Supply valve for plastic windows for ventilation: do-it-yourself selection and installation

Supply valve for ventilation of plastic windows - features, varieties, installation. The installation of window structures, which are airtight due to their peculiarities, can entail a change in the microclimate inside the room - the humidity level increases, there is a lack of oxygen, and in general the air becomes stale. The difficulties in general can be easily solved if you place a supply valve for plastic windows - the device will help to normalize natural ventilation, and will also stabilize air exchange.
In this article, we will tell you how to choose the right ventilator in order to ensure the supply of clean air from the street to a room equipped with plastic boxes. All the most popular device models that have been tested and more than once in practice are described in detail. For independent craftsmen, detailed installation instructions are provided.

Features of ventilation in the apartment

Most of the urban residential buildings are economical housing, which means that natural ventilation is used in the construction of high-rise buildings. It consists in the free circulation of the air environment inside the rooms, which is carried out due to the temperature difference outside and in the building.

Air path in a typical three-room apartment

Fresh air enters through the window gaps, vents, open sashes of windows, as well as small gaps under the door leaves, specially designed for this purpose. The spent medium is discharged through the technical openings located in the bathrooms and kitchens, into the general ventilation ducts and mines.

If there is a violation of the inflow and exhaust scheme, the microclimate in the apartments will be disturbed, which will immediately affect the well-being of the residents. Stuffiness, high humidity and dust particles provoke the onset of diseases in humans, as well as the appearance of mold.

To adjust the movement of air, various devices are used, for example, split systems or conventional fans inserted into ventilation ducts.

Duct ventilation is installed in elite category houses

In apartments with sealed double-glazed windows, there are simpler solutions, for example, installing a supply valve on a wooden or plastic window. The compact device delivers air in a constant or cyclic mode, the choice of which depends on the parameters of temperature and humidity necessary for a comfortable stay.

Disadvantages of the system

The disadvantages of such ventilation include the following points:

Some types of structures require milling the window profile in order to obtain an opening for air ducts. After dismantling the valve, it is rather difficult to close up such slots.
Not all types of systems are suitable for rooms, for example, a built-in valve in the sash handle will not be able to provide an air exchange function for large rooms.
When the ventilation valve is closed at low temperatures (below -15 degrees), the gap may freeze, blocking the air access.
There is no filtration system, and fine dust will enter the room with fresh air.
In the summertime, forced ventilation systems (exhaust) are needed for functioning, otherwise the installed structure will not work.

However, such disadvantages are less significant than simple ventilation with unlocking the shutters. And there are no ideal systems.

Supply valve for PVC windows

The design and installation details depend on the installation location of the device.For example, wall models are most often mounted under a window, near a heating radiator or convector. It is important that at least partially heated air flows into the room. Window devices are placed directly on plastic windows - these are the devices that will be discussed below.

Purpose and design of the supply valve

Supply devices, like micro-ventilation systems, are designed to improve the microclimate in living rooms, offices and industrial premises. They provide a full volume of fresh air, which heats up over time, rises and moves towards the ventilation openings.

Appliance painted in the color of the window frame

There is one nuance that should be remembered when choosing and installing any supply device: its operation becomes effective only when the hood is functioning properly. If the general ventilation shafts are clogged with debris or the temperature outside is the same as in the house, ventilation will not be carried out. In this case, it is mandatory to install equipment for forced circulation: hoods, fans, air conditioners, split systems.

The design largely depends on the type of valve, but most of the popular folded models consist of the following parts:

an outdoor unit for air intake, covered with a technical visor;
indoor module, fixed to the frame from the side of the room;
a connecting channel cut into the frame and resembling a sleeve.

There are also universal monoblock systems, which are a single element. Installation of such models is straightforward.

Variant of the model installed at the top of the casement

It is better to find out what parts a particular model consists of before buying. To do this, you can ask the sales assistant for the installation diagram. Perhaps the selected model does not suit the installation method, size, shape or color.

Types of window valves

Depending on various factors, all the valves for the supply ventilation windows can be grouped. For example, there is a classification according to the place of installation for a plastic insulating glass unit. If desired, the device can be secured at the following points:

horizontally on the upper crossbar of the frame;
into a gap formed by two connected plastic elements;
in the place where plastic and glass touch;
from the end of the sash;
on an additionally installed element.

Usually, devices are chosen that merge with the plastic in shade and do not interfere with the opening / closing of the doors.

Installation site - upper plane of the window sash

According to their design features, the products are divided into slotted, laid on and folded. The former are placed horizontally directly on the plastic surface of the sash. Due to the mobility of the frame, the device can be fixed without dismantling the glass unit.

