Metal-plastic structures ensure high tightness of housing; they do not allow extraneous sounds and cold to pass through in winter. With all its advantages, it is worth noting the main disadvantage - a significant reduction in the flow of fresh air. By installing a supply ventilation valve for plastic windows, you can solve this problem.
We are talking about a product with small holes located in the upper part of the sash. With their help, air exchange in the room is normalized. Small structures with ventilation prevent the penetration of street noise, providing the interior space with long-awaited silence, peace and tranquility. The supply ventilation valve is suitable not only for plastic, but also wooden and aluminum windows.
In most openings, the closing density is easy to adjust. For warmer seasons, it is better to position the sashes in such a way that there is a small free space between the frame and the glass unit, and oxygen can freely penetrate into the room.
With certain practical skills and following the instructions, every owner can organize an effective one in a house or apartment. But the best part is that you can install window supply valves yourself without the help of specialists.
Efficiency of the ventilation (supply) valve
Many people have a natural question: how effective are these small structures for air exchange? Before purchasing supply valves, experts advise checking their effectiveness by carefully studying the technical characteristics, consulting with the seller, and it would not be amiss to read the comments of those who have already purchased them.
It’s quite easy to check the efficiency, and it’s not at all necessary to purchase ventilation solutions. All that is required is to remove the seal fixed to the window sash. It should not be removed or cut off completely; it is enough for it to just hang in a free position for some time (optimally 2-3 days). After they expire, pay attention to a number of criteria and parameters:
- are there any drafts in the room;
- whether the overall noise level in the room has increased;
- the appearance of condensation “fogging” on the glass;
- change in temperature in the room.
Having completed the experiment, the window seal returns to its original place.
Installing a supply valve on a plastic window will certainly lead to a decrease in the temperature in the room. This is due to the fact that cold air enters the room from the street. If we are talking about an efficiently functioning heating system, you can notice a difference of 3-4 degrees.
If there is no effect, it is advisable to abandon this product in favor of a supply valve installed in the wall.
Supply ventilation valve: operating principle
For competent and high-quality equipment of supply valves for metal-plastic or wooden windows, you should carefully study the mechanism of their operation. This is one of the most critical stages, since subsequently it will be necessary to make a hole in the frame about 30 cm long and at least 1 cm wide. At the final stage, it will be covered by the housing of the ventilation device.
It will not be possible to dismantle the supply structure without opening a gap in the upper part of the profile. The decision to install is made reasoned and balanced.
Supply valves for plastic windows are an important component of the passive system. Through a small hole, cold air is taken in from the street and directed into the home. Warm oxygen is removed through ventilation ducts. Physical laws set these masses in motion, which ensures the functioning of products at air temperatures of +5 degrees.
In the hot summer, passive air exchange works only in the presence of forced exhaust.
The valve on a plastic window works effectively provided that several conditions are met:
- outside the window the air has cooled to a temperature of less than +5 degrees;
- the presence of a working ventilation system in the house or apartment;
- there is full air exchange between adjacent rooms;
- sealed entrance door (to neutralize the effect of oxygen “leak”).
Many owners are concerned about the question: does the ventilation valve for plastic windows freeze? Such an undesirable effect is possible, but only if the installation was carried out by amateurs. Even in severe frosts, it will not be possible to close the hole completely.
Do not be alarmed by the increase in noise level in your living space after the installation of the ventilation hole on the window is completed. Fresh oxygen enters through a small hole, so the reduction in sound insulation will be insignificant.
Supply ventilation valve: do-it-yourself installation on a plastic window
Installing the ventilation structure is easy. For an experienced master, 30-40 minutes is enough for this.
Installation without milling
You must first prepare several tools:
- air exchange product;
- well sharpened knife;
- screwdriver;
- half meter ruler.
To install the supply valve, it is necessary to dismantle part of the window seal
Do-it-yourself supply valves are installed on plastic windows only after preliminary marking of the flap. That's what a ruler is for. The sequence of work is determined by the design features of the valve. In most cases, it is enough to replace the standard seal with a complete one.
As for other models, PVC windows require no more than 1 hole in the profile structure. The most preferable option is the first one, since making a smooth and neat gap with your own hands is very problematic.
99% of manufacturing companies complete their products with detailed step-by-step instructions, with the help of which you can quickly equip a window opening with the appropriate solution.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a supply valve with your own hands are presented in the video:
Installation with milling
Milling means cutting a small hole in the block of the window opening.
