Condensation and mould become more apparent in winter months, when households tend to reduce ventilation and aim to retain heat, leading to high humidity levels due to restricted airflow.
This ultimately causes condensation – tiny water droplets settling on surfaces, including walls, windows and ceilings.
Areas particularly prone to excess condensation, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are at risk of damp issues and black mould.
To stop mould and condensation, an internet user turned to the Builders and Tradesmen Advice Group online.
Kim Wilson expressed her concerns, saying, “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.”
Various group members suggested employing a dehumidifier, while more commenters suggested alternative solutions.
Michael Thomas proposed: “Positive input ventilation units are way cheaper to run than dehumidifiers and far more effective. I’ve never had condensation appear anymore.”
Donatas Bartkevicius expressed similar views: “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 sang the praises, stating: “We recently have 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 added that he paid £450, but the price has since dropped to £350 for the heated version, which features a 400W heater. Mitchell noted that the device is easy to install, especially if power is already available in the loft, and comes with settings for different property sizes.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) functions 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 pricier than dehumidifiers, these units are more energy efficient to run in the long term and can eliminate condensation and mould problems in households.
