Supply valve for plastic windows: how to choose and install a ventilation valve

Plastic windows have become a part of people's lives. Because modern technologies offer the best solution: tightness, good sound insulation and minimal heat loss. These factors make it possible to achieve comfortable conditions for residents, which makes it possible to enjoy their vacation all year round. But this solution has a downside - the formation of condensation, which increases the humidity in the room. Because of this, the human condition deteriorates and the durability of electronic equipment and finishing elements decreases. To prevent this from happening, the editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for you a rating of the best supply valves for 2022.

Purpose of the element

After installing the plastic structure, the natural circulation of air flow becomes worse. Less oxygen enters the room, and carbon dioxide and fumes cannot escape. All this has consequences:

• Condensation formation;
• Mold development;
• Unpleasant odors begin to appear;
• The residents' health is deteriorating.

These problems are solved by the simple installation of an inlet structure. The main feature of this solution is ventilation of the living space without significant heat loss. Thanks to small holes, carbon dioxide and moisture leave the room, improving air circulation. Maintaining a good microclimate in the office or at home will become much easier, which will stop the development of diseases and mold.

The efficiency of plastic windows is not lost; they still work 100% and do not allow heat to escape even in winter. At the same time, the air becomes cleaner and fresher.

To ensure that the product is not useless, it is important to consider a number of features when installing it. This is the only way to achieve better results:

• The hood must work correctly;
• Outdoor temperature should be no higher than 5 degrees;
• Natural air exchange between rooms is mandatory. To achieve this, you need to open the doors in the room or buy products with a gap of 1 cm between the floor and the lower edge of the structure;
• Ensuring a tight seal at the entrance door.

Why is it important to ventilate the room?

Why you need to periodically ventilate the room:

Stuffiness, high humidity

Condensation on windows

Risk of mold and mildew formation

High CO2 levels

High radon levels

The importance of proper periodic ventilation of the apartment cannot be underestimated. Without fresh air, the microclimate in the rooms changes. Along with its change, problems appear in the house: condensation accumulates on the glass of the window, and mold begins to form on the frame over time. In addition, the lack of fresh air has a direct impact on the health of people indoors: the flow of oxygen to the brain is reduced, which often results in headaches over time. Therefore, it is extremely important to seriously attend to the task of providing rooms with fresh air in full.

Periodically opening the window sash solves the problem, but at the same time creates a lot of inconvenience:

• Drafts appear because air flows cannot be controlled
• The apartment is filled with dust and extraneous sounds made by cars passing under the windows and constantly barking dogs.
• In winter, on top of everything else, there is the possibility of a draft, which contributes to the emergence and development of colds in humans.

What to do? Is there an alternative to ventilation? Yes, it exists. It includes the installation of special valves on plastic windows that are responsible for ventilating the room.

Design Features

There are dozens of different models in stores, but they are all united by one design:

• Air intake. The product is located on the outside on a plastic frame. Designed to receive and transmit air flow from the street. Installation takes minimal effort and is completed in a few minutes.
• To prevent precipitation and dust from seeping into the room, a special canopy is installed on top.
• A telescopic channel is used to enter the air flow into the room. In appearance, this element resembles a special tube. It is mounted into the window body using milling and installed using a mounting sleeve.
• The incoming air passes through a special hole and enters the internal unit, which launches it into the room. This element consists of a nozzle, filter and regulator. Installation is carried out indoors.

Can the air valve on the windows freeze in winter?

There is no way to know in advance whether ice will form on any valve. This may depend on a combination of factors - material, temperature and humidity in the house and outside, and the strength of the air flow.

Manufacturers protect the parts of the ventilation valve from the appearance of ice by thermally insulating its body and arranging plastic thermal breaks between the metal parts.

But in general, if the exhaust ventilation works normally, then the moist air is removed continuously, that is, there is no reason for ice to form.

But it is not recommended to completely close the valve with the onset of severe cold; it is worth leaving a minimal gap - this way the risk of condensation falling out and freezing on the valve body can be reduced to almost zero.

