Condensation/Mould Solutions - PIV

shiraz99

McKnze21 said:

I think I will bite the bullet and order one today.

I think I have decided on the Nuaire Drimaster Heat HCS PIV as I am not so sure I require the sensors and/or switches. However, given my attic space measured at 9 degrees last night, I reckon the heater function will be a good addition.

This morning, all windows were covered in condensation so without putting heating and/or opening windows, I believe a PIV is really my only option and seems like the above is a good model to go for? Temperature/Hygrometers for each room were averaging 18 degrees and 70% RH.

Any further advice then please feel free to add!

Having a heated PIV will be expensive to run, much more so than just running a dehumidifier. Also, you need to ensure that there will be adequate air flow from the outside for the PIV to work correctly.

rob7475

We had the Nuaire drimaster and it was very good at stopping the condensation. Just make sure your loft isn't too well sealed or you may need to add some vents to allow it to pull air from outside in. You may find that the air smells a little "stale" initially but once the air in the loft has been replaced by fresh air, the smell will go quickly.

It might be worth adding a smart plug so you can monitor how much electric the heater uses. I think it's a 500w heater and in winter it will be going most of the time so could add a couple of quid a day to your electric bill. I turned the heater off on ours after a while and noticed no real difference.

noitsnotme

McKnze21 said:

I think I will bite the bullet and order one today.

I think I have decided on the Nuaire Drimaster Heat HCS PIV as I am not so sure I require the sensors and/or switches. However, given my attic space measured at 9 degrees last night, I reckon the heater function will be a good addition.

This morning, all windows were covered in condensation so without putting heating and/or opening windows, I believe a PIV is really my only option and seems like the above is a good model to go for? Temperature/Hygrometers for each room were averaging 18 degrees and 70% RH.

Any further advice then please feel free to add!

Unless they’ve changed significantly in the last 3 years, you might find the heat function a waste of money.  I did.  It made no noticeable difference to the temperature of the air coming from the vent, but costs more on electricity.  The air seems to be flowing too quickly for it to be heated up.  I haven’t used the heater other than the first couple of days.

McKnze21

So I have now changed for the Nuaire Drimaster Eco HCS PIV, no heater. I think for a lesser initial outlay along with lesser running costs then it will be a better option as from what I am reading the heater function isn't really worth it.

Swipe

McKnze21 said:

So I have now changed for the Nuaire Drimaster Eco HCS PIV, no heater. I think for a lesser initial outlay along with lesser running costs then it will be a better option as from what I am reading the heater function isn't really worth it.

Yep, considering it'll be 3 times cheaper to heat any incoming cold air with gas central heating instead.

noitsnotme

McKnze21 said:

So I have now changed for the Nuaire Drimaster Eco HCS PIV, no heater. I think for a lesser initial outlay along with lesser running costs then it will be a better option as from what I am reading the heater function isn't really worth it.

Just be prepared for the immediate space under the vent to be cold.  There’s no getting away from that  unfortunately.  Small price to pay for the benefits it brings though, in my opinion.

Mine is a Nuaire too.  It has controls on the room side of the vent, rather than in the loft.  You do need a chair or step ladder to reach them but once it’s running at the right setting you don’t need to access them really.  You can buy the separate controls that attach to a wall, but I’ve not really seen the need so far.

WIAWSNB

McKnze21 said:

This morning, all windows were covered in condensation so without putting heating and/or opening windows...

Of course they were. Why wouldn't they be? You produce copious amounts of moisture, and keep it inside a sealed and unheated room.
It's a bit of a shame you didn't even try ventilating your house/room for just one evening, but that's fine.
Will PIV work for you? Most likely, yes, and I expect and hope it does.
But please don't think it works through any other principle than simple 'ventilation', as achievable by opening a window a wee bit.  
In other words, folk who think that cracking open a window 'wastes' heat, should realise that a PIV system is effectively the same - it'll gently flush out some of the heat in your house. 
I get it - it does it surreptitiously. The draught is so gentle, you won't feel it. But, it's an all-over-the-house draught, so it'll carry the same cost.

McKnze21

WIAWSNB said:

McKnze21 said:

This morning, all windows were covered in condensation so without putting heating and/or opening windows...

Of course they were. Why wouldn't they be? You produce copious amounts of moisture, and keep it inside a sealed and unheated room.
It's a bit of a shame you didn't even try ventilating your house/room for just one evening, but that's fine.
Will PIV work for you? Most likely, yes, and I expect and hope it does.
But please don't think it works through any other principle than simple 'ventilation', as achievable by opening a window a wee bit.  
In other words, folk who think that cracking open a window 'wastes' heat, should realise that a PIV system is effectively the same - it'll gently flush out some of the heat in your house. 
I get it - it does it surreptitiously. The draught is so gentle, you won't feel it. But, it's an all-over-the-house draught, so it'll carry the same cost.

I fully understand your point but I'd rather be able to have the same results without having to open windows regularly, especially given we live in a bungalow and one of the most affected rooms is my 11 year old sons room. Having to open windows regularly would pose a security risk, not to mention the air that would come in via the windows would be unfiltered. 

WIAWSNB

McKnze21 said:

I fully understand your point but I'd rather be able to have the same results without having to open windows regularly, especially given we live in a bungalow and one of the most affected rooms is my 11 year old sons room. Having to open windows regularly would pose a security risk, not to mention the air that would come in via the windows would be unfiltered. 

I think you are doing the right thing

As I said, all I've read are good reports of PIV systems, apart from the usual caveats regarding coolness where the grille is. But, do they work? All I've ever read is 'yes'.

I presume they are fully adjustable? Once you get the house suitably dry, then obviously tweak it right down to 'background'.

Please update when installed.

McKnze21

So fitted the PIV on Monday this week and already I can say I have noticed a difference. No condensation on windows. As for house being colder, I would say it’s noticeable but not to point it’s unbearable. It feels fresher. I don’t have to have the heating on constantly though and I know some may say that’s an issue but as far as I understand, a cold room isn’t as much an issue if indoor air humidity is at right levels?  

One room in particular, North East corner room which has two external walls does seem to really struggle to keep a heat or heat up though. This has trickle vent open and seems to be better for condensation but have definitely noticed it’s harder to keep this room warm more so than the rest. Every other room is ok for heat so can’t understand difference in this room. 

Overall, So far so good, seems to be working. Will definitely need to have extraction in bathroom, en suite and kitchen at some point though to help things along.