People & Lifestyle
What is a PIV System and Why is it Important?
PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) systems are a kind of ventilation option which is employed as a way to enhance internal air quality of homes or buildings. These systems are effective in that they consist of the process of supplying fresh filtered air into a particular property while at the same time expelling stale moist air. PIV systems are most frequently installed in residential applications where humidity, condensation and mold are encountered problems. In this article, one is to get to understand what PIV systems are, how they function and the advantages of using the systems.
What is a PIV System?
A PIV system is a ventilation unit usually located within the loft of a house. This system sucks fresh air from the outside or from the loft and purifying it and distributing it evenly all over the rooms through a diffusion system installed at the central corridor or a landing. The main concept of PIV is to make the pressure inside the property to be positively higher so that it can force out negative pressure such as damp air via gaps including the windows, doors or vents.
What does a PIV System contain?
Air Intake: The Stagging and PIV unit is designed to take its air from the loft space or direct from outside according to the design. The air in the loft is slightly warmer to the outside air so it will also be advantageous in controlling the indoor environmental temperature.
Filtration: The air going round the different parts of the home goes through a filter found within the PIV unit. It eliminates dust, pollen, and other contaminants from the air hence allowing only clean and fresh air into your home.
Air Distribution: The filtered air on the other hand is then gently blown into the home via a ceiling diffuser normally in hallway or the landing area. This in turn creates a very small positive pressure inside the house and this helps to force fresh air into the house through any crevices, or opening.
Continuous Operation: PIV systems’ concept is to be used all the time, with constant supply of fresh air into the home. This has also caused the possibility of humidity to be reduced in order to cut down on chances of formation of molds and mildews.
Benefits of PIV Systems
Improved Air Quality: Another advantage associated with PIV system is the enhancement of indoor air quality which is severally ranked high among facility managers’ concerns. Since they also introduce fresh air and filter dust and other nasty particles into the home, positive input ventilation actually helps to minimize allergens, dust and other irritants in the home.
Reduction in Condensation: As you may know, condensation often results in having to deal with stains, dampness and mold which is unfortunately characteristic for most houses. A PIV system also assist in preventing condensation, since it removes excess moisture and circulating dry air throughout the building.
Energy Efficiency: PIV systems are energy requiring systems but in most a times they do not require much electricity to run. Some models even provide the heat recovery arrangements, which prevent the indoor temperatures from fluctuating heavily and negatively affecting your energy consumption.
Health Benefits: The use of PIV system can help those who have respiratory diseases including asthma or those who have allergies. This constant supply of fresh and filtered air also eliminate such triggers that may arise to worsen these conditions.
Cost-Effective Solution: PIV units are moderately cheaper to purchase and install as compared with other ventilation systems currently in the market. Another advantage is their capability of avoiding problems that are attributable to moisture and this in the long-run will spare the owners a lot of cash for repairs and maintenance.
Simple Installation: PIV systems are well known for their ease of installation whereby most systems are fitted with a single connection to the mains electricity. This sees them as ideal for use in new constructions as well as in the old structures that are being retro fitted.
PIV systems are versatile and can be used in a variety of residential settings, including:
Damp and Humid Homes: PIV systems will most likely be effective in homes that have humidity problems and condensation. Since there is constant circulation of air it reduces moisture build-up, making the air as dry as possible.
Allergy-Prone Environments: PIV systems benefit families who reside in homes which have residents who have allergies or severe respiratory ailments since airborne allergens and pollutants are effectively removed by the systems.
Older Properties: Houses that are poorly insulated or have small windows such as the older houses can definitely benefit from having a PIV system to control the air quality inside the homed as well as to eliminate or at least minimize the possibility of dampness inside the house.
PIV systems are a practical and efficient method of increasing the quality of fresh filtered air and therefore solving a number of problems associated with condensation and unhealthy indoor climates. These systems ensure that the indoors receive a constant supply of fresh air and they assist in fighting problems of dampness, mold formation and airborne contaminants. This being the case, incorporating a PIV system will go a long way in helping to address this in your home or if you are struggling with allergies or even if you just want to make sure that your living space is operating on clean air.