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Positive Input Ventilation
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units create gentle pressure to expel stale air from your home through various exit points, including gaps in brickwork, doors, window vents and airbricks. Unlike single extractor fans, PIV units offer a comprehensive solution, preventing damp and mould throughout your entire home, not just in individual rooms.
A PIV unit is a fantastic solution for addressing condensation, damp and mould issues throughout your home. By introducing fresh air and removing stale air, PIV units significantly enhance indoor air quality. This leads to several benefits, including:
Reduced health problems: Poor indoor air quality and mould growth can contribute to various health issues, such as allergies, asthma and headaches. A PIV unit can help minimise these risks.
Improved comfort: Fresh air can make your home feel more comfortable and pleasant.
Reduced moisture: PIV units can help decrease moisture levels in your home, preventing condensation, mould and mildew growth
Do PIV Units Make the Loft Damp?
No, PIV units help to reduce moisture in your loft and throughout your home by introducing fresh air and removing damp air. This constant air circulation helps prevent excess moisture buildup, a common cause of damp and condensation. As a result, PIV units contribute to a drier, healthier loft environment.
Do PIV Units Make the House Cold?
No, PIV units do not make your house cold. In fact, they can help to improve your home's comfort by providing fresh, filtered air. Some units also come with heating elements that can help to warm the incoming air, keeping your home warmer and reducing heating bills.
Are Heated PIV Units Expensive To Run?
PIV units run constantly at a very low speed which keeps the running costs extremely low. Running costs can be as little as 1p per day for a standard PIV unit and just 10p per day for PIV units with heaters.
The built-in heating element in a heated PIV unit helps to warm the incoming air, providing additional heat to your home without relying on other forms of heating. This can be particularly beneficial during colder months or in rooms that are prone to drafts.
Will a PIV Unit Stop Mould?
Yes, PIV units help prevent mold growth. Mold thrives in damp environments, so by maintaining drier air, you can significantly reduce the risk of mould.
PIVs replace the air in living areas every hour, keeping humidity within an acceptable range of 40-60%. This prevents condensation build-up and black mould growth.
Will a PIV Unit Stop Condensation on Windows?
Yes, PIV units can help to reduce condensation on your windows. By improving air circulation and removing excess moisture, they can help to prevent condensation from forming. Condensation can be a major problem in homes, as it can lead to mould and mildew growth, as well as damage to windows and walls.
Do I Need Trickle Vents with a PIV Unit?
Trickle vents are not required with positive input ventilation. PIV units are designed to provide adequate ventilation on their own, using the natural air leakage points that all buildings have.
Is a PIV Unit Better Than a Dehumidifier?
Both PIV units and dehumidifiers help to reduce moisture in your home, but they operate differently.
PIV units introduce fresh outdoor air and remove stale, damp air, maintaining low humidity throughout your entire home. They are generally more energy efficient and require less maintenance than dehumidifiers.
Dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air within the room they're placed in and are more suitable for use if you are suffering with a minor condensation problem in one specific room.
Consider a PIV system for whole-house ventilation and air quality improvement, and a dehumidifier for targeting specific areas with high humidity, such as basements or kitchens.
Is a PIV Unit Better Than an Extractor Fan?
PIV units and extractor fans serve different purposes, so the optimal choice depends on your specific needs and the characteristics of your home.
Extractor Fans are primarily used to remove moisture from the air in specific areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They're most effective at managing moisture levels within the room where they're installed.
PIV units are designed to expel damp air through your home's natural leakage points and introduce fresh, filtered air, improving overall air quality and reducing moisture levels throughout the entire home.
Can You Put a PIV Unit in a Flat?
Yes, PIV units are suitable for both flats and houses. However, flat-specific PIV units, like the Nuaire Flatmaster, are required due to the absence of loft space. PIV units for flats are generally designed to be installed on an external wall in a central location within the flat.
The Nuaire Flatmaster works the same as a standard PIV unit, maintaining low humidity levels, minimising allergens and pollutants and creating a fresh, healthy indoor environment. The Flatmaster is ideal for flats, single-story homes, and basements and is available with or without an integrated heater.
How To Install a PIV Unit
We highly recommend that the installation of a PIV unit is carried out by a qualified electrician to ensure safe and proper operation.
Here is a video that demonstrates the installation process with a Nuaire Drimaster PIV unit:
Why Shop with Electricpoint?
At Electricpoint we stock a large range of PIV units from trusted brands such as Vent Axia, Nuaire, Manrose and Xpelair. We also believe there is a better way to sell electrical products online. Building on the experience that we have gained from over 100 years on the highstreet, we aim to make your shopping experience as fast and as simple as possible whilst supplying you with great products at the very best prices. We’re proud of the team we have; their expertise and enthusiasm for helping people is what makes us unique.
As one of the largest online electrical wholesalers we are able to offer our customers:
Extensive stock for next day delivery
Broad range of specialist products
Experienced and knowledgeable staff who are there to help