Principle of operation

This element functions as follows:

• Air enters the telescopic opening;
• Purified from some harmful elements;
• Penetrates indoors.

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

How to check the hood

The hood performs the function of removing air from the room. It is important that there is also full air flow. In other words, exhaust and supply ventilation can work exclusively in pairs. If any element of the supply and exhaust ventilation fails, the entire system becomes unusable. That is why you need to check the quality of the hood from time to time.

Hood test method:

• Open the window.
• Cut a strip of paper 2-3 cm thick.
• Place the strip near the exhaust vent.
• Watch the effect. When the hood is running, the strip should lean against the grate, but not fall into it.

Instead of paper, you can use fire - a match, a candle or a lighter. If, when the windows are closed, the flame does not deviate towards the exhaust opening, but when the windows are open, the situation changes, most likely the supply ventilation is not working.

In addition, the quality of the hood can be checked using a special device - an anemometer. The device is placed in the ventilation duct, measuring the air flow rate. Professionals, as a rule, use this method.

What is taken into account during installation?

For efficient operation, not only the temperature difference, room features, etc., but also the correct installation are taken into account. Installation should only be carried out by a person who knows all aspects or is familiar with the basics. If the user has no experience in this area, then it is not recommended to assemble the product yourself, despite the ease of work. After all, to carry out this process, you must carefully follow the requirements and carry out each step in accordance with the instructions. For example, to install a slot valve you will need:

• Remove the small piece of seal that is present on the frame. A specific value is deleted; the entire upper seal cannot be removed unless required by the design of the device.
• A new sealing element is installed, which is several times thinner;
• Self-tapping screws are used to secure the equipment.

Professionals can perform installation in a different way. Pull out the old glass and install a new one, which will be smaller. In the place where the gap is formed, an inlet structure is installed. This method requires a lot of money, so it is used only when a person plans to completely replace the windows.

Kinds

Now the market has a very large assortment of such ventilators, but they are divided into types:

• manual inflows;
• automatic inlets;
• rebated supply and ventilation valves;
• slot inflows;
• handle with air supply device;
• overhead devices.

Each device on the list is somehow better than the other in terms of its characteristics. What the main preference is is up to the user to decide.

Pros and cons of an inlet valve

After a person has become familiar with the design features and installation method, it is important to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this device in order to make an objective assessment of its usefulness.

The advantages of the device include:

• The light level does not change. However, this is only typical for small models where the product is installed only on the top of the frame. In other cases, the sun's rays will encounter an obstacle, which is why the illumination may be insufficient.
• The valve takes in only the volume of air needed by the room. This creates a more comfortable microclimate without drafts and reduced heat;
• Thanks to high-quality circulation, excess moisture quickly disappears, even if a person cooks on the stove all day.
• Due to the absence of drafts, the product can be used indoors with small children who are often sick.
• The design of the device does not allow extraneous noise from the street into the apartment. Therefore, loud screams will not distract from relaxation.
• The valve operation is manually adjusted, but there are also models that support automatic adjustment.
• The installation can be carried out by an ordinary user who has at least some experience in the construction industry and knows how to handle tools.
• Using the valve does not require special knowledge; it is enough to read the instructions once and the principle of operation and adjustment will become clear.

Despite the large number of positive aspects, the product is not without disadvantages:

• Slight reduction in noise insulation properties;
• High cost for high-quality models, especially if you choose a product with automatic regulation;
• If you plan to install a valve in a two-room apartment, then one device is not enough to ensure normal regulation. In this case, it is recommended to use 2-3 pieces;
• If you live in an area with severe frosts (below -25 degrees), frost may form at the top, which will interfere with normal inflow.

In which rooms is it necessary to install a ventilation valve?

If gas appliances with an open combustion chamber (stoves, water heaters, boilers) are used in the house, and the rooms are “clogged” with sealed windows, then an unhealthy microclimate is created due to insufficient oxygen flow.

Therefore, in a kitchen with a gas stove and in utility units where heating devices are located, it is necessary to use ventilation valves that will ensure sufficient air exchange.