Overhead models in the domestic sphere are practically not used, since their installation is carried out before inserting window structures. Folded devices are "implanted" into the frame, having previously cut a hole. Installation has some nuances, so it is better not to fix the supply valve on the PVC windows with your own hands, but entrust this responsible procedure to a specialist - a representative of the selling company.

Folding valve appearance

In terms of performance, supply air products can be of small, medium or large performance. Devices with minimum indicators - up to 6 m³ / h - are used for small rooms that do not need volumetric air exchange. One piece is enough to equip ventilation in a bedroom, living room or children's room up to 20 m².

Products of the middle category with parameters up to 35 m³ / h are suitable for large rooms or rooms where active air exchange is required.Large capacity - 150 m³ / h and more - is needed for halls in which a large number of people gather, or for industrial premises.

Benefits of automatic devices

Regardless of the design, all products are divided into three subgroups:

without the possibility of adjustment;
with manual adjustment;
automatic.

The first subgroup is the simplest devices resembling an insert. Through a small hole, the outdoor atmosphere constantly enters the room. Since it is impossible to stop feeding, the productivity is low. It is good to install such devices in utility rooms or corridors.

Mechanical models are manually operated. They are also simple in design, however they are equipped with a small curtain or shutter that can be used to interrupt the air supply. The devices are installed in a convenient and accessible place. If the temperature outside has dropped sharply, it is enough to close the valve. The advantages of the models are the low price and simple operation, the disadvantage is the periodic lack of ventilation.

Manual valve

The third subgroup was recognized as the most successful, as it acts independently. Thanks to temperature and humidity sensors, the device turns on at the right time, and when the microclimate in the room becomes ideal, ventilation stops.

The most expensive models not only automatically change operating modes depending on humidity and temperature, but are also regulated by automation. You can program the automatic supply valve on the plastic window so that it closes during the day and turns on at night, or makes more active ventilation of the room before the owners arrive home.

Principle of operation

The functioning of this element is as follows:

Air enters the telescopic opening;
It is cleared of some harmful elements;
Penetrates inside the room.

During this process, excess carbon dioxide is squeezed out. This happens due to the pressure difference, since cold air enters, and warm air is displaced (the recommended temperature value is no more than 5 degrees Celsius). If the indicator is violated, there will be no difference, and the device will be ineffective. Therefore, if a person lives in warm areas, then the need for this device disappears, since it is easier to ventilate the premises manually. There will be heat loss, but not as critical as in cold weather.

Popular brands rating

Well-known manufacturers of ventilation devices do not need additional advertising, since they have been present on the Russian market for a long time and have proven themselves only from the best side. Their products are cutting edge and have many advantages over less popular competitors. Let's take a look at some of them.

1st place - Russian company AIR BOX

The range of products offered is not large, however, among the supply ventilation valves for AIR BOX windows, it is easy to find the right option, since there are manual and automatic ones, with and without milling.

You can choose a model from three series: Comfort, Standard and Comfort C. Comfort valves have two mounting options - built-in and fixed to the frame from above. Depending on the installation, the productivity of the device changes slightly: without milling, it reaches 31 m³ / h, with the cutting of a special hole, it increases to 42 m³ / h. The models are adjusted manually.

After installation, the AIR BOX merges with the plastic base

For lovers of automatic devices, the Standart series is offered. Automation is limited and aimed at adjusting the speed of the air masses of the street. If the wind increases, the moving elements move to a different position, thereby weakening the pressure. This is necessary to protect the house from drafts.But the AIR BOX Standart supply valve for PVC windows also has a very significant disadvantage - low performance. It only passes through 5 m³ / h.

Comfort S models are designed for wooden frames. Before installation, three holes must be cut in the horizontal top bar: two for inserting the device elements and the third for fasteners. The productivity of the devices is 41 m³ / h.

2nd place - French manufacturer AERECO

Today, three window series of Aereko supply valves for plastic windows are produced: EMM², EHA², EMM. They are all hygro-regulated. This means that when the humidity in the room changes, the devices independently change the position of the elements and reduce or increase the air consumption.

Sectional design of Aereko EMM

The presence of a protective canopy for the EMM² and EMM designs allows to reduce the noise level by up to 37 dB. The EHA² series models have a refined design and are equipped with a manual switch. The EMM modification has the ability to adjust the air flow: vertically or at a slope.

3rd place - Polish brand VENTAIR

The supply units have successfully combined aesthetics, functionality and reasonable cost. The performance of the devices is sufficient for ventilation of residential premises - up to 25 m³ / h. The devices are adjusted automatically due to pressure and humidity changes.

The advantage of the models is that they reduce the flow of incoming air in winter or on windy days, thereby protecting against drafts and heat loss in the room.

