If you’re looking into ventilation systems for your home, you likely will have stumbled across positive input ventilation systems. They’re a common and solid method to improve indoor air quality and provide homes with filtered air – but are they worth it? How much does a PIV unit cost to run?
Here’s what you need to know about positive input ventilation and getting fresh filtered air into your home.
What is a positive input Ventilation system?
A positive input ventilation system is a discrete low-maintenance solution for homes that struggle with mould and condensation. It pushes out stale air and replaces it with drier fresh air using a filter system. By doing so it improves the air quality in the home.
The positive input ventilation system works by positively pressurising the home and it runs continuously all day so that your home has a constant supply of filtered air.
How much do positive input Ventilation systems cost to run?
Many people assume that a positive input ventilation system will cost them a pretty penny to install and keep running. That on top of gas and electricity bills can be daunting – however, a PIV unit is actually pretty cost-effective. On average, you can expect to pay around £8 per year for running costs.
What impacts the running costs of a positive input ventilation system?
The running costs of each model of positive input ventilation system will differ ever so slightly, but you can be assured that a PIV unit will not cost you a lot to run on a daily basis.
There are a few things that may impact the cost to run:
Electricity consumption
Depending on the model and brand of the PIV unit you install, you might find that it uses a different amount of electricity. Generally speaking, it shouldn’t be used much, but it is important to look into this before you choose a brand.
Naturally, the more electricity your PIV unit uses, the more it is going to cost to run.
Size of the PIV unit
There are different sizes of PIV units, largely dependent on the size of the house they’re installed in. A larger PIV unit will cost more to run than a smaller unit as it has more space to take the incoming air from and provide clean air.
Filter replacement
PIV units have filters that trap dust mite allergens and other debris. These filters need to be replaced when they’re full, which is an additional purchase that should be considered in the cost to run.
How much does positive input Ventilation installation cost?
The next big question plenty of people ask is how much positive input ventilation units cost to install. After all, a dehumidifier from the local hardware store can help combat humid air, right?
Well, while that is true, positive pressure is a much more effective way to deal with excessive moisture and it isn’t too pricey. For most basic PIV units you can expect to pay between £750 and £1,250. Pricier products are available, which could cost as high as £4,000 for installation in the loft space or wall cavity.
What are the benefits of a positive input Ventilation system?
There are a number of reasons you might opt for a PIV unit. For example:
Reduced mould and condensation
You can battle mould and condensation with heating and dehumidifiers, but heating can be expensive, and dehumidifiers can cause clutter. Whereas by getting PIV units installed, you can actually tackle the cause of the issue.
This will allow you to avoid the health concerns that come with the mould and condensation that humidity and excess moisture cause. IT will prevent moisture and damp from becoming an issue when it comes to paint, furniture and all sorts of issues.
Low maintenance
Dehumidifiers and air conditioners require constant maintenance, whereas PIV units are much simpler. There is basically no maintenance required except for a filter replacement every three to five years. This means that the installation cost and running costs are pretty much all you need to worry about and that almost anyone can get away with owning one without needing any handy expertise or knowledge.
Improve indoor air quality
Moisture in the air can cause real health issues. It can lead to chest problems, worsen health concerns like asthma, and can cause prolonged flu and cold-like symptoms. By reducing this moisture, you can reduce the risk of any of these health concerns, keeping you and your family healthy and your property safe.
By allowing you to eradicate condensation, a PIV unit allows you to better your life and your home.
Where can you use a PIV unit?
Those living in bungalows or flats might be wondering whether they can benefit from whole-house ventilation in the form of a positive input ventilation unit. Well, the short answer is yes. Any property can benefit from reducing its humidity levels with a PIV system, and any property can have one installed.
In larger properties, the PIV system is installed in the loft space. In smaller properties, the filtration units can be installed inside of walls. This makes them perfect for apartments, bungalows and other smaller residential properties.
Are PIV units noisy?
One of the downsides to air conditioning systems is the noise that they create. Many people worry that PIV units are also noisy, but the fans within the PIV system run with virtually no noise. You can rest assured that you’ll be able to rest easy with great clean air quality.
