EPC rating destroyed by Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)?
9:32 AM, 30th August 2023, 3 years ago
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Hello, I own three fairly typical mid terrace solid-brick houses. All have double glazing, loft insulation and gas central heating. Over the last year I have had Positive Input Ventilation (PIVs) installed in all three.
These have been great in reducing condensation and mould, and the tenants and I are very happy with them.
I had an EPC done at one of the properties today, and it has been rated an E. The assessor says that the PIV ‘batters the EPC’!
How can something that costs very little to run, and has such a positive effect on the living standards and health of the tenant, be viewed so negatively when it comes to an EPC rating?
Thank you,
Paul
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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 144
10:10 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
I guess taking cold air from the loft in the middle of winter isn’t particularly positive.
Damp and mould are caused by faults within the fabric of the house. PIVs only deal with the symptoms, not the cause.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3237 - Articles: 81
10:53 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
Wow,
I’ve got one of these in one of mine & it has helped loads. And we get penalised again.
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 222
11:05 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
“Damp and mould are caused by faults within the fabric of the house”
I’d attribute much blame to tenant behaviour. They either understand the problem or they don’t. We all know what I refer to!
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 2
11:16 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
The assessor is incorrect, PIV is not a whole house mechanical extract ventilation system and therefore is ignored for the purposes of an EPC.
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 297 - Articles: 1
11:19 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
“Damp and mould are caused by faults within the fabric of the house. ”
oh yes
What about tenants inapproproprate operation of the home?
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 9
11:20 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Teessider at 30/08/2023 – 10:10
“Damp and mould are caused by faults within the fabric of the house”
Not necessarily. Condensation can often be attributed to a tenants lifestyle. Not opening windows, not having the heating on, switching off extractor fans etc.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1435 - Articles: 1
11:29 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
The same will happen with vents on chimney breasts and passive air vents.
Victorian builders understood the need for movement of air to stop properties becoming mouldy. Have we not learnt that living in sealed boxes is not good for either our health or the building’s health?
Member Since November 2020 - Comments: 23
11:29 AM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
Most damp and condensation is caused by tenant lifestyle. Even when told how to ventilate etc and do all the other things which prevent condensation, tenants generally don’t bother. These PIV’s are the most amazing answer to this problem. Where there used to be damp and mould on the walls, now this has been completely eradicated by the installation of a PIV in the loft – the flat now smells of clean, fresh air every time I go in. They are amazing! Such a shame the EPC has gone down – more madness from the Government.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
12:03 PM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
This just goes to show that the EPC system is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed BEFORE the decent homes standard is voted in by the government
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 198
12:12 PM, 30th August 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike Ellis at 30/08/2023 – 11:16
If Mike is correct – which sounds likely to me. Paul(OP) should be able to have a assessment corrected. Mike: do you have a link or reference Paul can leverage?