The Forgotten Ancestors of Modern PIV Systems
A fascinating piece of condensation-control history discovered in East Yorkshire
At Dovedale Dampcure Services Ltd, we spend a great deal of time diagnosing condensation and mould problems within homes across Hull and East Yorkshire. Most people assume that modern ventilation systems such as Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units are a relatively new invention.
Interestingly, that is not entirely true.
During a recent inspection, we came across a remarkable surviving example of an early domestic condensation-control system hidden away within a property. The unit, shown below, was manufactured by a company called Hutchinson & Co. Condensation Control Services of Doncaster and is believed to date from somewhere between the late 1970s and mid-1980s.
A glimpse into the early days of condensation control
The unit itself is labelled:
Type: CCF02
240V AC – 30W
Manufactured by Hutchinson & Co. Condensation Control Services, Doncaster.
Although fairly crude by modern standards, this piece of equipment represents an important stage in the evolution of domestic ventilation and condensation control within UK homes.
The large transformer, heavy-duty construction, and very simple electronics are all typical of British-built specialist equipment from that era. Long before modern humidity-sensing extractor fans and sophisticated PIV systems existed, engineers were already attempting to tackle condensation problems mechanically.
Why systems like this appeared
During the 1970s and 1980s, condensation within UK housing stock began to become a much more significant issue.
Several changes contributed to this:
Homes became more draught-proof.
Older timber windows started being replaced with sealed double glazing.
Open fires and chimneys were used less frequently.
Energy-saving measures reduced natural airflow.
Modern lifestyles introduced higher moisture loads into properties.
As a result, many homes began suffering from persistent condensation, black mould growth, and poor indoor air quality.
Specialist companies emerged offering “condensation control” systems designed to provide continuous ventilation and air movement within the property.
The ancestor of the modern PIV unit
Although we cannot say with complete certainty exactly how this particular unit operated without further investigation, it was most likely one of two things:
an early continuous-running ventilation fan, or
a primitive form of positive pressure ventilation.
Either way, the concept is very familiar to us today.
Modern PIV systems work by introducing filtered, fresh air into the property, gently diluting and displacing humid air. This reduces surface condensation and helps control mould growth.
This older Hutchinson unit appears to follow exactly the same core principle — just using much older engineering methods.
In many ways, systems like this can be viewed as the direct ancestors of modern ventilation products from manufacturers such as:
Vent-Axia
Nuaire
EnviroVent
Condensation problems are not new
One of the most interesting things about finding old equipment like this is that it reminds us that condensation and mould problems are not modern inventions.
The housing industry has been battling excess indoor humidity for decades.
What has changed is:
our understanding of building physics,
the efficiency of ventilation systems,
and the technology available to control indoor environments.
Today’s systems are quieter, more energy efficient, more intelligent, and far more effective — but the underlying problem remains very much the same.
A fascinating survivor
It is genuinely unusual to still find one of these early condensation-control systems remaining in place after so many years.
For those of us working within the damp, mould, and ventilation industry, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of modern condensation control and the long history of trying to improve indoor air quality within British homes.
Sometimes, hidden away in lofts and cupboards, older properties still have stories to tell.
For advice regarding condensation, mould growth, ventilation systems, or Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) installations across Hull and East Yorkshire, contact:
Dovedale Dampcure Services Ltd
01482 821739
07402 099335
