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We feel how important ventilation in the house is when we become stuffy. It is uncomfortable and we even open windows in winter. But with an open window in the room it quickly becomes cold or the feeling of a draft does not give rest. The installed supply valve on the plastic window helps to solve the problem. Technologically, it provides tightness and fresh air supply.
What is an inlet valve for?
When building or renovating a house, we do our best to keep it warm. One of the key points is the installation of sealed plastic windows. The house gets much warmer. But tightness has a downside – there is no fresh air intake. Therefore, sometimes, even a properly designed ventilation system may not work. After all, if there is no air flow, then there is nothing to pull out.
Non-working ventilation is increased humidity, which contributes to the development of mold and fogging of windows. With a lack of fresh air, we feel discomfort. We find a way out – open the window and ventilate the room.
But when the window is open, noise interferes, dust flies into the room, and in winter it quickly becomes too cold. And all because the air flow is too intense. You should choose the flow so that you breathe easily, but it is not cold at the same time. Adjustable inlet valves help to solve this problem.
Window air inlet device
Any adjustable supply channel is an opening with a damper that allows you to change its cross section. Thus, the intensity of air intake is regulated.
The inlet valve device mainly consists of three parts:
- The inner part consists of an adjustment mechanism and, as a rule, a filter.
- Air channel.
- Outdoor, street part. Protects from precipitation, and if there is a dust filter, then partially from noise.
The basic principle of operation of this device is as follows: by opening the damper more or less, the air flow into the room is selected for the current conditions.
For the effective operation of the ventilation valve in the apartment, hoods must work, while the doors must be open or have a small gap from the floor.
Types of supply valves
Ventilation valves for PVC windows are divided into three categories according to their design features:
- slotted;
- folded;
- waybills.
In addition to these main groups, ventilation valves are divided into two types:
- with manual control;
- automatic.
Valves with a manual control mechanism are more common. In automatic appliances, the control mechanism responds to pressure or humidity, and for convenience, they can be equipped with a remote control and integrated into the “smart home” system. The essence of their work remains the same, but the price is much higher.
slotted devices
Perhaps the most common version of the ventilation valves. Received such popularity because of simplicity of installation and throughput.
The slot-type valve got its name due to the gap, which is formed as a result of the removal of part of the seal on the window frame and the double-glazed unit. Its size can be 17–40 cm wide and up to 16 mm high. The valve is manufactured in two versions, with one or two blocks.
The advantages of these devices include:
- the possibility of installation without removing the double-glazed window;
- good throughput (up to 20 m³/h);
- noise and dust protection.
The disadvantages include the need for plastic milling when installing two-block models.
Seam models
The inflow made on folded models is also very popular, although its installation is somewhat more complicated. During installation, there is no need to remove the double-glazed window, and changes to the window design are minimal.
The air channel is equipped in the window frame or sash. Plastic can be drilled with both a simple drill and special tools – milling cutters, hence the name milling. When installing, you need to accurately select a place so as not to damage the internal elements.
Pros:
- simplicity of installation;
- low cost;
- window soundproofing;
- availability of automatic models.
The minus of seam valves is in a small flow capacity – up to 5 m³ / h. To increase the flow, it is recommended to install two sets.
If the folded “supply” is equipped with a humidity sensor, then give preference to models where the sensor-actuator is located at some distance from the ventilation duct, this will increase its accuracy.
Overhead valve models
Such a supply valve in the window is pre-installed during its production. However, it can be made according to individual sizes in an already installed window. In this case, it will be necessary to dismantle the double-glazed window and change its size. These devices have high productivity up to 100 m3/h and their use is rational, for example, in office premises. Overhead valves easily let in street noise and reduce the thermal insulation of the window.
How to maintain
Maintenance of window inlet valves consists in cleaning from dust once or twice a year or changing filters. Premises located close to busy highways may need quarterly cleaning.
Maintenance is carried out according to the instructions and may consist of removing accumulated dust with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Washing in water is usually not allowed unless it is allowed in the manual.
Why on the window?
Air inflow can be organized in two ways – through a window or wall, the outflow occurs through the hood in the bathroom and / or in the kitchen.
More often they do it in a window for several reasons: the first is easier to make than making a hole in the wall, and the second is cheaper. In addition, there are two more reasons for:
- Previously, he acted through loose window cracks in wooden frames. But the influx was unregulated and often redundant.
- Usually there is a heating radiator under the window. Warm air rises from it and, mixing with the street, ensures its effective movement.
Pros and cons of devices
Ventilation systems for plastic windows solve the problem of fresh air entering the apartment – this is the main plus of these devices and not the only one. However, they are not without drawbacks.
Advantages
Any additional equipment is an additional cost, but using these inexpensive devices that ensure the correct operation of ventilation can be done with a small investment.
By installing the valve on a plastic window, you will receive:
- fresh air supply;
- reduction of heat losses;
- lack of draft.
This is important for families with children, because the sash is always closed, so the child cannot fall out. There is no need to open and close the sashes many times a day, the load on the fittings is reduced.
Another plus is that you don’t need a mosquito net. Even if the model is the simplest, there is very little chance of insects penetrating through it. And in order to reduce it to zero at all, you can put a piece of a mosquito net into the overlay.