To work you will need several materials and tools:
- sharp construction knife;
- powerful jigsaw;
- a drill and a set of drills (in most cases, 5 and 10 mm are sufficient);
- file;
- a template for a future valve of a suitable size;
- sealant.
In order for the supply ventilation in plastic windows to provide an optimal level of air exchange, it is important to strictly follow the following sequence of actions.
Supply ventilation valve: owner reviews
The structures installed using the methods described above cope perfectly with the issue of effective air exchange in the room. And even the smallest apartment from a “thermos” can be turned into comfortable housing with an impeccable level of ventilation.
The owners emphasize that such devices are not advisable to use in those regions of the country where severe frosts are quickly replaced by rising temperatures. In this case, ice will form on the valve, and the unit will not be able to operate in principle.
Mold on slopes, stuffiness and “crying” windows are consequences of the tightness of modern plastic windows. Problems are solved by installing a fresh air ventilation valve for plastic windows.
Ventilation supply valves for PVC windows are mounted on the top of the window sash, creating an air supply to the room. The special design of windows with ventilation does not allow street noise to pass through, providing peace and quiet without creating drafts. Existing ventilation valve designs are suitable for aluminum, plastic and wooden windows.
With some skills and using our instructions, you can organize the supply ventilation of plastic windows yourself.
How does the inlet valve work?
It is possible to properly equip window supply ventilation only by understanding the mechanism of its operation. This is especially important, since to install the valve of the most common design, it will be necessary to cut a hole in the window 1 cm wide and about 30 cm long. At the end of the work, it is closed by the valve body. It will not be possible to remove the valve so as not to open the ventilation slot on the window profile.
The supply valve for PVC windows is part of passive ventilation. Cold air is sucked into the room and pushes warmer air into the exhaust ventilation ducts. Movement is ensured by pressure differences, so natural ventilation operates when the outside air temperature is less than +5 degrees. In summer, passive ventilation will only work with forced exhaust.
Thus, for the supply valve to operate, the following conditions are necessary:
- The apartment must have proper natural exhaust ventilation. To check its operation, you should close the door to the apartment, open the window in the room as far away as possible from the ventilation duct and place a piece of paper on the grille. If it holds, the hood is fine. Even when the hood does not draw well, the valve will slightly improve the air condition in the apartment, but its efficiency will be low;
- The air temperature outside is less than +5 degrees;
- There should be free air exchange between rooms in the apartment. That is, the doors are open or there are gaps 2 cm wide left under them. Ventilation holes with a total area of 130 square meters can be made in the lower part of the doors. see for bathroom doors and 200 sq. see for kitchen;
- To prevent air leaks from the entrance, the entrance door should be sealed as much as possible.
- room temperature;
- the presence of condensation on the glass;
- whether there was street noise;
- is there a draft?
- The ventilation valve is located in the place where condensation usually appears on a plastic window. The valve creates natural air movement, especially important in the cold season;
- The combination of a handle valve and an exhaust ventilation system creates a healthy indoor microclimate and removes excess moisture;
- The supply ventilation valve in the form of a handle for plastic windows is a direct-flow design. According to the laws of physics, cold air entering a warm room does not create condensation. That is, the valve will not freeze in winter;
- The valve is equipped with an air filter that prevents dust from entering the room. The filter is changed once every six months.
- ruler;
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- sharp knife;
- valve.
Many owners are afraid of the ventilation supply valve for PVC windows freezing. Indeed, if the fresh air valve is not adjusted correctly, the phenomenon is possible. This is evidenced by numerous reviews from owners of plastic windows. In severe frosts, the valve should not be closed completely.
Then it will be warmed up with warm air from the room and icing of the plastic window with ventilation is excluded.
If the ventilation valve needs to be closed completely, the air supply gap is sealed on the outside. The gap is closed very carefully, ensuring complete impermeability.
But you shouldn’t be afraid of an increase in noise in the apartment after installing a fresh air ventilation valve on a plastic window. The gap for the air supply is very small, so the noise insulation will decrease slightly, which is confirmed by reviews of ventilation supply valves for plastic windows.
Efficiency of supply valves
This question certainly arises for every owner of an apartment with metal-plastic windows without ventilation. To avoid wasting money, check the expected performance effect before purchasing a valve.
