When choosing plastic windows, people are primarily guided by considerations of comfort and safety. However, with excellent heat and sound insulation, tightly closed doors in the absence of ventilation contribute to the gradual accumulation of moisture in the air. Subsequently, it falls on the profiles in the form of condensation.
As you know, this is a direct path to the formation of mold.
This drawback of PVC windows is effectively corrected by a self-ventilation system - the so-called climate control . This innovative solution retains heat in cold weather and does not release it in hot weather.
Plastic systems with a climate valve are often also called smart windows for their ability to independently regulate ventilation.
Why don’t standard plastic windows “breathe”?
Initially, the design of plastic windows implied significantly greater tightness compared to wooden windows. This was one of the requirements for new generation windows. Thanks to the hermetic seal, plastic double-glazed windows are distinguished by excellent thermal insulation, protection from the penetration of dust and noise from the outside.
With sealed windows, the room climate is regulated in a mode convenient for you: temperature, humidity and air purity are under control. But there is not always enough desire for this. Forgetfulness and laziness do not allow you to deliberately open the windows and ventilate the room every day.
The installation of new plastic windows is often accompanied by: difficult air exchange, fogging (and icing) of glass, increased air humidity, and the appearance of a “thermos” effect.
To reduce discomfort, you can use slot ventilation of the room. Such a device is installed in production and allows a small amount of air to constantly pass into the room (in Business-M it is included in the base price of a plastic tilt-and-turn window - the cost of plastic windows).
However, the use of mechanical ventilation systems is not always convenient: a sash open for ventilation reduces the window's burglary resistance.
Another example: “What should you do when you leave home for a long time and want the house to be well ventilated when you return?” One of the simplest and safest techniques is the climate control valve!
Windows made of PVC profiles are characterized by a high density of all joints and, when closed, allow very little air to pass through, which can lead to increased humidity and dampness, which leads to the formation of fungus, and stuffiness in an apartment or office. Moisture can accumulate in the room, which falls on double-glazed windows in the form of fogging and condensation, and in severe frosts, ice along the aluminum frame.
To prevent such phenomena, it is necessary, first of all, to reduce the humidity of the room through regular ventilation, but this will negate the thermal insulation and sound insulation characteristics of the window.
To solve this problem, the Okna Leta company installs a noise-proof climate valve, which automatically ensures air flow when the plastic window is closed. Thanks to this, a healthy indoor microclimate is maintained: the supply of fresh air is normalized, while preventing the concentration of carbon dioxide from exceeding, which entails a feeling of stuffiness.
The climate valve keeps the thermal insulation and sound insulation of the window unchanged, smoothly regulating the air flow, is easy to install and is not visible from the outside or inside.
Compare!
Window with traditional ventilation.
- promotes the formation of drafts;
- leads to sudden temperature changes, heat loss (especially in winter);
- increases wear on moving window components;
- ventilation control is required;
- there is a possibility of hacking;
- allows the penetration of dirt, dust and moisture during rain;
- allows insects to enter.
Window with built-in climate valve.
- keeps the thermal protection and sound insulation of the window unchanged;
- provides smooth regulation of air flow;
- easy to install and can be installed in already installed windows;
- maintains the integrity of the window profile;
- does not change the appearance of the window, has an aesthetic appearance;
- does not require maintenance or power supply;
- protects the room from mold and condensation.
The climate control valve is mounted directly into the frame of any window in its upper part.
In almost all European countries, window valves are recommended for use, including in Russia (GOST 30674-99), and in some countries the use of self-ventilation systems is mandatory. Thus, eliminating the possible negative consequences of high tightness of plastic windows, while maintaining all their advantages, climate valves are an indispensable component of PVC windows. Such windows are usually called “breathing”.
New generation plastic windows - breathe
Modern metal-plastic structures include a climate control valve. Its purpose is to ensure the supply of fresh air from outside automatically. Due to their original design feature, such windows are called “breathing plastic windows.”
This simple device is usually located in the upper part of the window frame. The opening value is regulated by special devices in automatic mode, which depends on temperature, humidity and wind strength (depending on the model). When necessary, you can close the valve manually. A complex system of channels allows the penetrating air to gradually warm up, which prevents the glass from icing in winter.
However, not all ventilation valves will fit a specific window and a specific room. You need to pay attention to this, otherwise your purchase will not only not bring the desired benefits, but, on the contrary, will make life in the house unbearable. Comparison of different ventilation systems
“The climate control valve allows you to refresh the air in a room of 20-25 square meters three times per day. meters, practically without reducing the comfortable temperature.
It is important that the valve does not close completely in winter and that the communal hood (if it is not a private house) is in working order. Otherwise, the valve will freeze up and stop working.”
What is the advantage
Let's mention just a few of them:
- Improved air exchange . At any time of the year, access to fresh air is provided to the premises.
- Optimal humidity . In addition to the supply of air from outside, micro-ventilation also allows you to control the level of humidity. And, as you know, it is an important component of comfort, because the higher its level, the colder the room. Normal humidity will also protect the finishing of the house from dirt and mold.
