Written by

Danny Neill


How To Stop Condensation On Windows With PIV

Author: Danny Neill - Operations Manager at Platinum Chemicals Ltd

Stop Condensation Dampness On Windows with Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) 

The Problem: CONDENSATION ON WINDOWS

The appearance of Condensation on Windows, caused by poor ventilation, is a wide-scale problem for many homes and buildings in the UK.

It is estimated that one in five UK households are poorly ventilated. As well as Streaming Windows, Condensation Dampness can lead to problems such as Black Mould Growth and Poor Indoor Air Quality.

Condensation Dampness is the major indoor air pollutant caused by modern living. Energy efficiency measures such as Cavity Wall Insulation and Double-Glazing make homes warmer by sealing, and to an extent 'containing' the heat. However, without sufficient ventilation, the humid, stale air becomes 'trapped' inside the home leading to Condensation and potentially, an appearance of Black Mould (Aspergillus Niger).

Condensation can form when moisture comes into contact with cold surfaces (usually on windows, areas around windows, window sills, cold external walls etc...), and is particularly worse during colder Months between October and March.

Indoor moisture can be produced by many things such as individuals breathing, showering, cooking and washing or drying clothes. In fact, the average family may produce up to 17 Pints of moisture daily!

Condensation Dampness will eventually cause Black Mould Growth. Not only is this an unpleasant sight, but it can also be very damaging to the fabric of the building and can create unnecessary costs in redecoration and maintenance.

Health Effects

Poor Ventilation can potentially have a significant impact on an occupants health and wellbeing.

Studies have firmly linked poor indoor air quality with a range of undesirable illnesses, such as allergies, asthma symptoms, respiratory infections, and in most severe cases, lung cancer and stroke. Therefore, ventilation is considered critical when it comes to home comfort and improved health.

The Importance of Good Ventilation

Adequate ventilation in the home improves air quality and rids the home of air pollutants. It controls the moisture levels in the home, preventing Condensation Dampness and the formation of Black Mould.

On average, occupants spend over 80% of their time indoors so indoor air quality really does matter.

Cure Condensation with Positive Input Ventilation

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) Systems provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air into the home through Positive Pressurisation, creating an environment in which Condensation and Mould Growth cannot exist.

Over 1 million homes in the UK have a Positive Input Ventilation System installed.

The Drimaster ECO Range uses the Positive Input Ventilation principle to provide the home with whole-house ventilation. The unit is installed in the loft area where it introduces fresh filtered air into the dwelling at a continuous rate, encouraging movement of air from the inside to outside. Most Drimaster ECO Units are suitable for installation into single-storey and two-storey homes with loft space.

The Drimaster ECO-3STOREY uses the same PIV Technology and is suitable for three-storey properties with loft space.

For homes and properties without loft space (i.e flats and apartments), then the Flatmaster should be considered. The Flatmaster can be installed in a convenient location within the home where it can be ducted to a central location, introducing fresh air into the home at a continuous low rate and ensuring allergens are kept to a minimum.

Choosing The Correct PIV System:

PIV For Two-Storey or Single-Storey Homes With Lofts

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-HC

The Most Popular Drimaster Unit with the range, the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-HC enhances PIV Technology with the added benefit of having the system controls located in the diffuser providing ease of commissioning the install for housing providers when carrying out maintenance checks.

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LC

The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LC is the 'basic' model within the Drimaster-Eco range. Sited in the loft, the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LC is a traditional loft mounted Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) System.

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-HEAT-HC

The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-HEAT-HC is a low energy ventilation system which has a unique 400W heating element to temper the airflow on entering the property. The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-HEAT-HC is also compatible with Nuaire's range of Drimaster Switches and Sensors.

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-HEAT-HCS

The Nuaire Drimaster ECO HEAT-HCS is part of the Drimaster Eco range of Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units and has a unique 400W heater element positioned behind the diffuser for optimum performance.

The unit is suitable for all properties with a loft space and has a one power supply for ease of installation. With an integral heater sited behind the diffuser this element allows for the airflow to be tempered when entering the property.

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC

The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC is a loft mounted Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) Unit which incorporates Radio Frequency (RF) to enable a range of remote sensors which will automatically talk to the unit when high levels of humidity and CO2 are measured.

Nuaire Drimaster 365

The Nuaire Drimaster 365 is the only Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) Unit which is designed to run all year round, curing condensation dampness and removing allergens and pollutants from the home.

This cost-effective, whole home ventilation solution is suitable for properties with a loft space and is the only one in the Drimaster Eco Range that not only intelligently utilises solar gain from loft space during colder months but has the added benefit of introducing fresh cooler filtered air throughout the warmer months.

Nuaire Drimaster Sensors and Switches

A range of Sensors and Switches are available and are ONLY compatible with two of our Drimaster Eco PIV Units, the Drimaster ECO-HEAT-HC and the Drimaster ECO-LINK-HC.

The Drimaster Sensors and Switches give occupants easier and more convenient control of their ventilation system.

 

PIV For Three-Storey Homes With Lofts

Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY

The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is part of the Drimaster Eco Range offering a cost-effective whole home ventilation solution suitable specifically for 3 Storey Properties with a loft space. The Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system controls on the unit are enhanced with a seven segment display.

Due to its application being 3 storey properties, it incorporates a square intumescent aluminium diffuser in order to meet fire regulation standards.

 

PIV For Homes Without Loft Space

Nuaire Flatmaster

The Nuaire Flatmaster has been specifically designed to ventilate flats and other homes without lofts. The system introduces air into the home at a continuous low rate, eliminating condensation dampness and forcing out indoor pollutants such as Radon gas and carbon monoxide.

Allergens are kept to a minimum and outdoor pollutants such as pollen and traffic fumes are kept out. The results are a fresh and healthy indoor environment.

 

PIV Maintenance

It is recommended that PIV Filters are changed after a certain period of time.

Without a simple replacement of the filters, condensation and musty smells may return as the unit is no longer able to operate effectively.

Replacement Drimaster and Flatmaster Filters are also available to purchase from our Online Store.

 

Platinum Chemicals - Experts in Condensation Control

If you have any questions about Positive Input Ventilation, please give us a call on 01355 222777 or drop us an Email. We will be more than happy to help. 

 

Image Credits: axelle b;

Feature Image: Pixabay

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