Remove the seal from the top of the window sash. No need to cut it, just leave it hanging. To reduce air flow, push part of the elastic back into place. Leave the window in this state for several days. Please pay attention to the following parameters:
After the experiment, the seal is inserted into place.
By the way, the air temperature in the room will become lower after installing a fresh air ventilation valve for plastic windows. After all, cold street air enters the room. If the apartment has excellent heating, the owners will not even notice a difference of 2-3 degrees. Otherwise, you will have to abandon installing a ventilation valve for a plastic window and think about purchasing an air supply unit with air heating.
The need for supply valves on plastic windows
There are owners who prefer warmth to fresh air. And they are wrong. In America and Europe, which have been using plastic windows for 30 years, there is a term “unhealthy building syndrome.” It applies specifically to sealed buildings with poor air exchange. Staying in such premises is harmful to humans. According to WHO, diseases caused by poor indoor air quality kill 5 thousand people every day. It is indoor air, not polluted street air! In America, up to 30 thousand people a year die from diseases caused by increasing concentrations of radon in apartments. Gas is released from the ground and building materials and accumulates in houses that are not equipped with plastic windows with ventilation. Radon is completely invisible without special devices.
Air conditioning does not replace the ventilation of plastic windows!
Inlet window valve-handle
The ventilation valve for plastic windows is installed instead of the standard handle. Many owners of PVC windows do not want to install ventilation supply valves that protrude beyond the sash. A convenient solution has been created for them, allowing you to ventilate the room without disturbing the appearance.
Advantages of window supply ventilation in the form of a handle valve:
There are still few reviews of the handle-shaped supply ventilation valve, because it is a new product. But the principle of its operation is similar to well-proven ventilation devices for metal-plastic windows. This design is also suitable as a ventilation valve for aluminum windows.
Installing a valve for ventilation of a plastic window with your own hands is not difficult. The kit includes detailed instructions and a diagram of the location of the holes in the air chambers of the window sash. All fasteners are included.
Installing a supply valve on a window with your own hands
You can install the supply ventilation valve on a plastic window yourself. An experienced home handyman will spend no more than an hour on this.
You will need the following tools:
The supply valve for plastic windows is installed on the flap of the window with your own hands. First you need to make a mark in the middle of the upper part of the sash using a ruler. The order of work depends on the valve design. So, in some cases, to equip a window with ventilation, you only need to replace the section of the seal with the one included in the kit. For other models you will have to make a gap in the profile. When choosing a ventilation valve for aluminum windows, it is preferable to go with the first option, since it is difficult to cut out the inlet slot accurately at home.
Manufacturers usually supply their devices with detailed instructions that allow you to equip the ventilation of a plastic window with your own hands.
Step-by-step instructions on how to install a supply valve for window ventilation in the video:
Recently, plastic windows are increasingly being used in various areas of construction of buildings and structures. Thanks to most of their advantages, these structures can be used in both residential and industrial construction. They protect well from heat and cold, prevent the penetration of noise and various odors, as well as harmful insects. But there is also a huge drawback, which is the obstruction of air from entering the room.
It can be noted here that this is not entirely a disadvantage of plastic. It can be noted that these particular structures are not provided for houses that were built in past centuries.
Ventilation and plastic: compatible or not?
Why haven’t they yet come up with a way to effectively ventilate windows in the modern world? Here we need to understand the question more. Here everything was based on the presence of a hood in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as ventilation through the door and window slits. This technique was invented a long time ago and has already met the expectations of the inventors.
And now you can look at this invention from the perspective of arranging new plastic windows. When the structure goes through the installation process, all cracks and gaps are sealed, thereby creating humidity in the room. This disrupts natural air exchange due to air not entering the room. Indoors at home or it becomes stuffy, humid and discomfort begins. Here a process can begin, which will consist of the following: all the air will not leave the room, but will remain there constantly, and also all the smells from the neighboring apartments will be felt completely by you.
Here we can highlight other problems that arise during operation. Due to the constant closing of windows, condensation may form inside the structure, which will prevent the normal use of materials. It is best to keep the windows on the micro-ventilation function to prevent the glass from fogging up.
Plastic window ventilation mode
Of course, you can get rid of such problems with simple ventilation using several built-in modes. Also, when purchasing, you should consider the number of cameras. If there is a cold temperature, it is better to buy multi-chamber windows, which will retain heat much better. Of course, you will have to overpay for quality, but the result will not keep you waiting.
