During the colder months, people tend to limit ventilation whilst trying to keep their home warm, however, this results in elevated humidity due to poor air circulation. This eventually leads to condensation – minuscule water droplets that settle onto surfaces, including walls, windows and ceilings.
Spaces especially susceptible to excessive condensation, such as kitchens and bathrooms, face the threat of dampness problems and black mould. To tackle mould and condensation, one internet user sought advice from the Builders and Tradesmen Advice Group online. Kim Wilson voiced her worries, stating, “Could anyone advise any tips on condensation? The window gets wet. We have had a vent installed in the window at the top. I leave the window on the lock to ventilate, and I’ve put a dehumidifier in the window also.”
“The outcome is that it’s making the walls, both to the left and right corner at the bottom wet and also getting mould underneath the bottom of the window.”
Several group members recommended using a dehumidifier, whilst other commenters put forward different approaches.
Michael Thomas suggested: “Positive input ventilation units are way cheaper to run than dehumidifiers and far more effective. I’ve never had condensation appear anymore.”
Donatas Bartkevicius shared comparable experiences: “Had the same problem in my house for 17 years. This year, I installed positive input ventilation and the problem disappeared straight away.”
Claire Hyland shared her friend’s positive experience, saying, “My friend got this installed, and the same thing. Instantly, all the condensation disappeared. I’m not sure about the price, but she swears by it. I’m looking at getting one installed.”
Kayla Kai also praised the system, stating, “We recently had one installed in our old cottage. Lived for over 25 years trying to deal with all the condensation throughout the winter months. No more condensation, thankfully. Best improvement we have made for sure.”
Stewart Mitchell, who fitted a PIV device himself, exclaimed: “I fitted a PIV device about three months ago, wish I had done it sooner. It’s amazing.”
He mentioned that he paid £450, but the price has since dropped to £350 for the heated version, which features a 400W heater.
Stewart noted that the device is straightforward to install, particularly if power is already available in the loft, and comes with settings for different property sizes.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) operates as a whole-house ventilation system, continuously supplying fresh, filtered air into a property.
By removing humid air and replacing it with fresh air, PIV units help alleviate condensation, damp, and mould issues.
Although more expensive than dehumidifiers, these units are more energy efficient to run in the long term and can eliminate condensation and mould problems in households.
