POSITIVE INPUT VENTILATION (PIV)

Gers

My very old stone cottage has ongoing problems with condensation and damp. The place is well ventilated and heated with a combination of electric radiators (no mains gas) and wood burner. 

I'm considering installing a PIV to help overcome the problems and would love to hear about any experiences others have had with the unit. The manufacturers website has many glowing reports, Amazon gives good reports with only negative comments about fitting the ducting. 

If you've had this installed please tell me if it's effective. 

Phil3822

I had one installed in my last property, it worked well to minimise the worst of the condensation, upstairs in particular. It also mad the upstairs a bit cooler as it draws air from the loft space. I am aware you can get ones which have a heated element to push warmer air through. Overall good and I would have another if needed. I am also a fan of dehumidifiers but that’s a different discussion. 

Gers

Phil3822 said:

I had one installed in my last property, it worked well to minimise the worst of the condensation, upstairs in particular. It also mad the upstairs a bit cooler as it draws air from the loft space. I am aware you can get ones which have a heated element to push warmer air through. Overall good and I would have another if needed. I am also a fan of dehumidifiers but that’s a different discussion. 

Thanks for your reply, it really helps.  Upstairs gets heats from the woodburner when I open the living room door, I'd rather there was not as much damp / condensation.  I'll investigate further now. 

knightstyle

Make sure you can have PIV with your log burner, there may be problems.

FreeBear

knightstyle said: Make sure you can have PIV with your log burner, there may be problems.

PIV will be fine with a log burner. It is extractors sucking air out that causes problems as the air has to be replaced from somewhere. Unless the stove is room sealed, there is a small risk that air could be sucked out..

OP - I'd be looking at a mechanical heat recovery system - They use the extracted warm air to heat the incoming cold air and boost the temperature (if required) with and electric heater. No point in sucking out all that warm air during the winter.

greyteam1959

I installed one about 20+ years ago in my 1910 3 bedroom detached house.
Absolutely brilliant.
No more condensation or mouldy clothes in the wardrobes.
Replaced the original unit about 10 years ago with an updated model.
Nuaire Drimaster ceiling mounted cost around £250 fitted it myself.

Gers

Thanks for the replies - it seems to be good!  Once I get back to my home I'll start this off. 

Rdwill

We've got a Mr Venty. Keeps all the condensation at bay and the air in the house is always fresh. 

It's been in for 7 years now and I've never had to touch it. 

I will definitely replace if I have to.

digannio

I moved into a large bungalow a couple of months ago which had one of these systems fitted three years ago. To be honest, I'd never heard of it and thought it might be just a gimmick and would just switch it off. However, I am now completely convinced of the benefits and wouldn't be without it. Despite going through long cold spells there has never been one drop of condensation in the house and the air always seems fresh and clean. Any cooking smells that escape out of the kitchen are quickly dispelled and there is much less dust accumulating on surfaces in the house.

It really does work. It is colder in the area where the ceiling unit is but not ridiculously so and sometimes you can hear the unit whirring away but not unduly so. I don't yet know what the cost implications are on the leccy bill although the booklet claims it to be typically around 8p per day. The unit in my house is a Nuaire Drive-Eco-Heat HCS. I'm a convert without a doubt and can see the benefits first hand after previously being in a house which had lots of condensation throughout. I had thought that was something you just had to live with but with this system you don't.

PB_Homestuff

I have had a PIV unit in my home for over 10 years now and it really helped with condensation issues I was having. Haven't had any problems since it was installed and would recommend to anyone. I got mine from Beam in Northern Ireland  

rob7475

I fitted a nuaire drimaster a few years ago and it's great. Barely get any condensation now. We went with the heat model which has an element which slightly warms the air in the cooler months. I wouldn't bother if I was to buy again though as it makes little difference.
Depending on how clean your loft is, make sure you check and replaice the filters regularly. They should last around 5 years I think but as our loft is quite dusty I replaced after 3 years - they were filthy.