Combining ventilation and windows
Is it possible to combine ventilation and windows? The answer is simple - you can. There are quite a few options for the device. There are quite a few combinations, some of which are:
- with a window;
- with self-ventilation;
- with comb;
- with ventilation valve;
Drilling a hole to install the ventilation valve
Ventilation valve on the room side
And from the street side
Windows with a window
A fairly common method of ventilation, which has been used for quite a long time. It provides for the supply of air under the ceiling in the room, which is then mixed with room air, thereby forming a cool and clean product. This prevents the appearance of drafts or condensation in the window.
The disadvantages of this design are the rather high cost and complexity of the design, which increases the weight of the materials. It is worth noting here that when the design becomes more complex, a large amount of light flux is lost, which makes the room quite dark. This isn't always a good thing.
Plastic windows with self-ventilation
Self-ventilated windows are the best option for installation in all buildings. They can find application in both civil and industrial construction. This option consists in the fact that the designs use profiles with holes at the top and bottom of the frame. The holes are located in the upper inner and lower outer parts. Air masses passing through the lower part are heated, and already heated air enters the room.
The principle works very well, but has some limitations. Such structures cannot be installed on upper floors due to insufficient air supply. Due to this deficiency in many systems, ventilation valves for windows have recently become widespread.
Windows with combs
These windows are the most widespread today. With this device, the windows have a built-in regulator that allows you to either open the window completely or open it in several modes.
This mechanism is very inexpensive, but gives quite good results. The comb makes it possible to regulate all incoming masses and leave the window in an intermediate position mode.
Ventilation valve in windows
For normal operation, such a device must combine several functions for full operation. If such laws are observed, the entire room will be constantly ventilated, which will ensure normal temperature conditions. It should be noted here that such a valve has several varieties, which are called classes. The classes are very different from each other and have different installation methods.
To install a valve in a window frame, you can either replace the entire glass unit or replace the part that is responsible for ventilation. There are also disadvantages, which include increased cost and weight of the structure. Such operations are carried out in less than an hour, but guarantee a fairly good result.
Next, you need to decide on the control mode. Here, as in any design, both automatic and manual modes can be used. These options have their differences, which are as follows. Using a manual one, you can regulate the ventilation, thereby placing it where it is needed. Partial ventilation is applicable here, which allows these processes to be carried out only where it is required. As for automatic control, everything is very simple. The mechanism built into the windows itself regulates the required temperature and, if necessary, adds air masses at the desired temperature. However, there is a third option, which combines all the advantages and eliminates many of the disadvantages of the two previous modes. This is a mixed mode. It allows you to customize any mode whenever it is convenient.
Operation in winter
This may cause problems of its own, which include the appearance of condensation. But such a disadvantage is impossible to predict. It will be different in every case. This consequence will depend on the temperature of the outside air, the material of the walls, and the intimacy of the windows themselves.
Climate valve
When operating in winter, it is worth noting that under any circumstances the premises should be ventilated at least 2 times a week. This will ensure fairly durable use of the structures and protect them from condensation.
Installation
When considering this issue, you need to remember that it is better to hire good specialists who will install this structure with high quality.
If installed incorrectly, all sorts of difficulties subsequently arise, which sometimes lead to rotting when there is a large amount of moisture. This can lead to rather dire results and money will be thrown away.
Window ventilator installation
Very important. How to arrange it correctly - read in a separate article.
Supply ventilation to plastic windows allows you to constantly maintain a favorable microclimate in the room. We will talk about this aspect in detail below.
Plastic windows provide almost complete sealing of the room. In the harsh Russian climate, this is a huge plus. In the warm season, the lack of oxygen can be solved simply by ventilation, but in winter such a measure is impossible due to severe frosts. Lack of fresh air is fraught with many problems:
- Fogging of windows.
- The appearance of fungus and mold on slopes.
- Musty air. This creates discomfort in the room.
- Young children may experience allergic reactions.
Additional ventilation in a room with plastic windows is provided by installing special valves. They have various design features, but their main purpose is to let outdoor air into the room without temperature losses. They cope with this function, albeit with varying degrees of efficiency.
Tip: Most windows can be adjusted to close tightly. In the warm season, set the doors to summer mode - in this case, the frames will not close too tightly, which will allow oxygen to penetrate into the room.
In what cases is the organization of additional air circulation necessary:
- If there are small children living in the house. As already mentioned, lack of oxygen can have a detrimental effect on their health.
