PIV Unit Installation – Pros and Cons

1) What is Positive Input Ventilation?

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a ventilation system that introduces fresh, filtered air to your home through a central vent. The introduction of fresh, filtered air forces the stale, humid air out of your Birkenshaw home via trickle vents and other natural places of escape. The PIV unit operates continuously, creating constant pressure that forces humid air out of your home before it has a chance to form condensation.

2) How is a PIV Unit Installed?

PIV units are typically installed in your loft, with a discreet vent located in a central location (often the landing). If your home has no loft space, then there are models available that are installed on an external wall. The installation of a PIV unit is generally straightforward and is achieved with minimal disruption and mess. 

3) PIV Unit Installation – The Pros 

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a PIV unit installation:

• Condensation Control – PIV units remove humid air before it has a chance to cause condensation, damp or mould.
• Allergen Removal – PIV units reduce the load of household allergens, making them highly beneficial for those with allergies or asthma.
• Easy Operation – PIV units are designed to run continuously and are largely set to run without needing any input or adjustment.
• Low Maintenance – Unlike an air conditioning system, PIV units are surprisingly low maintenance. They will require little more than a periodic cleaning of the filters – and the replacement of those filters every 5 years. 
• Low Running Costs – PIV units are energy efficient and are a cost effective way to improve the air quality in your home. They will have minimal impact on your energy bills.
• Quiet Running – A PIV unit is incredibly quiet and you are unlikely to notice any additional noise.

4) PIV Unit Installation – The Cons

Now we’ve looked at the benefits of a PIV unit installation, let’s take a look at the potential downsides:

• Cost – There is an initial outlay for the PIV unit for your Birkenshaw home. However, this cost should be balanced against the potential cost to fix any damage caused by untreated condensation and damp issues.
• Requires Professional Installation – A PIV unit needs to be installed by a qualified electrician and is not a DIY option. However, we don’t see this as much of a downside! Professional installation means you can be assured of a safe, efficiently functioning system – and you won’t have to mess about in the loft!
• Extractor Fan Required – Whilst a PIV unit works across your whole house, it won’t fully replace your bathroom extractor fan. We would always recommend installing an extractor fan too. Your bathroom is the source of a large volume of humid air and it is better to deal with that at the point of origin.

5) PIV Unit Installation in Birkenshaw

If you would like to learn more about PIV unit installation, get in touch with Quality Electrician today. Based in Birkenshaw near Bradford, I am your local fully qualified and NICEIC registered electrician. 

Contact me today to discuss the options for your home.