At PIV Team, we can't stop talking about how great PIV units are, which is no surprise, as we are professional PIV installers in Nottingham!
Our enthusiasm is based on knowledge and experience gained over many years, and we are keen to share the health benefits of PIV systems with as many consumers in Nottingham as possible, as we firmly believe that they are a worthwhile investment.
In keeping with this ethos, and as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering a first-class service to our customers, we've packed together as many aspects as we can think of regarding PIV units and their advantages. This will hopefully provide all the information you need in order to discover whether PIV is the way forward for you, and it will also serve to illustrate what we do as a company.
Whatever your level of knowledge regarding PIV, we've kept this simple so that it's easy for everyone to understand – as experts in the field, we can sometimes become too technical! However, we'll keep things on a basic level to make it easier to digest.
So, let's get started and see what we can discover...
A PIV unit operates as a continuous ventilation system, incorporating a fan that draws fresh, filtered air from outside. This incoming air eventually replaces stale, moisture-laden air within the property, maintaining balanced air pressure and preventing moisture from accumulating - No more streaming windows!
We covered this in full detail in our article entitled “What is a PIV unit?”
PIV installers (like PIV Team) are specialists equipped with the expertise to handle PIV system installation in homes in Nottingham. These professionals ensure efficient PIV installation, strategically positioning the unit to optimise airflow and address issues related to poor indoor air quality, condensation problems, and dampness.
We usually install these units in a loft space, as that's the best location for optimum performance throughout the entire building. However, wall-mounted alternatives are available, usually for flats, apartments and buildings that don't have a loft area.
We also need to install duct runs for the air to flow through, but this isn't usually obtrusive, and we create as little disruption and disturbance to the fabric of the building as possible.
PIV stands for Positive Input Ventilation unit.
The 'positive' part comes from the fact that this system draws air in from outside and pushes it through the building via ducting, creating a slightly positive air pressure inside the property. The constant flow of air moves throughout the building, forcing out humid air through gaps in the fabric.
This is the exact opposite of extractor fans, which pull air from the room to create negative pressure.
Did you know that on average, a typical household generates up to 18 liters of moisture daily? This excess moisture creates an ideal environment for mold growth. Everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and even breathing release water vapors into the air, leading to mold and condensation issues.
Keep outdoor pollutants at bay, ensuring your indoor air is clean and fresh.
PIV systems effectively filter and reduce allergens, creating a healthier home environment.
Those with asthma can breathe easier with improved air quality provided by PIV systems.
Maintain high-quality indoor air, free from pollutants and contaminants.
Combat mold growth effectively, safeguarding your home and health.
Bid farewell to condensation issues as PIV systems manage excess moisture.
A positive input ventilation (PIV) unit is a whole-house ventilation system that improves indoor air quality by continuously supplying fresh, filtered air into your home.
So how does a PIV unit work? A PIV unit works by gently introducing filtered air into your home, which creates a slight positive pressure. This pressure forces stale air out of your home through natural leakage points and trickle vents in the building.
Following PIV unit installation, improvements in air quality can be noticed almost immediately. However, noticeable effects like reduced condensation on windows, walls, and ceilings typically become evident within 24 to 48 hours as the system establishes consistent airflow patterns.
In some cases, this will take longer, especially in much larger properties, and although the system will be working perfectly well, you may not notice the difference for a week or two.
Also, the time of year and the outside temperature may play a part in this.
We covered this in full detail in our article entitled “how long does a PIV unit take to work?”.
The PIV Team fitters will advise you on the finer points and what to expect when installing your system.
Operational costs for a Positive Input Ventilation system will vary based on factors like the specific model, electricity prices, and usage patterns. Generally, these units are designed to be energy-efficient, resulting in lower running costs compared to other ventilation systems, contributing to long-term cost savings.
However, the most up-to-date information suggests that the average cost for running a PIV system is between 1p and 2p per day! This is much cheaper than other options, like mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
Again, we will provide all the relevant information when you book your installation with the Nottingham PIV Team.
With PIV Installers, you're in safe hands. Our team has over a decade of experience in PIV installation. PIV systems can significantly enhance your home's indoor air quality, combating condensation, dampness, and mold while promoting your overall well-being.
Benefit from our 10 years of experience in PIV installation, ensuring a seamless and reliable service.
Enjoy peace of mind with warranties ranging from 5 to 7 years, depending on the unit you select.
Our team consists of qualified professionals dedicated to delivering top-quality service.
We're here to assist whenever you need us, providing ongoing support and assistance.
A well-installed PIV unit should not significantly lower the indoor temperature. However, if a noticeable drop in temperature occurs, it may indicate issues with the unit's settings, airflow, or installation quality, necessitating professional assessment and potential adjustments.
In some cases, the unit will push cold air around, making the building feel cooler than normal.
To avoid this, it's always best to get Positive Input Ventilation systems fitted by professionals, like the brilliant team at PIV Team, as this will ensure that it runs perfectly. You'll also have a handy source of help and support should anything go wrong.
Also, some types of houses are better suited to other methods, and we will always recommend the most appropriate technology for your property.
We covered this in full detail in our article entitled “PIV unit making house cold”.
Effectively getting rid of a condensation problem requires maintaining proper airflow and moisture control. PIV units play an essential role in creating balanced airflow, reducing moisture build-up, and effectively managing condensation-prone areas.
In our experience, a PIV unit is one of the best methods of eliminating condensation if it is installed and operated correctly within a suitable property.
Please contact us for more guidance on this matter, and we'll suggest the ideal method for you if a Positive Input Ventilation unit is not the right path.
A musty odour often signals the presence of mould or mildew resulting from excess moisture. Damp plaster has a distinctive smell, and running condensation invariably ends up on carpets or soaking into woodwork. We covered this in more detail in our article “why does my house smell musty?”
By addressing underlying moisture sources and improving ventilation, the musty smell can be eradicated, but it's vital to address the underlying cause.
PIV is an excellent remedy, although it may take a while for the unpleasant odours to dissipate.
PIV units are very low maintenance. The only regular maintenance required is to clean the filters every few months and change them every 6-12 months. Other than this, it doesn't require much in the way of maintenance as there are few moving parts.
PIV units are designed to last for many years; the average guarantee of a PIV unit is 10-15 years, although most will last twice as long.
PIV units are suitable for most homes, including new builds and older properties. However, they are not suitable for homes with very high levels of outdoor air pollution or 'green' homes that are extremely airtight.
While they're not very complicated systems, they do need to be installed correctly, so it's advisable to use a professional company, like PIV Team. Also, you need to make sure you comply with building regulations.
