What is Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)?
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a system that draws fresh air from outside a building and then distributes it into all rooms through a centralised system that is usually mounted in the loft before expelling the air outside.
Many traditional, ‘passive’ ventilation systems rely on fixtures, such as vents and air bricks with gaps to allow air to pass into and out of the home. There are some disadvantages to this passive approach, though. These areas can be forgotten about, become neglected, blocked, or even be papered or bricked over. The airflow through a modern house is not always optimal, even if all the vents are clear, and these gaps can also introduce drafts or allow heat to escape.
Modern homes are increasingly energy efficient, meaning that they are better at retaining heat, but it is also important that they are well-ventilated. Without good airflow, moisture can build up, leading to condensation, damp, and mould. Research has shown that the average four-person family creates 112 pints of moisture each week, from breathing, cooking, washing, and boiling the kettle.
A conventional extractor fan that you might find in a bathroom or kitchen is an effective way of removing humid air from a building to reduce the condensation that causes damp; however, an extractor fan simply removes air. A PIV closes the loop of airflow by controlling and filtering the air that is drawn into the building to replace the humid air that is removed by the extractor fan.
A PIV is a whole-house ventilation system that improves air quality in all rooms. It is highly effective at minimising condensation and, thanks to the filtration of fresh air as it is drawn into the building, PIV will also reduce the concentration of allergens such as pollen that are drawn into the house.
When weighing up the correct ventilation systems for your home, you might wish to consider the advantage of a PIV. This can help to circulate air around your home, helping to prevent problems such as damp, mould, and condensation, while also providing fresh air and scattering the build-up of pollutants.