If you're battling with black mould and condensation, you might be looking into PIV units as a solution, and you'll have a few questions that need answering.
The Positive Input Ventilation System arrived on the scene in 1972 as a relatively easy way of whole-house ventilation to improve indoor air quality in existing properties, and it has become seriously popular in the last couple of decades as a way of dealing with mould and condensation. Put simply, they replace stale air with fresh, filtered air using positive pressure via a special diffuser mounted in the loft space.
But is it the right choice for you?
Understandably, the cost is likely to be high on your list of questions; you want to know whether it's worth the investment.
The PIV Team firmly believes that a PIV unit is one of the most cost-effective solutions available, but we'll lay out the facts to help you decide this for yourself.
Although we're mostly dealing with the installation cost, there are other factors to consider, and we'll address these in turn:
Check out: How Much Does A PIV Unit Cost To Run
Starting with the units themselves, we can say that they vary drastically: a basic PIV unit can be as little as £300, while a high-end model could run from about £1,000 to £2,000 (although the prices quoted often include installation, so it's sometimes difficult to find an exact price of the actual unit).
That's because there are many different types available, made to suit a range of property types and sizes. Also, you can choose a heated unit, although these aren't often necessary, and they will almost always cost significantly more than the standard units.
Installation costs for a Positive Installation system vary depending on the type of unit and the size and scale of the project. However, it's safe to say that the average PIV installation job costs between £700 and £1,000.
Higher-spec PIV units can be between £2,000 to £4,000, but these are rare and not always necessary, usually involving a heated PIV unit.
Fitting Positive Input Ventilation systems into newer houses is a simpler task, so the cost will be slightly lower, but, as a general rule, you should expect professional installation to cost at least as much as the unit itself, plus a bit extra.
So, what do you get for your money? What does the installation process involve? Check the following breakdown to find out.
The PIV Team will typically follow a set schedule of work that goes something like this:
This always comes as a real surprise to most consumers - the average PIV unit costs between 1p and 2p per day to run! However, some may be a few pence more (about 4p per day), and the cost to run heated PIV units could be as high as 70p per day when only used for four hours.
Still, the running costs of a standard PIV system beat air conditioning and dehumidifiers by a long way, adding to the attraction of the Positive Input Ventilation System. It's also much cheaper than a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR)
On top of this, you'll need to change the air filters at least once every five years, and these generally cost between £20 and £90.
In order to get the whole picture and make an informed decision, we need to understand what a PIV unit is and how it works.
The PIV unit, usually located in your loft space, draws outside air in and filters out impurities. It then sends the filtered air through the duct runs using a low-speed fan, creating positive air pressure* that forces out the stale, moisture-laden air through gaps in the building fabric, trickle vents, windows, etc.
*Extractor fans do the opposite, creating negative pressure by pulling out the air
This is a fantastic way of improving indoor air quality, as a PIV system continuously supplies fresh air that will reduce humidity levels within your home, and the filtered air is clean and healthy.
Even so, some people have concerns that need looking into; here are two of the most commonly asked questions:
To avoid both of these problems, PIV systems should always be installed by professionals, like the PIV Team. We will ensure you get the right unit for your home and select the correct settings for optimum performance. We will also find the right location for the unit so that any possible noise disturbance is limited.
Discover: How Does A PIV Unit Work
When you weigh the total cost against the benefits, it's a definite yes!
If you need a reminder of how fantastic these gadgets are, here's a quick rundown of the benefits:
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems effectively eliminate stale, recirculated air within the home, replacing it with fresh, filtered air from the outdoors. This process filters out pollutants, dust mite allergens, pollen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fostering a healthier indoor environment.
Stale, humid air serves as an ideal environment for mould and mildew, leading to respiratory issues and structural damage in buildings. PIV units actively circulate the incoming fresh air throughout the home, eliminating stagnation and excessive moisture and significantly reducing the likelihood of dampness and mould growth.
By preventing the re-circulation of stale air, PIV systems contribute to reducing the energy consumption of heating and cooling systems. Additionally, they pre-warm colder air, easing the workload on your heating system. This translates to lower energy bills and a more sustainable approach to home comfort.
The enhanced indoor air quality and diminished allergen levels linked to PIV units can notably benefit individuals dealing with asthma or allergies. This improvement can result in better respiratory health and a decreased reliance on medication.
PIV systems aid in the uniform distribution of heat throughout the home, lessening the occurrence of hot spots and cold spots. This fosters improved thermal comfort and reduces the energy usage of heating systems.
By extracting moisture from the air, PIV systems help eradicate condensation on windows, which not only detracts from appearance but also contributes to mould growth.
PIV units commonly feature timers and sensors that enable homeowners to adjust their operation in line with their needs and preferences. This adaptability ensures effective system performance while minimising energy consumption.
Take a look: Are PIV Units Worth It
Well, we've touched on various other subjects as well as the PIV unit installation costs, but we make no apology for this: you deserve to know all of the facts before making your choice.
We've learned that a PIV unit is a great option (especially for existing homes) for cleaning the incoming air, that it makes your home more energy efficient, and that the running cost is low.
And when you add in the cost to have one installed, it all adds up to a very wise and sensible investment for those who want to improve indoor air quality and eliminate condensation and mould.
Is it the right choice for everyone? In all honesty, no; it depends entirely on the age, size and condition of your home.
However, for many homeowners, this is definitely the way forward. So, when you want to lose condensation and mould for good, contact the PIV Team!
