Housebuilders: don’t rule out PIV
When we talk about continuous mechanical ventilation, what springs to mind?
Housebuilders: Don’t Rule Out PIV
By Andrew Sellman, Residential National Sales Manager, June 2014
Research has found that continuously running mechanical ventilation will provide a higher level of indoor air quality than intermittent fans. For this reason, many new build properties are designed with continuous mechanical ventilation. Typically the designer will opt for a design with either continuous mechanical extract (MEV), also known as System 3 in the Building Regulations, or mechanical supply and extract with heat recovery (MVHR- System 4).
But did you know there is an alternative approach for instances when heat recovery is not required?
An Alternative Approach
Our alternative approach is a strategy called is Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) which was invented by Nuaire back in the 1970s. It's now installed in over 30,000 homes per year as a low-energy, low-cost solution to combat condensation and indoor pollutants, and its suitability to new build ventilation is finally being recognised.
PIV can be a more cost-effective and simple to install solution to ventilating houses than MEV, dMEV and MVHR systems, whilst at the same time meeting the requirements of the building regulations by having a BBA certificate.
Why Choose PIV?
PIV systems work by drawing air from the loft, picking up free heat generated by solar gain within the loft space and continuously supplying the air into the building through a diffuser on the central landing area. The gently pressurised air then mixes with the polluted air inside the property before forcing the pollutants out through natural leakage points within the building fabric.
The benefits of PIV are well documented. The continuous flow of clean, filtered, fresh air reduces indoor air pollutants, such as chemicals from cleaning, dust mite faeces and cooking gases. The unit's filters will also stop external contaminants from entering the property.
Find Out More
If you have any enquiries about the products listed in this blog or any of the products across our extensive range, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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