- In rooms with many plants. Without oxygen they will simply die out.
- When the house is heated using convectors or oil radiators. Such heaters dry out the air monstrously.
- In production. In workshops (if they are associated with toxic substances) it is necessary to organize a maximum flow of fresh air.
All known varieties
A ventilation valve for plastic windows is only a simple device at first glance. It is divided into several varieties, which have significant design differences. You should know them in order to choose the best option.
This is the simplest, and most importantly cheapest option. With their help, street air enters the room through small cutouts. The main advantages of this technology are as follows:
- Low cost.
- There is no need to dismantle installed PVC windows.
- Guarantees the preservation of the soundproofing properties of the glass unit.
- High speed and ease of installation.
- Possibility of automation.
Among all the advantages, there is one, but very important disadvantage - weak throughput. Because of this, rebate ventilation with closed windows has low efficiency.
Slotted
Fresh air enters the room thanks to special channels. They usually have a size in the range of 160-400 by 10-16 mm. As a rule, such a valve is equipped with two blocks - inlet and control. On more advanced models there is only one (universal). Advantages of the technology:
- Absolute protection from external factors (precipitation, insects). This is ensured by the presence of a control unit.
- High (in our case average) throughput.
- Can be used without removing the glass unit.
In this case, there is only one serious disadvantage - the relatively complex installation. However, some models do not even have this drawback (more on this later). Therefore, this category is the most popular now.
Invoices
In residential premises, such structures are practically not used. This is due to their serious disadvantages:
- The thermal insulation properties of windows are seriously reduced.
- Sound insulation is reduced to almost zero.
- You can install such a supply ventilation valve only before installing the double-glazed window. In particular, it is necessary to adjust the size of the opening.
However, this technology has found wide application in the manufacturing sector. The main reason for this is the highest throughput.
Market leaders - Aereco and Air-box
The domestic valve market is 90% occupied by two manufacturers Aereco (France) and Air-box (Russia). You should have an idea about the features of their products:
High quality and practical option
Valves from Aereko are a lining that has an attractive appearance (there are color variations) that fits into any interior. The most optimal installation option is during the manufacture of PVC windows. However, if double-glazed windows are already in place, installation can also be done. This will require some minor drilling of the frames.
The device consists of 8 (16) moisture-sensitive plates. Depending on the humidity level, they can open or close the damper. Moreover, they do not require power supply to operate. The operating principle is based on the physical law of thermal expansion.
You can even mount them into the wall. This method is used mainly in wooden buildings, since it is extremely difficult to mill reinforced concrete structures. In terms of its qualities, this manufacturer looks like the best analogue on the market. However, it has an important drawback - the high price (from 2,500 thousand rubles).
Cheaper analogue
The Russian air-box manufacturer makes its products much simpler, which at the same time almost does not lag behind in efficiency from its more expensive “brothers”. Such models allow street air to penetrate through the space between the frame and the sash. It leaks out due to the replacement of the standard seal. To control the air flow, you need to move the regulator handle.
Such models are much simpler and require manual control. At the same time, they carry two very important advantages - low cost (on average from 400 rubles) and a simpler installation method. Air-boxes are installed in two ways - by milling the frame (as with the previous manufacturer) and by replacing the seal (discussed below).
Possible installation options
Forced ventilation in a window can be implemented in three ways, which vary greatly in complexity.
The most difficult method is adjusting the size of the opening
The most labor-intensive and costly method involves installing the above-mentioned overhead elements. They are mounted as follows:
- The existing glass unit is removed.
- The opening is expanded by the amount of the lining.
- The glass unit is installed back.
- An overlay is installed into the resulting gap.
- The cracks are covered with cement mortar (or something similar).
The technique looks deadly labor-intensive and unreasonable. Therefore, no one does the work in this order, because it is fraught with cosmic expenditures of effort, time and money. It is necessary to take care of additional ventilation in advance, that is, before installing the double-glazed window.
The most thoughtful people, when ordering PVC windows, immediately plan to install additional air flow. To do this, the opening is made a little wider than the glass unit requires. This technique is the most effective, and most importantly rational.
Installation instructions for Aereco models
However, what to do if the double-glazed window is already in place? Models from Aereco are installed using a simpler method. It consists of the following:
- A location for installing the channel is selected. If possible, this should be the least visible area.
