Positive Input Ventilation

[@JesusIsLord-]

Thank you. My humidity has increased to 75%. What can I do to reduce it please? Thanks

[@yolandawinter2244]

Could I please ask how to go about accessing this technology for a small flat? During the 7 years I've lived here, I've had condensation and black mould, which, as a lifelong asthmatic, is causing health issues. I've been very concerned for some time, and I really need this situation remedied. Thank you for any advice you can give, I would be very grateful.

[@austinstev]

In my experience people with asthma suffer more when living in a home with black mould. What we are always trying to achieve is a gentle movement of fresh air, and a PIV is a very effective way of providing this. If you are in a flat there are some options. There is a wall mounted PIV which draws in air through a hole drilled through an outside wall which then discharges it into some central point like a hallway. Another option is what we would call a reverse PIV setup. This would mean swapping the bathroom fan for a dMev unit i.e. one that has a 'trickle' function - so it never turns off completely but gently draws air through it at all times. For this to be effective you would need some way of allowing fresh air into your flat. This can be achieved by retro-fitting trickle vents to the windows (preferred) or perhaps a wall vent in your bedroom. If you can get a gentle but constant movement of air then humidity and condensation will fall and mould will die back. Ideally do not sleep with your bedroom door shut, but have it open with a small gap. You need very little air movement to make a big difference. I would advise you to take pictures of the problem and write to your landlord or letting agent asking them to do something and explain your are asthmatic. Good luck !

[@yolandawinter2244]

@@austinstev Thanks so much for your very quick response, Steve. I don't have any fans in the bathroom or kitchen, something which naturally makes condensation a trickier problem. I bought a dehumidifier, a Meaco Zambezi, which certainly helps, but can't deal with the existing problem. After spending a few days in hospital last year, I found on my return home, a huge black mould patch on and around the kitchen window. Unfortunately, my landlord (I'm in a private rental), lives abroad and is unresponsive to communication through his agency. I am looking to move, but this is not the best time to be looking. In the meantime, I'm aware that my health is suffering and I am, frankly, concerned; hence my researching this method of ventilation. I had someone from Envirovent visit approximately 5 years ago, and he said that they wouldn't be able to help, due to no way of installing a bathroom fan because of the way the block of flats was built. He said it would mean going up into the floor of the flat above. Other than wait to find a suitable property, (I'm looking to buy this time, and I want a house) I can't think of how to make life easier, and the air more breathable whilst I'm in situ. Thanks for the advice you've given, it's much appreciated.

[@AB-xj3co]

Good informative video, thank you. Could i asl a xouple questions please? Can you use PIV's with ductwork to fresh air rather than the loft air. My loft is covered so leaves little room for air in the loft. Also are these systems loud? Thanks again!

[@yorkshirecondensationcontr6894]

Hi AB, so there are a couple of styles of PIV - (1) types that are designed to sit in the loft and (2) types designed for flats (apartments) that have no loft. The 'flat' unit takes the form of a box that sits on the wall and discharges air ideally into the centre of the flat. It takes in outside air (and so requires a hole to be cut through the wall) and are typically reasonably quiet. The loft style takes in air from the loft and are typically very quiet. Whenever possible we would favour fitting the loft style of unit as long as the loft is reasonably well ventilated. Even a small loft could be suitable. If the loft is poorly ventilated i.e. smells stale/damp, then you might want to consider fitting some vented roof tiles so you can then draw the fresh air into your home. Hope that helps, Steve

[@AB-xj3co]

@@yorkshirecondensationcontr6894 that's great, thanks for the reply!

[@marknadin770]

Hi dont have any where on landing to put piv but could it be put on sloped ceiling of the stairs ceiling goes into loft.

[@scottmccutcheon3059]

Do you need a electrician to install this

[@mrpetehampson]

Would Mitsubishi lossnay be better

[@austinstev]

The Lossnay is a different animal really - it's a heat recovery system, so on the face of it, it's better as you're using stale exhaust air to pre-heat incoming outside fresh air. The problem comes when you install it as you need to find a way to connect the inlet duct to an outside vent to draw air in, and a connection to the vent stale air to another outside vent. You'll also need a condensate pipe to discharge condensed water from the unit to the outside. After that you need to install ducting from the unit to direct the fresh air into ceiling vents in your home, and a fourth duct to extract stale air - typically from the 'wet' rooms - the kitchen and bathroom. The bottom line is that installing a heat recovery system like the Lossnay is very hard work and therefore only really suited to newbuild flats and houses. By contrast a PIV - which does not have heat recovery is a much easier fit since air is brought into your home at one point, and can bring about a great benefit to a property. PIVs are very much a retro-fit solution for existing properties.