As energy costs continue their steady upward climb (along with prices for everything else!), savvy consumers are always on the lookout for ways to reduce the burden on their bank accounts.
We all have to continue living and dealing with everyday problems, but there's a real need for cost-effective solutions to reduce expenditure as much as possible.
One such problem, and one that affects thousands of people, is the issue of excessive moisture and condensation in the home, often leading to the spread of black mould on walls and ceilings. This not only spoils the aesthetics of your living space, but it can also damage the fabric of your building, as well as your health.
So, you need a way to fix this quickly and improve your indoor air quality without breaking the bank, and that's where the PIV Team can help you by fitting a Positive Input Ventilation unit.
Positive Input Ventilation systems are a tried and tested means of combating mould and condensation, with a proven track record of success, and they are one of the most cost-effective solutions available.
Invented back in the 1970s to eradicate condensation in existing properties, this method has become very popular recently due to its reasonable price and effectiveness.
For most customers, these marvellous machines will pay for themselves within a few months. That is, most people will recover the initial costs of installation through energy savings. In addition, they will reduce the risk of having to pay out for fixing damage caused by mould and damp. And we shouldn't forget the enormous benefits to your health and well-being that can never be measured in monetary terms!
However, if you've got your eye on a PIV unit, you may have already weighed all of this up, but the big question is how much does a PIV unit cost to run? It's all very well installing one, but if it's going to cost the earth to operate it, a PIV system isn't going to be a wise investment!
Well, here's a 'spoiler alert' from the PIV Team before we go any further: the average running costs for a Positive Input Ventilation system are surprisingly low!
We'll need to split the subject into two sections, as there are two different types of PIV systems: heated units and non-heated.
This is the standard type that most people opt for, as it's a reasonably priced and highly effective solution.
Non-heated PIV systems, as the name suggests, don't have any heating elements as they rely on the natural temperature of the incoming air. This simplicity translates into significant cost savings compared to other ventilation systems, such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).
The primary running cost of a non-heated PIV system comes from the electricity consumption of the fan motor. This consumption is typically very low, with modern units consuming as little as 5 watts of power.
To put it into perspective, that's about the same amount of electricity as your phone charger!
On the whole, the average PIV unit costs a few pence daily, even when running for 24 hours. Most will be between 2p and 4p a day, so, assuming an average electricity tariff of 35p per kilowatt-hour, a non-heated PIV system would cost approximately £15 per year to run if left on permanently.
However, the actual running costs will depend on the size and wattage of the PIV unit, the unit rate that your energy provider charges, how long the system is operating each day, and what speed setting is used. Also, a larger premise will require a bigger PIV system, resulting in a higher running cost.
Even so, you're looking at a significantly lower figure than you'd get with most other methods, and well under £100 a year!
These are almost identical to the non-heated unit, but they have one major difference in that they pre-heat the air before blowing it through the property.
While you might think that it wouldn't have much impact on the running cost, some models are 500w, ten times the size of their non-heated counterparts!
And that translates into a significant increase in the energy consumption and, therefore, the cost to run them.
For example, running a 500w for only four hours per day (assuming the same rate of 35p per kilowatt hour) brings a running cost of around 70p per day, or £306 per year.
That hints at a potential running cost of well over £1,000 if the heated unit is left on all day and night, which isn't an attractive proposition for most consumers!
However, before you throw your hands up in horror and reject the idea of a heated unit altogether, bear in mind that the heater function isn't always needed. Also, all good models have a summer bypass switch that automatically switches off the heater when the temperature rises above a preset level.
The key is to choose a model that suits the size of your home and to only use the heater setting when necessary. Always seek advice on this to make sure you get the perfect size to suit your property - don't hesitate to ask the PIV Team for help!
Incidentally, a PIV unit is often a better option than air conditioning, especially in terms of running cost, and you don't always want cold air blowing through the house!
As well as the running cost, we need to consider all other aspects and expenses involved if we want an accurate and honest assessment:
Filters typically cost between £20 and £45.
PIV units pull in air from outside and filter out pollutants before pushing fresh filtered air around your house. This means that the filters eventually pick up dust and dirt and will need replacing periodically.
Ideally, if pollution isn't too high in your region, you can get away with replacing the filters every five years, although you should vacuum and clean them thoroughly every three to six months for optimum results.
Aside from this, PIV systems are low maintenance, so there are a few other costs to consider. However, periodic inspection and maintenance will extend their life and make the investment even more worthwhile.
The PIV Team is happy to maintain your unit for you and ensure that it is running smoothly. The cost will vary according to the size of the job and the type of PIV unit.
Average installation costs are around
Professional installation is a must. While it might be more expensive than a DIY job, it's the best way of making sure your PIV unit runs perfectly and offers maximum benefits. The actual components are fairly uncomplicated in design, but they require expertise to fit and set up properly.
PIV units are typically fitted in the loft space or on an external wall (if the property is a flat or apartment). Installation also sometimes involves placing duct runs in the property - these are not extensive and are usually unobtrusive, so they won't spoil the look of your home. Still, they also need to be fitted correctly.
Explore further: PIV Unit Installation Cost
Depending on the size and type of unit, you're looking at an average cost between £300 and £600. Always discuss this with an expert to ensure that you get the best one for your space. If you buy one that's not adequate for the size of the house, there's a good chance that it will be ineffective, and your investment will be in vain.
While we've looked at the cost to run PIV units, along with installation and maintenance, now would be a good time to highlight the amazing work they do.
It's possible that you're already aware, but, just for those who don't, here's a quick guide to PIV units:
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems are whole-house ventilation systems that introduce filtered air at a continuous rate into a home while displacing stale, humid air through natural openings in the building envelope. This creates a slightly positive pressure* inside the home, which helps to prevent moisture ingress and improve indoor air quality.
*As opposed to extractor fans that provide negative pressure
Uncover more: How Does A PIV Unit Work
A PIV unit typically draws air from outside through a roof-mounted intake vent.
The incoming air passes through a series of filters to remove dust mite allergens, pollen, and other pollutants.
The filtered air is gently diffused into the home through a network of ducts. This ensures that fresh air is distributed evenly throughout the living spaces.
The slightly positive pressure inside the home forces stale air out through natural openings, such as gaps around windows and doors, or trickle vents specifically designed for this purpose.
By preventing moisture build-up and excessive humidity, PIV systems help to reduce the risk of condensation and mould growth. This can improve the overall health and comfort of the home's occupants.
The slight positive pressure maintained by PIV systems helps to safeguard against outside air infiltrating the home during heavy storms or high winds.
Find out more: Health Benefits Of PIV Units
When you consider everything, including the cost of professional installation, running costs, and the huge benefits that PIV units offer, it's clear that they offer an excellent solution for almost everyone.
With this in mind, the PIV Team can help you to find the right Positive Input Ventilation unit for your property and get rid of condensation, excess humidity, and black mould for good, without putting your budget under too much strain.