With condensation and mould season upon us, electrical wholesalers have seen a surge in requests for ventilation that can tackle the problem as households ask electricians for a solution. As a result, Positive Input Ventilation is becoming extremely popular since it is an effective solution that removes persistent condensation and prevents mould while improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Stuart Eglin, Manrose Sales Director, explains.
Recently, Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) has become a popular solution to rid homes of mould. Ideal for refurbished properties, PIV offers a whole house ventilation solution that can be installed in the loft. PIV provides wholesalers with an option that is designed to prevent and treat condensation and mould quickly, making it ideal for electricians looking for a quick solution for customers. So how does it work? Simple to use and install, a loft-mounted positive input fan draws fresh air from the loft, filters it and gently feeds it into the home via a ceiling-mounted diffuser. Clean, fresh filtered air with a lower moisture content dilutes, displaces and replaces contaminated and moisture-laden air.
What wholesalers need to know
Ventilation is the easiest way to tackle condensation and mould’s moisture in the air. By removing the moisture and other pollutants from the air, condensation cannot settle on cold surfaces and mould cannot grow, removing the problem at source.
For electricians PIV is a breath of fresh air since it is effortlessly installed. Simple to fit and commission in any size loft, only a hole in the ceiling is needed to fit the diffuser and no external cut outs are needed. Designed to make both electricians’ and electrical wholesaler’s lives easier, PIV like Manrose’s Lo-Watt Pivotal comes complete with a ceiling diffuser, flexible duct and G4 filters, plus hanging kit and floor mounting base as standard, so there is everything that is needed to complete the installation. Meanwhile, a handle incorporated into the unit makes it easy and safe to carry the PIV which is especially useful when lifting through loft hatches.
The unit is supplied with a diffuser to be installed in a central location within the property e.g. in the main hallway of a bungalow or in the landing in a conventional property. The unit is easily set to the appropriate speed at installation based on the size of the property. Natural leakage points that are present in all properties, as well as purpose provided exhaust points, enhance the air change.
Once the PIV is installed, depending on the property, it could take between a few hours to a few days to start to see the effects and may take a couple of weeks for the areas affected with mould to dry out completely. So, households should be happy with seeing a solution that works so quickly.
Cost of living
Another feature wholesalers should also make electricians aware of is the low running costs of the latest energy efficient PIV. This will make PIV attractive for households in the current cost of living crisis. The Lo-Watt Pivotal will continuously ventilate silently in the background while in ‘Trickle’ mode. Once the unit automatically senses excess heat being lost into the loft, the airflow will increase to ‘Energy Recovery’ mode to recover heat that would otherwise be lost through the roof. During summer months, should the loft exceed 27°C (adjustable), the unit will enter ‘Standby’ mode to stop the circulation of warm air allowing for a more comfortable living environment.
Breathe easy
PIV also provides whole house air purification and humidity control, which adds up to a great solution for households. Operating by drawing in warm, fresh air from the loft, PIV units, such as Manrose’s Lo-Watt Pivotal, filter all incoming air via G4 filters before gently introducing it into habitable areas of a property via a ceiling mounted diffuser. These G4 filters help protect against everyday pollen and dust creating a healthier indoor environment, with good IAQ and low humidity levels.
Poor IAQ and mould can lead to health issues such as asthma and itchy skin. PIV reduces the risk of health issues in the home by improving IAQ and quickly eradicating conditions that lead to mould growth in the first place. With filtered air there are also fewer allergens or triggers in the air, helping reduce health problems for households.
Whisper quiet
Electrical wholesalers can also reassure electricians of PIV’s quiet operation. Out of sight, out of mind – once installed in a loft, a PIV unit will operate without the household even noticing it is running thanks to its quiet operation. There are PIV units now available that are near silent in operation; for example, at the point of supply into the house the Lo-Watt Pivotal is almost inaudible.
Wholesalers can also reassure their customers that PIV units will not cause an irritating cool draft either. Many units come with a comfort heater which tempers the incoming air. In addition, when the air in the loft is warm (due to heat rising from the main living area or through solar gain), the unit will boost to recirculate the warm air back into the property helping to save money on energy bills too. For example, the Lo-Watt Pivotal range includes a heater and non-heater, model, the Lo-Watt Pivotal with 500W heater helps reduce the chill as fresh air enters the property. The controls allow the Lo-Watt Pivotal with 500W heater to be adjusted making it adaptable for different lifestyles.
The unit is also made using recycled material, offering a more sustainable choice for households.
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