In addition to the listed manufacturers, products under the brands Systemair, Vents, SINAX AIR, Rehau, Fläkt Woods, Gealan, ALDES, SIEGENIA-AUBI have proven themselves well.

Views

Devices for creating ventilation differ in the material used in production. They are plastic and metal.

Adjustment

According to the method of adjustment, the devices are divided into automatic and mechanical.

Mechanical (manual) valves are equipped with a rope connected to the valve lever, otherwise the device, located at a height of about two meters, cannot be reached. The optimal parameters are set by the method of tests, you yourself decide how much air to let into the room.

Can be mechanical and automatic

The automatic design regulates the pressure and humidity levels. It does not require the presence of a person and at the right time increases or decreases the input channel. In strong winds, a special curtain reduces the amount of incoming air. Humidity control is assigned to a hygroscopic sensor. It is made of nylon bands that expand and contract as the moisture level changes. The automatic valve is a convenient and practical option for an apartment or office.

Installation instructions for the supply valve

Household supply products have a low cost, but more importantly, the possibility of self-installation. The devices are easy to mount on the window sash, while a minimum of working tools is required: a construction knife, a screwdriver. You will also need a stepladder if the installation site is high. Take the installation instructions for the slotted model as an example.

Step-by-step procedure:

Step 1 - checking the supply of the supply unit. The kit includes the device itself, three pieces of seals (one - 35 cm and two - 16 cm each), self-tapping screws for fastening to the frame.
Step 2 - trimming and removing the seal from the top of the sash. To do this, we take the valve and, focusing on its length, cut out a piece of 35 cm.
Step 3 - installing the plastic parts. We take the plastic dowels from the kit and insert them into the groove from under the removed seal.
Step 4 - valve installation. Remove the protective film and place the device on the sash so that the mounting holes are opposite the dowels.

Photo tip: how to install a supply valve on a plastic window

Step 5 - tightening the screws. We insert the screws one by one into the holes and use a screwdriver to tighten them.
Step 6 - installation of the seals from the kit. Instead of the removed seal, insert two new ones of 16 cm each.
Step 7 - Installing the seal on the adjoining frame. To create a gap between the seals, we change the rubber gasket and on the frame - we put the one that is included in the kit (35 cm).

At the end of the work, we close the sash, check the functionality of the supply valve. If there is an adjusting knob, move it left / right, achieving a change in the volume of incoming air.

According to this principle, most of the slotted air inlets are mounted. However, there are models, the installation of which is fundamentally different. Such devices include a supply valve-handle for a plastic window. Outwardly, it resembles an ordinary handle for opening and snapping the sash, but the lower part of the case is a ventilation valve.

Handle valve before installation

Installation is carried out in the same way as for a conventional handle, but an additional hole is cut for the air flow.

Sometimes additional adjustment is required after installation. Usually it is advisable if the principle of operation of the device is not yet clear. To understand the functioning of the device, you need to smoothly move the handle and monitor the result. If the air flow appears to be weak, the gap should be increased.

Comfort air setting

If the installation of the device seems difficult, it is necessary to study the instructions more closely. If after that you still have problems with installation and configuration, invite the wizard.

What is considered during installation?

For effective work, not only the temperature difference, room characteristics, etc. are taken into account, but also the correct installation. Installation is performed only by a person who knows all aspects or is familiar with the basics. If the user did not have experience in this area, then it is not recommended to assemble the product on his own, despite the ease of work. Indeed, to carry out this process, you need to carefully follow the requirements and complete each step in accordance with the instructions. For example, to install a slotted valve, you will need:

Remove the small piece of seal that is present on the frame. A specific value is removed, the entire upper seal cannot be removed, unless required by the design of the device.
A new sealing element is installed, which is many times thinner;
With the help of self-tapping screws, the equipment is fixed.

Professionals can do the installation in another way. Take out the old glass and install a new one that will be smaller. In the place where the gap is formed, the supply structure is installed. This method requires a lot of money, therefore it is used only when a person plans to carry out a complete replacement of windows.

Video materials about the device and installation of supply valves

An interesting and useful video about the supply valve for AERECO plastic windows. Device overview and detailed installation instructions:

Briefly about the value of supply ventilation from the manufacturer AIR BOX:

DIY installation video tutorial:

Alternative expert opinion on the effectiveness of climate control window valves. Be sure to watch the video before violating the integrity of the inner sealing contour of the window:

Manufacturers assure that the supply valves will help establish a comfortable microclimate, get rid of drafts and condensation on the windows. Good ventilation is a guarantee of sound sleep and excellent well-being for all family members, but you should hardly expect miracles from an inexpensive household device.