Cons of window ventilation
Like any technology, window ventilators have several disadvantages. They can be associated with poor product quality, installation errors, as well as typical product flaws. The main ones are:
- freezing in frosts near the installation site;
- reduction of heat and sound insulation;
- in hot weather do not provide ventilation;
- automatic models are too expensive;
- with a certain direction of the wind, there may be a characteristic whistle.
All these shortcomings manifest themselves to varying degrees. Depends on window position, prevailing winds and specific model.
If the house is located along the highway, then noise will become a serious problem. Of course, it will be less than with an open sash, but it can be quite noticeable. Some manufacturers offer additional pads that are installed on the outside of the frame to solve the problem.
Another disadvantage is that some models require cutting holes in the profiles for installation. And that’s a loss of warranty. The way out is to order valves from the same company that installed the windows or refuse warranty service.
Popular Models
According to the control method, there are manual supply valves for windows and automated ones. With manual control, everything is clear – by moving the damper handle, we change its position. The most popular in this class is the Air-Box supply valve (in everyday life “air-box”). This is a manual ventilator. Filtering and noise protection is not provided. But an attractive price.
Supply Air-Box
Air-box is the simplest of the valves and is a plastic trim that is installed in the window rebate. It is only required to cut a piece of sealing rubber and replace its thinnest seal, which is included in the package. The rubber band is tucked into the groove, the pad is fixed with self-tapping screws.
The Air-Box eco modification has an external lining, which is fixed on the frame from the outside. The pad contains an additional filter, which solves the problem of dust and slightly reduces the noise level.
Aereko automatic valve
In our market, window valves for ventilation with automated control are represented by Aereko (Aereko). It manufactures moisture-controlled supply valves, including those for windows.
Automatic control of the damper is carried out by a hygro-regulated system, the operation of which is based in response to the external temperature and humidity in the room. They have a filter element, as well as a switch to switch to manual operation.
An additional outer pad allows you to reduce the noise level up to 42 dB. During installation, milling is required in the profile, sash and frame. To simplify installation, the kit includes a template, according to which the necessary holes are cut.
Rehau models (Rehau)
Rehau products are more diverse. This company produces window profiles and has solutions for various categories of consumers. The simplest “Aerovent” are designed for standard-sized apartments, AR75 – for cottages and large apartments, Invisivent – for commercial facilities.
Mounting models are different. Aerovent can be installed on an existing window, AP75 can also be installed without replacing the frame, but the double-glazed window will have to be changed. And Invisivent (“Invisivent”) is installed only during the production of the window block.
MACO products
MACO makes vent valves for windows that adjust the gap depending on the strength of the wind. The stronger the wind, the smaller the gap becomes. At a wind speed of 20 m/s and above, the valve closes completely.
Features of this valve:
- installed vertically near the corner of the block;
- can be placed on an existing window;
- it is possible to completely close the gap.
In general, the developers took into account most of the shortcomings of simple models.
OKFIL window filter with handle
The ventilation system does not have to look like an overlay on the top of the frame. There are options that are built into the part where the handle is attached.
The valve can be used for ventilation both in a private house and in an apartment. There is a modification without a handle, which can be placed on a blind window at any point in the profile.
When installing these devices, profile milling is required, that is, it will be necessary to drill holes through the shape of the lining through which air will flow. After that, an overlay with a filter tab, a valve and a handle are installed. One device is designed for 10 m² of area. In large rooms, an additional second filter is installed, but without a handle.
How to choose a fresh air valve
To select a window ventilator, no global calculations are required. Data on the area that the valve is able to serve is usually indicated in the specification. For an accurate calculation, you need to divide the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe room or apartment by the area indicated in the characteristic. The resulting number indicates the required number of devices.
If the performance for which the supply valve is designed is indicated, you need to estimate the intensity of air exchange that you need. According to the norms for one person, this is 3 m³ / h.
Choose a specific model according to the parameters that you consider the most important. If the house is in a quiet place and the winters are not too severe, an inexpensive micro-ventilation air valve for Air-Box PVC windows or its analogues will do.
If noise and dust protection is required, get something more expensive. If maintaining burglary resistance is important, consider window replacement options. Now there are profiles with built-in valves.
Installing a valve on a plastic window
Not every window inlet air damper can fit into an existing room or balcony window. There are two types of ventilation valves: with the need for milling and without it. Air-Box models are installed without milling. Installation is simple:
- Choose an installation location. Most often this is the upper part of the double-glazed window.
- Mark the length of the valve on the leaf and on the frame.
- At these marks, cut the sealing gum and remove the cut piece.
- Insert, in place of the removed area, a thinner seal from the kit.
- Attach the plastic housing of the hood to the sash. Self-tapping screws for mounting are usually included, and you will only need a screwdriver or screwdriver to work.
Air valve installation is complete. As you can see, no milling. Three additional holes are not considered by everyone as a design change. So the warranty is preserved, but it is better, of course, to check with the installer or seller.
Other models for installation require through holes in the profile. Most of these kits come with an overlay template, according to which seats are milled and holes are drilled. A couple of examples of mounting different models, see the video below.