It is also advisable to install ventilation valves on roof windows.

Types of models

Today, hundreds of models are sold, produced by various brands. You can find both a cheap option and an expensive one. The main difference lies in three criteria:

• Material of manufacture. There are plastic, metal and wood structures.
• How is air regulation carried out: mechanically or automatically. In the first option, a person must control the flow independently using a special curtain. This method is more difficult to implement, since you have to constantly adjust the opening level to achieve comfortable conditions. Automatic models are simple, you just need to install them and that’s it, the rest is under the product’s own control.
• The method of flow entering the apartment or office.

The last point is the most important, since the effectiveness and quality of the product depends on it. So there are three types of structures according to the method of entry:

• Folded ones are a cheap option that is suitable for one-room apartments. The capacity is small, but sound insulation is maintained. The cold flow penetrates through a special hole that is cut in the frame. Installation of the product takes a minimum of time and does not require intervention in the main structure of the window product.
• Slotted - these models are widely used. Ventilation of the room is carried out due to the movement of air flow in a special valve. The product is equipped with an air intake and a control element. To install this option, it is not necessary to dismantle the window. The advantage is high throughput. Disadvantage: sound insulation is reduced.
• Invoices – products of this type are common in industrial premises. The advantage of the models is excellent ventilation of the room. Disadvantages - the thermal insulation properties are reduced; the window is completely removed for installation.

Rating of the best models for ensuring high-quality ventilation

10KP Era D100

An economical option from a Russian manufacturer. The design is easily installed on the window, using a minimal set of tools. The kit includes a high-quality filter and a noise-insulating element. The valve design allows you to control the intensity of air flow.

The average cost is 780 rubles.

10KP Era D100

Advantages:

• Efficiency;
• Does not form condensation;
• The filter prevents the penetration of dust and insects;
• Convenient installation;
• Easy adjustment;
• High-quality air exchange.

Flaws:

• Not found.

DomVent Norvind City

A device with in-wall installation that will help organize proper ventilation of the room. Productivity – 30 m3/hour. No wall drilling required for installation. The fastening is carried out to the bottom of the window sill, after which it is foamed to ensure better sealing. The filter used is G3. Recommended operating temperature -40…+80 degrees. The weight of the device is 1250 grams. The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on the product.

Sold at a price of 2,470 rubles.

DomVent Norvind City

Advantages:

• High quality filter;
• Does not impair sound insulation properties;
• No heat loss;
• Good performance;
• Installation without drilling.

Flaws:

• High price.

Ventec VT 601

An excellent budget option from a Polish manufacturer that will last over 7 years. The design capacity is 25 m3 per hour. It is recommended to use the valve in places with little noise. The peculiarity of the product is that after the influx, the air is directed to the ceiling, which eliminates the occurrence of drafts. A special mesh is installed on the visor, which prevents the penetration of insects.

The average cost is 670 rubles.

Ventec VT 601

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Stable air flow;
• Universal valve length;
• Mesh on the visor;
• Three regulation doors;
• The incoming air does not create a draft.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Plastic windows with ventilation - installation and operation

It is better to install ventilation on a plastic window during the ordering process. Then the installation will be done professionally, and the device itself will have a manufacturer’s warranty.

It is possible to install a supply valve on an existing plastic window. As a rule, installation is done by specialists. The installed valve is secured with latches and can be easily removed if necessary. The standard warranty for air supply devices for plastic windows is 2 years.

Types of devices

A grille installed in the window sill more effectively distributes the flow of warm air near the window, preventing the accumulation of moisture on the glass.

There are many varieties of these devices:

• external, internal and transfer;
• unregulated, adjustable and inertial.

Thanks to the grille you can get rid of moisture on the glass

In addition, depending on the type of materials used, gratings are divided into:

• polymer - one of the most common materials, which over time can turn yellow and warp from exposure to high temperatures;
• aluminum - have an excellent appearance and low weight, the disadvantage is high cost;
• made of wood - goes well with any type of room design, but requires increased attention and care;
• steel - have a lot of weight, cost and attractive appearance.

