AUREN Surveillance Mode is an operating setting where the unit remains in standby with its front panel closed, actively monitoring humidity and twilight levels. It initiates extraction only when the humidity surpasses a pre-set threshold, offering efficient, demand-controlled ventilation, especially beneficial for addressing condensation and mould issues in British homes.

The AUREN 160 Single-Room Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit, a crucial component in modern British homes striving for optimal indoor air quality, offers several operating modes to suit varying needs. Among these, Surveillance Mode stands out as a particularly intelligent and energy-efficient option. This mode leverages advanced sensor technology to ensure effective ventilation precisely when it's needed, thereby preventing issues such as dampness and mould growth that are unfortunately common in many UK properties.

Understanding the Core Functionality

At its heart, Surveillance Mode is about smart, responsive ventilation. Unlike continuous operation modes, the AUREN unit in Surveillance Mode primarily functions in a stand-by state. Its front panel remains closed, ensuring minimal visual intrusion and conserving energy when conditions do not necessitate active ventilation. This intelligent design makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms or living areas where constant airflow might not always be desired, yet the underlying need for healthy air remains paramount.

Central to Surveillance Mode's effectiveness are its integrated sensors: the humidity sensor and the twilight sensor. These sensors constantly monitor the indoor environment, acting as the unit's eyes and ears. The humidity sensor detects the moisture levels in the room, a critical factor in preventing condensation and subsequent mould growth. The twilight sensor, conversely, helps the unit differentiate between daytime and nighttime conditions, allowing for nuanced operational adjustments. This dual-sensor approach ensures that the AUREN unit responds intelligently to real-time environmental changes, optimising performance and energy use.

How Surveillance Mode Operates

When you activate Surveillance Mode on your AUREN unit, typically by cycling through the 'MODE' button on the remote control until the specific icon appears on the display, the unit shifts into its watchful state. The display icon for Surveillance Mode serves as a clear visual confirmation of the activated setting.

The true intelligence of Surveillance Mode becomes apparent when humidity levels rise. The unit's Master unit, which is the central command hub in a multi-unit system, continuously monitors the room's humidity. You can set a desired humidity threshold – commonly 40%, 60%, or 90% – to tailor the unit's response to your specific needs and the typical humidity levels in your home. It's important to note that these thresholds are based on controlled climate chamber tests at a constant temperature of 20°C, and actual performance can be influenced by broader environmental and atmospheric factors.

When the Master unit detects that the humidity in the room has exceeded the selected threshold, the unit springs into action. It transitions from its passive standby state to active extraction mode. The unit expels humid, stale air from the room, effectively reducing moisture levels and mitigating the risk of condensation and mould. This targeted approach means the unit only ventilates when necessary, saving energy compared to continuous operation.

Day vs. Night Operation in Surveillance Mode

The twilight sensor plays a significant role in how Surveillance Mode operates, allowing for differentiated responses based on the time of day. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency.

During daytime humidity alarm conditions, if the humidity exceeds the set threshold, the units will operate at a medium extraction speed. This provides robust ventilation to quickly tackle elevated moisture levels during periods when occupants are typically active and higher fan speeds are less likely to cause disturbance.

Conversely, during nighttime humidity alarm conditions, when the humidity threshold is crossed, the units operate at a quieter "night-speed extraction". This reduced speed ensures that the necessary ventilation occurs without generating excessive noise, thereby promoting a more peaceful sleeping environment. This thoughtful design caters to the different requirements of a home throughout a 24-hour cycle.

Benefits for UK Homes

For homeowners across the UK, Surveillance Mode offers several compelling advantages:

• Effective Condensation and Mould Prevention: Damp and mould are persistent problems in many older and even some newer British properties. By actively monitoring and extracting excess humidity, Surveillance Mode directly combats the primary causes of these issues, leading to a healthier indoor environment.

• Energy Efficiency: Operating only when triggered by elevated humidity levels, the unit avoids unnecessary continuous running. This demand-controlled ventilation minimises electricity consumption, which is a significant consideration given rising energy costs in the UK.

• Quiet Operation: The ability to operate at a quieter "night speed" during nocturnal humidity alarms ensures that the ventilation system does not disrupt sleep, making it highly suitable for bedrooms.

• Automated Convenience: Users do not need to manually monitor humidity or switch the unit on and off. Surveillance Mode automates the process, providing peace of mind and consistent air quality without constant user intervention.

• Targeted Ventilation: By focusing ventilation efforts on periods of high humidity, the system effectively tackles specific problem areas without over-ventilating when it's not required.

Setting Up and Managing Surveillance Mode

Activating Surveillance Mode is straightforward using the AUREN remote control. Press the 'MODE' (M) button repeatedly until the specific Surveillance Mode icon appears on the display. Once in this mode, you can then use the 'HUMIDITY' (H) button to select your desired humidity threshold from the available options: 40%, 60%, or 90%. This flexibility allows you to fine-tune the system's responsiveness to your home's unique characteristics and your personal preferences.

It's worth noting that if you have a multi-unit Master-Slave system, only the Master unit will receive commands from the remote control and then relay them to the connected Slave units. Furthermore, the humidity and twilight sensors will detect values from this primary Master unit, which then dictates the operational response for the entire system.

In essence, Surveillance Mode transforms the AUREN unit from a simple fan into an intelligent air quality guardian. It constantly watches, waits, and acts precisely when needed, offering a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution for maintaining healthy, comfortable living spaces in homes throughout the United Kingdom.

Embrace the AUREN Surveillance Mode for intelligent, energy-efficient ventilation that proactively tackles humidity and enhances your home's air quality.