Barnstaple, Devon
Positive input ventilation (PIV) in Barnstaple
Loft or wall units that gently push filtered air into the home to tackle condensation. Covering Barnstaple and EX31, EX32 and EX33.
- From £825 inc VAT per home
- Free survey

Condensation in Barnstaple homes usually has one of two answers: better extract fans, or PIV as well.
Whether the property is in the middle of Barnstaple or one of the villages around it, the process is the same: a look at the building, a written price, then fitting and testing on the agreed day.
PIV in Barnstaple at a glance
- Town
- Barnstaple, Devon
- Postcode districts
- EX31, EX32 and EX33
- Nearby
- Bideford (8 miles) and Ilfracombe (9 miles)
- Price region
- South West
- Survey
- Free survey (UK mainland)
PIV for Barnstaple homes
Loft air is usually a little warmer and drier than outside air, and the unit filters it before it comes down into the house. 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.
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.
Guide prices in Barnstaple
| Work | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Positive input ventilation (PIV) loft unit, supplied and fitted (per home) | £825–£1,450 inc VAT |
| Wall-mounted PIV unit for a flat (core drilled through an outside wall) (per flat) | £1,025–£1,775 inc VAT |
| Heater module or heated PIV unit (extra over a standard unit) (extra) | £150–£305 inc VAT |
Guide prices using South West rates. Prices include VAT at 20%. A guide price is not a quote: we confirm a fixed price in writing first.
When to get it looked at
- Black mould on window reveals and in corners of bedrooms
- Musty smell in wardrobes or behind furniture
- The house feels stuffy and damp rather than cold
Rules that apply 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.
Questions from Barnstaple
What is the price of a PIV unit in Barnstaple?
Guide prices for Barnstaple use South West rates: positive input ventilation (PIV) loft unit, supplied and fitted is typically £825 to £1,450 inc VAT per home. We confirm a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
Does PIV really stop condensation?
PIV reduces condensation in most homes because it dilutes moist air and keeps it moving, but it works best alongside working extract fans in the kitchen and bathroom. Leaks, rising damp or a cold bridge need fixing separately.
How much does PIV cost to run?
A standard PIV unit uses very little electricity, comparable to a low-energy light bulb on normal speed. A heated unit costs more in cold spells because the heater switches on when loft air is cold.
Is the survey free in Barnstaple?
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.
How do I get a price for a PIV unit in Barnstaple?
Use the guide price tool, the form on this page, live chat, WhatsApp or call 0800 088 6341. A postcode and a couple of photos help us give you a useful answer first time.
Get a PIV guide price for your Barnstaple home online, then confirm it on a free survey.
PIV near Barnstaple
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