PIV Units Vs Extractor Fans: Which is Best for Your Property?

Finding the right ventilation system is an important part of keeping your home comfortable, healthy and free from moisture problems. Many property owners compare PIV units and extractor fans but are unsure which option suits their home and lifestyle best. Although both systems improve air quality, they work in different ways and solve different types of issues.

In this guide, you will learn how each system works, the benefits they offer and the situations where they perform best. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of whether a PIV unit, an extractor fan or a combination of both is the ideal solution for your property. You will also know what to expect in terms of cost, installation and long-term performance.

Introduction to PIV Units and Extractor Fans

Positive Input Ventilation units and extractor fans are two of the most widely used solutions for improving indoor air quality in UK homes. Both help to reduce humidity, remove stale air and prevent problems such as condensation and mould, although they approach this in very different ways.

A PIV unit works across the whole property by introducing filtered, fresh air into the home. This creates gentle air movement that pushes stale, humid air out through natural gaps and vents. It is designed to improve ventilation throughout the entire building and is often used in homes that suffer from persistent condensation.

Extractor fans focus on a single room. They remove stale, humid or smoky air directly from problem areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. These fans are particularly effective at tackling moisture produced during daily activities, for example, cooking or showering, and help prevent damp and mould growth in high humidity spaces.

Both systems have value, but the right choice depends on your property layout, level of ventilation and specific moisture concerns.

How Does a PIV Unit Work?

A PIV unit works by drawing in fresh, filtered air from outside or the loft space and introducing it gently into the home. This creates a constant, controlled flow of clean air that replaces stale or moisture laden air. As the fresh air enters, it naturally moves older air towards vents, gaps and extractor points, improving air circulation throughout the entire property.

The steady airflow produced by a PIV system helps to reduce condensation on windows, prevent mould growth and improve indoor air quality. Many homeowners choose PIV for whole house protection, particularly in older properties with limited natural ventilation. PIV units can also reduce dust levels and improve comfort for asthma and allergy sufferers, thanks to their built in filtration.

A key advantage of PIV technology is its low running cost. These systems often operate at a very low wattage, making them energy efficient and inexpensive to run. To explore available options, you can browse our range of PIV units for different property sizes and installation layouts.

How Does an Extractor Fan Work?

Extractor fans work by removing stale, humid or odorous air directly from a room. They are typically fitted in bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and other high moisture areas. The fan draws air out through a duct or external wall, which prevents condensation from building up and helps keep surfaces dry and mould free.

Extractor fans are an essential part of targeted ventilation. They activate when humidity rises, when someone uses the bathroom or when cooking produces steam or smoke. By focusing on specific rooms, they deal with moisture at its source, making them highly effective at reducing damp in areas that need the most attention.

Modern extractor fans can include features such as humidity sensors, timers and silent operation. These options allow them to run only when needed and ensure efficiency. For homeowners looking to upgrade or replace an existing unit, our collection of extractor fans offers solutions for every room type and ventilation requirement.

PIV Unit vs Extractor Fan: Which One Is Best?

Choosing between a PIV unit and an extractor fan depends on the type of issues you are experiencing and the layout of your property.

PIV units are best suited for homes with whole house condensation problems, poor airflow or a general lack of ventilation. They are ideal for preventing persistent window condensation, eliminating musty smells and improving overall air quality. They work quietly in the background and provide a long term solution with minimal maintenance.

Extractor fans are the better choice for targeted moisture control. If your bathroom fogs up frequently, or if cooking creates steam and odours, an extractor fan offers direct, immediate removal of humid air. They are simple, cost effective and essential for rooms where moisture is regularly produced.

For many homes, especially older or poorly ventilated ones, the best solution is a combination of both. A PIV unit provides whole house air movement, while extractor fans manage humidity in specific rooms.

The right choice depends on your home’s size, your moisture levels and your ventilation goals.

PIV Extractor Fan: Can They Be Used Together?

PIV units and extractor fans can work extremely well when used together. In fact, many ventilation specialists recommend combining the two systems for the best possible indoor air quality. A PIV unit improves general airflow throughout your property, while extractor fans remove concentrated moisture from key rooms.

For example, a PIV system can reduce background humidity and help prevent condensation across the entire home. At the same time, the extractor fan tackles intense humidity from showers or cooking. The two systems do not interfere with each other. Instead they complement each other to create an effective balance of fresh air intake and moisture extraction.

This combination is especially beneficial in older homes, properties with limited window ventilation or households where daily activities produce a lot of moisture. If you want all round protection, pairing a PIV unit with well positioned extractor fans can deliver excellent results.

You can explore single room ventilation options in our ventilation collection, which includes a wide range of products suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and utility areas.

PIV vs Extractor Fan: Cost and Installation Considerations

The cost of installing a PIV unit is generally higher than that of an extractor fan, as PIV systems are whole house solutions that require access to the loft space or installation in a central area. Professional installation is recommended to ensure optimal airflow and correct positioning. Running costs for PIV units are typically very low, which can make them cost effective in the long term.

Extractor fans are usually cheaper to buy and install. They require only room level installation and are easy to replace or upgrade. However, they only ventilate one area at a time, so homes with widespread condensation may require multiple units.

Maintenance for both systems is minimal. PIV units require periodic filter checks or replacements, while extractor fans may need occasional cleaning to remove dust and improve efficiency. Choosing a system that suits your home’s layout and long term needs will help ensure you get the best value.

Which Ventilation System Is Right for You?

Deciding between a PIV unit and an extractor fan comes down to understanding your home’s specific needs. If your entire property suffers from condensation or poor air circulation, a PIV unit offers long term, whole house ventilation that can significantly improve indoor comfort and air quality.

If only certain rooms become steamy or damp, or if you want focused moisture control in high humidity areas, an extractor fan may be the most practical and cost effective solution.

In many cases, using both provides the ideal balance. A PIV unit introduces a steady flow of clean air, while extractor fans remove intense bursts of humidity from kitchens and bathrooms. Together they create a healthier indoor environment.

To explore the full range of options available for your home, you can browse our selection of PIV units, extractor fans and wider ventilation solutions to find products that best match your property and your needs.