-wall Positive Input Ventilation system. To preserve warranty confidence, install to the manufacturer’s guidance, ensure airtight duct joints and a properly sealed external cowl, and carry out annual filter changes. Keeping a simple record of installation date, commissioned speed, heater setting and filter replacement helps future maintenance. Established trade support networks provide specification advice, replacement filters and aftercare, giving long-term confidence to homeowners and landlords.

Q) What health and safety points should I follow when installing the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000?

A) Always verify the drilling zone is free of hidden services with a detector before coring the wall, and never drill near boiler flues, gas terminals or extract outlets. Wear eye protection, a dust mask and gloves, and keep the work area tidy to avoid slips and trips. Fit the external cowl square and seal it fully to prevent water ingress, cut the intake sleeve cleanly without crushing it, and set a slight outward fall to shed incidental moisture. Provide a suitably rated local isolator and have all electrical work completed and tested by a qualified electrician. Leave clearance around the casing so the cover can be removed for filter changes, label the isolator clearly, and show occupants how to use the boost switch and keep the grille and cowl clean.

Q) How does the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 improve indoor air quality beyond condensation control?

A) In addition to reducing humidity, the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 continuously brings in filtered outside air that dilutes everyday indoor pollutants from cooking, cleaning products, furnishings and occupancy. This gentle renewal reduces stuffiness and odours, stabilises indoor conditions and can make spaces feel fresher where opening windows is impractical due to noise, security or weather. Because operation is continuous at low flow, pollutant peaks are smoothed across the day, complementing the role of local extract fans that handle short bursts. The result is a more consistent indoor environment with improved perceived comfort. When combined with routine housekeeping, functioning extracts and steady heating, the Nuaire Flatmaster 2000 provides a practical, low-disruption route to better air quality in properties without a loft space.

Flatmaster User Guide

Flatmaster 2000 Brochure

Flatmaster 2000 Installation & Maintenance

Flatmaster 2000 Product Information

Flatmaster 2000 Energy Label

PIV House Builder Catalogue

BBA Certificate