Rating of quality models with automatic valve control

Ventec VT 101

A good model with the ability to automatically control the incoming air. Installation takes minimal time and does not require special knowledge. The product not only provides room ventilation, but also provides good noise insulation of 32 dB. The design capacity is 32 m3 per hour. The visor is equipped with a special filter that does not allow dust and insects to pass through.

Sold at a price of 1,340 rubles.

Ventec VT 101

Advantages:

• Noise insulation;
• Performance;
• Large selection of colors;
• Automatic regulation;
• Price.

Flaws:

• Not found.

AerEco EMM

The peculiarity of this device is that it automatically adapts to the needs of users. This solution became available thanks to a built-in sensor that operates without electricity and determines how much air is needed for a specific situation. This is a useful function for large families, when everyone is in the apartment, the curtain opens to the maximum, and when no one is there, the product operates in economy mode.

The average price is 4,900 rubles.

AerEco EMM

Advantages:

• Efficiency;
• Automatic adaptation;
• Sound insulation is 37 dB;
• Productivity up to 35 m3 per hour.

Flaws:

• Price.

Brookvent AQUVENT HY

The model is equipped with a hygroscopic system that automatically determines the volume and air flow. The humidity level is also monitored using a special sensor. The product adapts to the needs of the user. To prevent installation from taking time and effort, the manufacturer equipped the device with a thin body. It is easy to maintain the design; it is enough to clean the dust filter once a year. The peculiarity of this option is its versatility; it is suitable not only for PVC, but wooden and aluminum frames.

The average price is 2,800 rubles.

Brookvent AQUVENT HY

Advantages:

• Easy maintenance;
• Slim body;
• Efficiency;
• Hygro-regulated system;
• 3 operating mode;
• Inclined air flow.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Adjustment

The supply ventilation system for PVC windows is adjusted automatically or manually.

Automatic

Adjustment of such a valve is carried out during installation, by pressing nylon tapes installed in the path of air movement. As the strength of the wind flow increases, the tapes bend and block the access of air. Constant adjustment of such a device is not required .

If it is necessary to change the summer mode to summer, the cover is removed from the inside of the device, under which you need to turn several screws that strengthen the pressure of the tapes.

Manual

In manually operated valves, special levers are installed on the dampers; when turned, the cross-section of the gap changes. As a rule, the switch is equipped with a scale on which marks are depicted, symbolizing the increasing power of the air flow.

Some valves do not have a switch, and the air flow intensity is changed by forcibly adjusting the position of the petals.

In electromechanical valves (breathers), this function is performed using a control panel, and the current parameters are indicated on the LCD display.

Best Mechanical Control Devices

Vents software 400

A reliable model that provides a constant flow of air in residential areas. Thanks to the high-quality construction, the product will last over 5 years. It is installed on windows of various sizes, which allows installation not only in an apartment, but in a country house or office. The device consists of three parts: an external visor, a filter, and an internal grille. Adjustment is carried out manually.

The average price is 760 rubles.

Vents software 400

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• Good performance;
• Convenient control;
• Assembly.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Airone KIV 125/1000

The meter-long structure is designed to be placed inside walls. Productivity is 50 m3 per hour, which allows the product to be used in production. From the outside, the product is covered with a metal grill with a built-in mesh. Flow control is carried out using a special regulator, which is present on the head.

The average price is 1,900 rubles.

Airone KIV 125/1000

Advantages:

• High performance;
• Simple installation that does not require window dismantling;
• Anti-mosquito net;
• Strength.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Air-Box Comfort

A good model that is suitable for installation in office and residential premises. Provides the user with a constant flow of fresh air. There are two installation options: with increased throughput or with increased sound insulation properties. Which option to choose - everyone decides based on the location of the window. The case is made of durable plastic; for convenience, there is a filter that will not allow dust and lint to penetrate.

The average cost is 600 rubles.

Air-Box Comfort

Advantages:

• Good throughput;
• Durability;
• Price;
• Easy installation without milling.

Flaws:

• Not detected.