Effective ventilation is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Two popular options for achieving this in homes are extractor fans and Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units. This post explores the distinctions between these systems, guiding you toward an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.

How Do They Work

Extractor fans are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, playing a pivotal role in eliminating excess moisture, odours and pollutants from the air. Operating by extracting air from specific locations, these fans are compact, easy to install and can be manually or automatically controlled based on humidity levels.

On the other hand, PIV units employ a different ventilation strategy. Rather than extracting air, they introduce fresh, filtered air into the home from a central location, creating positive pressure that expels stale air through natural leakage points. Typically installed in central locations like the loft, PIV units are designed to ventilate the entire home comprehensively.

Condensation and Mould Control

Extractor Fans: Effective in specific rooms that are subject to higher humidity levels such as bathrooms and kitchens, however they do not offer comprehensive ventilation for the entire house.

PIV Units: Tailored for whole-house ventilation, ensuring a consistent and balanced airflow throughout the home, maintaining a uniform indoor environment.

Control and Automation

Extractor Fans: Allow manual or automatic control based on factors like humidity, offering specific control over targeted areas. Fans such as the Greenwood CV2GIP feature both an intelligent TimerSMART over-run timer and a HumidiSMART automatic humidity sensor which quickly reacts to increased moisture levels such as when a shower is in use. 

PIV Units: Typically operate on an automated basis, consistently introducing fresh air while sustaining positive pressure. Nuaire Dri-ECO PIV units provide models featuring convenient loft control and hall control. This allows for easy adjustment of settings either through the hallway ceiling diffuser or by direct installation on the unit itself, conveniently located in the loft.

Running Noise

Extractor Fans: Extractor fans typically produce moderate to low running noise during operation. The noise level can vary based on factors such as fan size, motor type, and speed settings. Many modern extractor fans, such as those in the Vent Axia Silent Fan range, are now reagrded as silent running and are equipped with noise reduction technologies, making them a suitable choice for maintaining comfort.

PIV Units: PIV units, being centrally located in loft spaces, are virtually silent during operation. The noise generated is imperceptible within the living spaces of the home.

Cost Considerations

Extractor Fans: Typically more budget-friendly, providing an economical choice for targeted ventilation. Installation costs are generally lower.

PIV Units: While involving a higher initial cost, PIV units offer enduring benefits such as reduced condensation throughout the entire home, improved indoor air quality, and potential long-term energy savings. Most ranges, including Nuaire, Manrose, Xpelair and Vent Axia PIV units offer models with integral heaters which warm the incoming air, helping to keep heating costs lower

Energy Efficiency

Extractor Fans: Generally energy-efficient, especially when equipped with automatic sensors. Most extractor fans incur minimal running costs and play a crucial role in safeguarding against expensive repairs due to mold and damp issues.

PIV Units: Purposefully designed for efficiency, PIV units are known for their minimal running costs, often amounting to mere pennies. Widely regarded as a cost effective solution for homes that are prone to damp and condensation issues throughout. 

Is a PIV Unit Suitable for My Home?

Yes, Positive Input Ventilation is ideal for a variety of homes, even if you don't have loft space.

Here are some factors to consider:

Home Size and Type: PIV units are available for homes of all sizes, including flats, single-story dwellings, and houses up to 3 floors.
Social Housing: There are PIV units specifically designed for social housing applications.
Landlord Requirements: If you're a landlord, PIV units can be an attractive feature to offer tenants, improving the overall quality and comfort of your rental properties. Ranges such as the Vent Axia Pozidry range benefit from a tamper-proof locking system and a data logger to monitor use, energy consumption and filter life.

In conclusion, choosing between a PIV or extractor fan depends on many factors including home size, ventilation needs and budget considerations.  

We hope that the information within this post has helped you to make a decision on the best method of extraction for your home. However, if you would like any further help, please feel free to contact our friendly team for some expert advice on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.