Positive input ventilation (PIV) in Essex

PIV can suit Essex houses and flats because it treats the whole home from one quiet unit.

Essex has every kind of building, from old terraces to new estates and business parks, and every job is designed around the building in front of us, not a standard kit.

PIV in Essex at a glance

Area: Essex
Towns listed: 32, largest Southend-on-Sea
Postcode districts: RM19, CO12, IP10, SS7, SS8 and CO12
Price region: East of England
Survey: Free survey (UK mainland)

How we do it

PIV works well in houses and flats with general condensation on windows and cold walls. It does not replace extract fans: kitchens and bathrooms still need their own extract to remove steam at source. On survey we check the loft, the landing position and the existing fans, and we tell you if PIV is not the right answer.

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 Essex

Positive input ventilation (PIV) guide prices in Essex
Work	Guide price
Positive input ventilation (PIV) loft unit, supplied and fitted (per home)	£825–£1,475 inc VAT
Wall-mounted PIV unit for a flat (core drilled through an outside wall) (per flat)	£1,050–£1,775 inc VAT
Heater module or heated PIV unit (extra over a standard unit) (extra)	£150–£310 inc VAT

East of England rates shown. Prices include VAT at 20%. The fixed price is confirmed in writing after we have seen the job.

When to get it looked at

You have no loft but still need whole-flat ventilation (wall unit)
Streaming windows on most mornings in winter
Black mould on window reveals and in corners of bedrooms

Rules in England

English building work follows Approved Document F (2021 edition) for ventilation rates, installation and commissioning. It sets extract rates for kitchens, bathrooms and utilities and asks for mechanical ventilation to be commissioned and recorded.

How the job runs

Survey
Fixed quote
Install
Set up
Hand over

Towns we cover in Essex

Questions about positive input ventilation (PIV) in Essex

Are prices different in Essex?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In Essex we use East of England rates, so positive input ventilation (PIV) loft unit, supplied and fitted is typically £825 to £1,475 inc VAT per home.

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.

How long does PIV installation take?

A loft unit is normally fitted in two to four hours, including the diffuser and electrical connection.

Is the survey free in Essex?

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.

Which rules apply to ventilation in Essex?

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.

Most Essex PIV jobs are done in half a day, so ask about the next available date.