If you are fed up with damp or find yourself fighting a losing battle with mould, installing Positive Input Ventilation could be the solution that you so badly need. In this series, we take a look at what PIV is, how it works, and whether it could be right for your home.
The first Positive Input Ventilation system was developed in the early ‘70s to address ventilation problems for existing properties. The fact that they are easy to install with limited disruption made them a convenient way to tackle condensation, mould and damp.
But what exactly is Positive Input Ventilation?
Positive Input Ventilation provides a continuous source of fresh, filtered air into the house which then forces stale air out. A PIV consists of a unit, which is installed in the loft of a house and which links to a distribution diffuser in the ceiling of the room below. The slight positive pressure that the PIV supplies continuously means that the air throughout the property is constantly moved and diluted, which results in better indoor air quality.
Is PIV the same as an extractor fan?
An extractor fan that you might find in a bathroom is great at removing humid air and reducing condensation caused by using hot water and appliances. However, an extractor fan doesn’t influence how that air is replaced. A PIV controls the airflow IN to a property, filtering air from outside and circulating it inside the house, to replace the humid air.
Can PIV help with allergies?
Positive Input Ventilation doesn’t just help with preventing condensation, it can reduce allergies too. Because it filters the air that is circulated, it can reduce the concentration of allergens, such as pollen, within the home.
Is a PIV as good as an MVHR system?
MVHR, or Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, is effective in preventing damp issues and improving ventilation and air quality in a home. However it requires ducting, which can’t easily be installed in an existing property. Unlike MVHR, PIV is easy to retrofit in almost any property.
Is PIV cost effective?
A PIV system costs around £700-£1,000, including installation. As always, there are a range of models available and there are higher budget ones which offer better performance – and vice versa. Once a PIV is installed, it costs a few pence a day to run; a relatively small amount in comparison to the improvement in air quality and reduction in damp and mould.
At Trust A Trader, we understand that fighting damp can seem like a constantly losing battle. Installing a PIV system could be the solution that you have been looking for all along. Next week, we will take a look at the process of installing a PIV system, as well as its pros and cons.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more information, or get in touch with a builder or handyman to find out more about getting a PIV system installed.