Positive input ventilation (PIV) in County Durham

Condensation in County Durham homes usually has one of two answers: better extract fans, or PIV as well.

Across County Durham the job is priced the same way wherever you are: what is fitted, how long it takes and how far we travel. Towns we cover include Chester-le-Street, Billingham, Stanley, Consett and Darlington.

PIV in County Durham at a glance

Area: County Durham
Towns listed: 14, largest Darlington
Postcode districts: DL14, DL16, DH8, DH9, DL1 and DL2
Price region: North East
Survey: Free survey (UK mainland)

What the work involves

Many units have a temperature sensor that reduces the flow or switches to a heater module on cold days, so the incoming air does not feel like a draught. Flats without a loft use a wall-mounted unit that draws air from outside through a cored hole. PIV works well in houses and flats with general condensation on windows and cold walls.

PIV with fan upgrades

PIV plus humidity-controlled extract fans in the kitchen and bathroom for the most stubborn condensation.

Loft-mounted PIV

The most common option for houses with a loft. Usually fitted in half a day.

Heated PIV

A heater module tempers the incoming air in cold weather. Useful in homes where people feel draughts.

Guide prices in County Durham

Positive input ventilation (PIV) guide prices in County Durham
Work	Guide price
Positive input ventilation (PIV) loft unit, supplied and fitted (per home)	£725–£1,275 inc VAT
Wall-mounted PIV unit for a flat (core drilled through an outside wall) (per flat)	£925–£1,550 inc VAT
Heater module or heated PIV unit (extra over a standard unit) (extra)	£135–£270 inc VAT

These ranges use our North East rates. Prices include VAT at 20%. You get a fixed written price before any work is booked.

Signs it is time to call us

Streaming windows on most mornings in winter
Black mould on window reveals and in corners of bedrooms
Musty smell in wardrobes or behind furniture

Rules in England

In England, ventilation is covered by Part F of the Building Regulations and its guidance, Approved Document F (2021 edition). For homes, it sets minimum extract rates such as 15 litres a second for a bathroom and 30 or 60 for a kitchen, and expects mechanical systems to be airflow-tested.

How the job runs

Survey
Fixed quote
Install
Set up
Hand over

Towns we cover in County Durham

Questions about positive input ventilation (PIV) in County Durham

Is the survey free in County Durham?

For new installations on the UK mainland, yes. The survey is free and the quote that follows is fixed and in writing. Servicing, testing and repair visits are charged, and we confirm the cost before booking.

Will PIV make my house cold?

Most units temper or reduce the flow when the incoming air is cold, and a heated unit warms it. Placed correctly on the landing, the air spreads gently rather than blowing on anyone.

Can PIV be fitted in a flat?

Yes. Flats without loft space use a wall-mounted PIV unit that draws air from outside through an outside wall.

Which rules apply to ventilation in County Durham?

In England, ventilation in new and altered homes is covered by Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. Landlords also have duties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and workplaces must be ventilated under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Which towns in County Durham do you cover?

All of County Durham, including Chester-le-Street, Billingham, Stanley, Consett and Darlington. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.

We will check the existing fans in your County Durham home at the same visit, because PIV works best with them working.