Positive Input Ventilation vs Dehumidifier: Which Is Better for My Home?

Reducing unnecessary humidity in the home is a key factor in the prevention of condensation and mould. So which mechanism is the best to use? Or does it effectiveness depend on your circumstances?

In this blog, we will address Positive Input Ventilation vs Dehumidifier: Which is better for my home?

With new buildings being made to be as energy efficient as possible, and the UK aiming for 95% of its electricity usage to be low carbon by 2030, it is imperative to understand how we can make the most of our ventilation.

To prevent mould, fresh air should constantly be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or PIV systems.

This is where I-Sells comes in, as the UK’s leading ventilation and ducting supplier we take pride in not only sharing our solutions, but also the critical information that you need.

What is a PIV unit?

A PIV unit is a ventilation system that optimises airflow by extracting stale, humid air, and replaces it with air that it has extracted from outside. This outside air is passed through a filter to ensure there are no pollutants entering your home.

Furthermore, PIV units also have temperature settings which ensure that the fresh air entering the home isn’t going to make it colder than it should be.

Here are some additional benefits of PIV units…

• Cures condensation dampness — PIV reduces the humidity in the air, curing condensation dampness and preventing mould growth.

• Improved indoor air quality and healthy living environment- Indoor pollutants from cooking and cleaning, as well as outdoor pollutants including pollen and Radon gas, are eradicated from the home.

• A unique cost-effective solution.

• Meets Regulations — Meets Part F & L of Building Regulations as a low-energy ventilation strategy.

• Easy & simple installation – Typically installed in under one hour.

• System controls located in the ceiling diffuser for easy commission and access for maintenance checks.

• Low maintenance — Filter clean or replacement every five years.

• Energy efficient — System goes into standby during warmer months when there is no evidence of condensation.

• Clinically proven to help allergy and asthma sufferers.

Positive Input Ventilation vs Dehumidifier : Which is better for my home?

Although both options serve towards the same end, which is to create and retain an environment in which mould can not thrive, they are not the same. To understand which is better for your home, we must understand the issue in your home.

If you are trying to reduce the humidity levels of a specific room, a dehumidifier may be the appropriate choice. But if you are looking for a safeguarding option that benefits your whole home, positive input ventilation is the right choice.

In certain instances, neither option may be able to fix the humidity of a home, this is only true if there is a consistent leak, as a result of a burst pipe, or water penetrating through the roofing or walls. The issue causing the moisture must be addressed in these instances.

Does PIV work faster than a dehumidifier?

The answer to this would likely be the PIV system, this is if each mechanism was placed in the same-sized space. Dehumidifiers need to be emptied every few hours, depending on the model in question.

Whereas PIV units constantly extract air and replace it, and it takes advantage of the fact that hot air rises.

Do I need to ventilate naturally when I have PIV or a dehumidifier?

In the case of a dehumidifier, the weather will affect whether you should ventilate naturally by opening a window. When it comes to a PIV unit, you do not need to open windows, but it will help the unit by removing any humid air that isn’t in the vicinity of the unit.

However, the air coming into the house will not be filtered like the air that the PIV unit outputs.

Are PIV units better than extractor fans?

In terms of function, yes, PIV units are better than an extractor fan. An extractor fan only extracts indoor air, whereas a PIV unit replaces this extracted air with fresh, filtered outdoor air.

Though it must be noted, the extractor fans we provide for your kitchen and bathroom are still worth having even if you have a PIV system. Here’s why.

Bathrooms generate a lot of steam through having baths and showers. Kitchens also generate a lot of steam as a result of cooking, boiling a kettle, using hot water etc. With that being said, as effective as PIV systems are, you shouldn’t neglect having certain individual rooms covered when it comes to extracting air.

Why is it important to prevent mould?