Contents
Many people are curious what a PIV unit actually is, so we’ve put together a comprehensive guide answering all your questions. First of all, PIV stands for positive input ventilation. The principle behind the operation is quite simple. Think of it as a small fan with various speed settings. This adapts to differing levels of need based on how severe your situation is.
The fan blows air out of the loft space in your home gently. The air comes from a small vent that is placed in the ceiling. Normally, it is installed in a landing or just above the stairs.
- Basic Hall Control Unit
How Does a PIV Unit Work?
The gentle flow of clean and filtered air inside the home is inaudible so that you won’t notice it at all. With that said, it is enough to raise the overall air pressure inside your home. This process forces the damp, stale air out of your house through the vents and gaps.
As you already know, heat rises. That’s why it’s important to put the PIV unit at ceiling height where there would have been wasted energy. With the PIV unit in place, your loft space recycles and captures the air for maximum energy efficiency.
When this is paired with the sun’s rays during winter, the air will be warmed naturally thereby saving you money. Then, this fresh air is filtered into the home and mixed with the rising heat.
Benefits of a PIV Unit
There are numerous benefits to owning a PIV unit. Here are some to consider.
- Stops condensation – If you battle window condensation on the glass or frames, you will notice a reduction after installing a PIV unit.
- Works in the whole house – This one unit will work effectively on the air of the entire home up to five bedrooms.
- Quiet – The unit is inaudible on the lowest setting and quiet on higher settings.
- Removes odours – Those musty, damp smells are removed within days.
- Filters the air – Your air quality is improved thanks to the fresh supply of clean air into your home. There is a filtration system that will remove dust, pollen, pollution and other things you do not want in the house.
- Economical – Most units draw anywhere from 1.5 – 15 watts, so you are left with little energy usage.
- Tamper-proof – This has been a great option for landlords because you aren’t relying on a tenant to use the dehumidifier.
Nuaire Drimaster PIV Unit
If you are in the market for a quality PIV unit, it’s important that you take time to research the Nuaire Drimaster. This unit features an easy installation that most anyone can do and low maintenance. In addition, it has a built-in heater and naturally improves the air quality in a home.
This PIV unit is easily fitted into your loft where you cannot see it. You also will not have to put any holes in your wall, so this option is great for retrofit projects. What is great about this unit is the built-in 400-watt heater which helps to reduce energy costs.
On average, you will only have to replace the filters on the Nuaire Drimaster every three to five years! When you consider the time spent maintaining a standard dehumidifier, this is a nice change.
Nuaire Drimaster Options:
- Heater version- Supplies tempered & filtered air to the property
- Basic Hall Control Unit
PIV Unit for Flats
Those without a loft space have often thought they couldn’t use a PIV unit, but there is hope with the Flatmaster 2000. This low-energy PIV unit also has an integral heater just like the Drimaster. It is often used in basements, cellars or any other area that benefits from a continuous fresh air supply. It is effective at removing allergens and dampness from your house.
Not only is it effective, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. You will be able to place the compact unit in any convenient location and it features multi-positional spigots. There are also numerous other benefits to this unit:
- Controls dampness
- Improves air quality
- Meets Part F & L of Building Regulations
- Has an integral heater
- Low power consumption
- Easy installation
- Low maintenance
- Manual boost switch
- 5-year warranty
- Nuaire Flatmaster Positive Pressure Ventilation Unit with 300 watt heater. This unit has inbuilt heater to right hand side.
PIV Unit Installers
While PIV units tend to be easy to install, there are times when you might consider hiring a professional instead. You’ll want to ensure that you hire a team of professionals because you don’t want the job done incorrectly. You can research reputable companies online and read various reviews to ensure they are going to be top-notch.
One company to consider is Envirovent. They have years of experience installing PIV units, so you can feel confident the job will be done right.
PIV Unit Frequently Asked Questions
Here are all the answers to the most common questions we hear.
Are PIV units noisy?
Unless you are running it on the high-speed setting, you barely hear it.
Will the air be cold?
The answer to this is both yes and no. The air coming in will be cooler than that of what’s in your home but the loft is slightly warmer because of solar gain, so it will warm the air. You can also purchase heated PIV units that pre-heat the air.
Will the PIV unit pump warm air in during summer?
The onboard sensors switch the unit off on hot days. Then, once the temperature lowers in the evening, the unit will kick back into air filtration mode.
Are PIV units expensive to buy and run?
A typically PIV unit is going to cost somewhere around £300, but that will last you around ten years while running 24 hours a day. The running costs are much lower than you would expect, sometimes around just £2 per year.
Do I need to switch the unit on and off?
Once you have the unit installed, it monitors itself to optimise air quality and energy without your help.
Can I install the PIV unit myself?
It’s relatively easy for a person to install their own unit. You would have to cut a hole in the ceiling and put a screw in. There are lots of instructional videos online so you can get an illustration of how to do it. There is one part you will want a professional to do; connecting to the mains. This is for insurance as well as safety purposes. If you prefer to have a professional install the entire unit, be sure to read the information we provided above.
Final Thoughts
If your home is suffering from condensation, mildew, mould or odours, a PIV unit might be just what you need to improve the air quality. A small investment now can save your home later.