Please note: additional window fittings should not interfere with installation. Take this fact into account when choosing a location.
- Then marking is done.
- We screw the bar to the selected location using special self-tapping screws for PVC structures.
- We mark the location of the technological grooves on the vestibule.
- We remove the bar. Using a drill and an electric jigsaw, we cut holes in the sash and the frame itself.
- Setting the bar again.
- We secure the valve using special latches.
This procedure is relatively labor-intensive. In addition, it requires special tools, which almost everyone has. Another factor is that a person without proper experience will not be able to do the job accurately. Conclusion - it is better to entrust the installation of such a device to a specialist.
Air-box - installation without problems
There is another technique that anyone can handle. The air-box manufacturer has created a model that can be installed without the use of tools. The kit includes a special seal and PVC screws. The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- Select the intended installation location.
- We cut off the standard seal in this place (which is located on the sash).
- Insert a new one (from the kit).
- Remove the protective film from the valve.
- We secure it in the place where the new seal is installed using special latches.
- Close the flaps and make a mark on the frame along the length of the valve.
- We cut off the existing seal in this place and install a new one in its place (the same one from the kit).
If something is unclear to you, you can watch a video from the manufacturer himself. It will allow you to clearly understand everything.
They have quite a few advantages over their wooden predecessors. But they also have some disadvantages. For example, perfect tightness saved the home from drafts, but at the same time the microclimate changed for the worse.
A ventilation valve for a plastic window will help get rid of this and other problems.
Is it really necessary?
The loose fit of the wooden window parts generated constant drafts. And if in the summer this made me happy, in the winter it caused inconvenience. The older generation remembers how they had to caulk cracks in the fall. But at the same time, the home had an ideal microclimate, there was no stale air. For the same reason, ordinary wooden windows do not sweat, but plastic ones often “cry,” which leads to the rapid formation of mold.
Don’t forget about the factors of normal life:
Drying washed clothes in the apartment;
Human breathing produces carbon dioxide
Sweating;
Emission of steam, heating of oils during cooking, etc.
These factors can significantly damage plastic double-glazed windows. Experts recommend ventilating a room with such windows 1.5-2 hours a day at any time of the year.
Solid advantages
According to manufacturers, a ventilation valve for a plastic window is an ideal device. It does not reduce the amount of incoming light, does not cause drafts, maintains air exchange, creates a constant flow of fresh air, without at the same time cooling the temperature in the room and without impairing one of the highly valued properties of plastic double-glazed windows - sound insulation.
In addition, a constant flow of air keeps the indoor microclimate at a comfortable level, while ventilation causes the temperature to constantly jump.
Design features
The narrow oblong plastic part is a ventilation valve for a plastic window. The openings from which the air taken from the street comes out are directed upwards. Thanks to this, there are no drafts and the air temperature in the room remains constant.
Valves from almost all manufacturers have several operating options. Adjustment is necessary to set a certain air exchange mode. There are usually two reasons: the difference in humidity and temperature in the home and outside.
Ways to regulate air flow
There are two types of vent settings:
Manual. For this purpose, some models have a cord (like a blind), since the valve is usually located quite high. For other devices, adjustment takes place via a slider. As a rule, its leftmost position completely opens the valve curtain, while the right position blocks the air flow. Therefore, how to close the ventilation valve on a plastic window with manual settings usually does not raise any questions. The only inconvenience is that it is quite difficult to choose the right mode yourself.
Automatic. This option is ideal, but you will have to pay extra for it. However, the expenses are justified. For example, saving heat in winter. In the absence of residents, the humidity in the room decreases and the device reduces the flow of fresh air. The operation of automatic adjustment is based on sensors that measure either humidity inside and outside, or pressure.
If the automatic option is based on pressure measurement, then the system works as follows. A curtain with an upper suspension rises or falls depending on the air flow (wind) pressing on it. If the ventilation valve for a plastic window is equipped with a pressure sensor, which is made of nylon tapes, then the adjustment will be carried out by increasing or decreasing the cross-section of the throughput hole. The system is simple: the more humid the air in the room, the wider the valve is open.
Types of valves
There are only three types of ventilation valves on the market:
- Slit valves. Provide sufficient air flow. It enters through an opening, the width of which ranges from 170 to 400 mm, and the height from 12 to 16 mm. On the street side, the hole is closed by an inlet block. It reliably protects the gap from insects, large particles of dust blown by the wind, and from rain. From the side of the room, the hole is closed by a control block. This supply valve for plastic windows is placed in the upper part of the sash or in the horizontal dividing profile. The advantages of this type of device are high throughput and ease of mounting, which does not require dismantling.
