What Is A PIV Unit

Before we jump into this topic and answer the question, we'll start with some worrying statistics:

More than a fifth of homes in the UK suffer from problems with damp, mould growth, excessive moisture, and condensation.

And it's likely that the problem is far more widespread than reports indicate.

Why is this such a big issue? Because condensation, damp, and mould can cause a lot of damage to your home, and to your health.

Thousands of property owners experience this every day, and they are seeking a way to resolve the problem. And that's where we come back to PIV units!

As expert PIV system installers, the PIV Team has the knowledge and experience to offer common-sense advice on the matter, including whether it's right for you.

So, here's everything you need to know...

PIV System

What Is A PIV System?

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a brilliant way of improving indoor air quality. In a nutshell, these devices are designed to draw out stagnant air and replace it with fresh, filtered air at a continuous rate to reduce condensation.

The idea behind PIV is to encourage the flow of air from inside to outside.

While they look pretty simple, there's a lot more to PIV units than meets the eye, as we'll now find out in the next section.

How Does Positive Input Ventilation Work?

Positive input ventilation (PIV) units work by drawing fresh, filtered air from outside your home and gently introducing it into the living spaces. This creates a slight positive pressure inside the home, forcing stale air out through existing vents, cracks, and openings. The process continuously dilutes and replaces the stagnant air, improving the overall quality of the air inside your home.

Uncover more: How Does A PIV Unit Work

Positive Input Ventilation Work

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how a positive input ventilation system works:

Fresh Air Intake

The PIV unit is typically installed in a loft space (although wall-mounted versions are available), where it draws in fresh air from the outside through an external intake vent using a small fan.

Filtration

The incoming air passes through a filter system to remove dust mite allergens, pollen, and other airborne pollutants. This helps to ensure that the air entering your home is clean and healthy.

Air Distribution

The filtered air is then ducted throughout the house via a network of ducts or tubes. These ducts may be concealed within the walls, ceiling, or floor joists.

Positive Pressure Creation

The PIV unit introduces filtered air into the living spaces at ceiling level at a slightly higher pressure than the existing air inside (extractor fans create negative pressure, in comparison).

Stale Air Displacement

The positive pressure forces the stagnant air out of the home through trickle vents, cracks, and openings, such as window gaps, door openings, and extractor fans.

Continuous Ventilation

The PIV system operates continuously, ensuring a constant supply of fresh, filtered air and gradually replacing humid, stagnant air. This helps to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

So, PIV systems work by pushing fresh, filtered air into your home while simultaneously pushing out stagnant air. This continuous ventilation process creates healthier indoor air quality by reducing condensation and airborne indoor pollutants to make a healthy living environment.

Discover: Health Benefits Of PIV Units

What Are The Benefits Of Positive Input Ventilation Units?

Positive input ventilation systems have many advantages over other solutions:

Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

PIV systems introduce fresh, filtered air into your home, which helps to dilute pollutants, allergens, and odours. This can improve respiratory health, reduce allergy symptoms, and create fresh, pleasant living environments.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Reduced Condensation And Mould Growth

PIV systems help to control humidity levels in your home. In fact, they remove humid air and eliminate surface condensation altogether; condensation forming on surfaces creates a breeding ground for mould. Black mould can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions, particularly with long-term exposure.

Delve into: How To Get Rid Of Condensation In Your Property

Energy Efficient

PIV systems can help to reduce your energy costs by pre-warming or pre-cooling incoming air before it enters your home. This means that your heating/cooling system won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. PIV units that are running properly should not make your house cold.

Whole-House Ventilation

PIV systems provide ventilation to all areas of your home, not just the rooms where you open windows. This can help to eliminate "dead spots" where air circulation is poor.

Whole House Ventilation

Quiet Operation

PIV systems are typically very quiet, making them a good choice for homes where noise is a concern.

Low Maintenance

PIV systems require very little maintenance. The filters should be replaced every 3-6 months, and the system should be inspected annually.

Here are some additional benefits of PIV systems:

  • Reduces the risk of respiratory infections by circulating fresh, filtered air throughout the home.
  • Improves sleep quality by creating a more comfortable sleeping environment, as the air is continually diluted.
  • Saves you money due to low running costs.
  • Protects your home from structural damage caused by condensation and mould growth.
  • Increases the value of your home by making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Find out more: Are PIV Units Worth It

Why Are UK Homes Plagued By Condensation & Mould?

There are three main reasons for this:

The Weather

Yes, it rains a lot in the UK, and some areas are worse than others! Excessive rainfall keeps the environment damp, and moisture seeps into the walls to cause damp problems.

Old Housing Stock

With some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, the UK is facing a situation where upgrades are desperately needed. These older dwellings often suffer from significant problems with damp and condensation as they lack sufficient insulation.

Poor Ventilation & Insulation

Even in newer homes, insulation and ventilation are not adequate, often due to poor-quality construction and a lack of care in the building process.

Benefits Of Positive Input Ventilation Units 1

Is PIV The Same As Mechanical Ventilation?

A PIV unit works in a similar way to a mechanical ventilation system with a heat recovery unit, although PIV does not need extensive duct runs, which makes it easier to install in an existing house.

The main difference is that PIV is more cost-effective than MVHR as it is much cheaper to install. However, a heated unit* will cost a little more and could be almost as much as MVHR, depending on the size of the property involved.

*The heater element switches on automatically when the air temperature falls below 10ÂșC.

Positive Input Ventilation Systems: The Right Choice?

It's clear that PIV systems work hard to eradicate condensation and that they are one of the most cost-effective solutions available.

Even so, they require professional installation if you want to get the best results. While the system itself isn't too complicated, it needs to be fitted in tight, awkward spaces and connected to mains electricity.

Also, it doesn't suit all homes; your property will need careful assessment to see if it is the right investment for you.

If positive input ventilation sounds like something you could benefit from, the PIV Team can advise you and provide the right solution!

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