- Seam valves. A cheap and simple ventilation valve for installed plastic windows. Seam valves supply air into the room through small narrow cutouts in the vestibule. The undoubted advantages are installation, which takes place without much effort, and the preservation of sound insulation. A small disadvantage is the low throughput, which is why rebated valves are not suitable for large rooms.
- Overhead valves. A similar ventilation valve for plastic windows (reviews from numerous customers confirm this) has the highest throughput. But the overhead option cannot be used on already installed double-glazed windows. You need to prepare a place for it in advance.
A fairly large range of products of this type is presented in stores and markets. They differ in installation methods, volume of air passed through and other characteristics. The main disadvantage of using overhead valves is the significant loss of sound and heat insulation characteristics of double-glazed windows. Therefore, experts do not recommend using them at home.
For those who do not want to spoil the window design, the designers have offered the ideal solution. This is a ventilation valve handle for plastic windows. The advantages are significant:
The device is designed to provide natural air flow, which is especially important in the off-season and cold season;
The valve, in combination with the exhaust system, restores the microclimate of the room, eliminating excess moisture;
The handle valve for double-glazed windows is a direct-flow design, so the flow of cold air entering the room does not create condensation, which allows the window not to freeze at low temperatures;
An air filter is built into the valve, which prevents dust from entering the living space. It needs to be replaced every six months.
How to choose
A ventilation valve for plastic windows (price starts from 200 rubles) is selected according to several criteria. They start with the material. It can be metal, wood or plastic. Another important aspect is adjusting the air supply hole. The line of inexpensive models does not have this function. They only provide for restricting air flow in strong winds.
Attention should also be paid to the efficiency of the device. As noted in user reviews, it is necessary to start from the number of people living in the room. It is believed that an air flow of 30 m3/h is required for one adult family member.
The noise-absorbing characteristics of the selected valve should be close to the corresponding characteristics of the installed double-glazed windows.
If you have to install it yourself, it is better to choose rebated or slotted valves.
There are no other special nuances. All that remains is to compare prices, find out brands and study the quality of the goods offered.
Manufacturers
The most popular devices are the brands Aereco, Air-Box (Comfort, Comfort-S) and Regel-Air.
Aereco models have different air flow rates. Both oblique and straight direction can be adjusted. They also differ in great functionality. In addition to their main responsibilities, Aereco, for example, normalizes the level of humidity in a living space. The hygrocontrol function is responsible for this.
Air-Box is a leading manufacturer of ventilation valves. Devices from this manufacturer have the best efficiency parameters and are easy to install. They are also compact and relatively cheap.
Ventilation valves from domestic manufacturers are also available for sale. For example, the Mabitek company released a line of these devices.
Installation of a ventilation valve on plastic windows
There are only two options. The first is global. Complete glass replacement. Moreover, the new one should be a little smaller, because a valve will appear at the junction of the frame and slopes. In addition to high costs, there is another disadvantage - the luminous flux is significantly reduced.
The second option is installation in a window frame. The work lasts no more than 30 minutes.
Step by step instructions
The device can be mounted in the following ways:
On any sash from above;
On the frame;
At the junction of the window and the wall (only possible when installing a double-glazed window).
The easiest installation option involves the following steps:
- Determine where to install the valve.
- Apply the device, then open and close the door. The valve should not rest against the slope.
- Having outlined the mounting locations for the device, we make side cuts with a utility knife.
- We remove the insulation that was laid when installing the double-glazed window and insert the fastening seal.
- We remove the protective film from the device body and fasten it with self-tapping screws to the prepared place.
- We insert the additional seals included in the kit between the fasteners.
- Opposite the installed product, cut out the old seal and insert the one supplied with the valve.
Installing ventilation valves on plastic windows is not particularly difficult.
Care
The supply valve for plastic windows has some operating features. It is strictly forbidden to wet or wash it. It is also not recommended to disassemble it. You can use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning. In case of general cleaning, construction or finishing work, the device must be sealed (for example, with special tape).
Clean the valve at least twice a year.
Before the winter cold, it is necessary to properly insulate the valve. Pay special attention to its inner part. If the device body is metal, then a plastic thermal break must be installed between the external and internal parts.