- No drafts . Cold air blowing through the cracks will no longer cause any harm. Children can play safely on the floor - healthy fresh air and no drafts. In addition, they are not in danger of “catching a cold due to the air conditioner.”
- Safety . With this method of ventilation, you no longer have to worry about the safety of your kids. They can calmly watch what is happening outside, leaning directly on the glass. Tightly closed profiles leave no loopholes for uninvited guests to enter.
- Multifunctionality . In winter it is an effective protection against cold, in summer – against sun rays. By performing the functions of an air conditioner, such a system makes it possible to save on energy. Thus, with one installation of a plastic profile with climate control, many problems can be solved.
Climate control for already installed windows
It is possible to improve already installed window structures. In this case, the appearance of the window will not suffer at all, but its functionality will significantly improve. The installation technology involves removing part of the rubber seal and then attaching a thicker gasket with a valve included. An air intake part is installed outside the window, protected by a visor from precipitation.
The cost of a climate control ventilation valve and installation instructions are on the page ventilation valve for plastic windows.
Operation of windows
The climate control system is extremely simple. The microventilator is turned on by turning the knob to the “ON” position. This is enough to open a small damper to allow oxygen to enter. There is no need to interfere with the further operation of the system: the damper will close itself if necessary. In severe frosts, set the knob to the “OFF” position. In this mode, the flow of cold air into the room is excluded.
At the same time, climate control on PVC profiles remains almost invisible, without impairing the design of the window structure.
Thermal windows - warm your home and create comfort
At sub-zero air temperatures outside, most double-glazed windows used today create a “cold window” effect. This is due to the fact that the surface of the first glass from the room always remains cold, and warm air, in contact with it, cools and falls down. With this air movement, there is a feeling of cold and draft from the plastic windows. Increasing the air temperature in the room leads to an increase in energy costs, but does not add much comfort - the glass will still remain quite cold.
Where are thermal windows used?
| 1 Heating your home using windows | With the help of thermal windows you can completely heat your house. Heating the premises of the house with the help of such windows can be of three levels:
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| 2 Heating of balconies and loggias | Since the installation of central heating systems on a balcony or loggia is prohibited by law, thermal windows are an ideal solution for heating. Comfortable and efficient heating of the entire room will make your balcony another cozy room in the apartment. |
| 3 Anti-fog | For rooms with high humidity, there is always the problem of windows fogging up. Thermal windows, even with an auxiliary heating level, will forever make the view from your pool or sauna crystal clear. |
| 4 Alternative to floor radiators | Heating radiators are always installed under windows. With floor-to-ceiling glazing, heating radiators are mounted in the floor. Thermal windows have become an alternative to expensive floor radiators. The economic effect of using heated windows is more than 50%. |
| 5 Window comfort zones | Where is the most comfortable place to read a book? Of course, on the windowsill by the window. Sitting in warm pillows by the window on a wide windowsill, you want to stop time. What could make this situation a little darker? Only cold glass in winter and autumn. Thermal windows will make touches pleasant and the place even more cozy. |
How it works?
Thanks to ThermoGlass glass used in heated double-glazed windows, the “cold window” effect will not occur, since this glass, installed first in the room, provided electricity is supplied to it, will always have a positive temperature, at which the air will not be cooled, but will heat.
Condensation will not accumulate on ThermoGlass glasses. The absence of condensation on windows at any time of the year is an ideal solution for swimming pools and winter gardens, since the temperature on the surface of a plastic window will always exceed the dew point and, accordingly, drops of water will not form on the glass.
Heated windows can be used both as the main and as an additional source of heating. Until the heating season has arrived, the apartment is cold and damp, and not an oil heater, but a heated window will help get rid of the unpleasant feeling.
ThermoGlass: 4KTerm - tempered glass 4mm or 6mm thick with low-emissivity coating (K-glass) and with applied conductive cores.
The degree of heating of such windows may be different, so their scope may also differ:
| Auxiliary 0-30°C The main purpose of this type of heating is to eliminate condensation on windows. Rated power from 50 to 150 W/m2. The internal glass is heated to 30 degrees, which basically eliminates the possibility of windows fogging up. Application: swimming pools, saunas, winter gardens and rooms with high humidity. | Combined 0-40°С This type of heating is an ideal solution for creating a comfort zone with combined heating. Rated power from 150 to 300 W/m2. The inner glass is heated to 40 degrees, which allows you to additionally heat certain areas in the room, while simultaneously eliminating fogging of the windows. Application: floor-to-ceiling windows (without the possibility of installing heating radiators under the windows), any living space. | Basic 0-55°C Used as additional or main heating. Rated power from 300 to 500 W/m2. The internal glass is heated to 55 degrees, which allows you to use the windows as the main and only source of heat in the room. Application: buildings and structures without main heating systems, without the possibility of using gas heating, that is, only with the possibility of heating with electricity. This type of electric heating is the most economical and efficient. |
Analogues and advantage
There are similar heated glasses that may use conductive film or self-adhesive conductive strands. This limits the technical capabilities of the heating temperature and affects the durability of the heating element. There is also no possibility to structure the heating elements, which leads to the use of transformers and, accordingly, an increase in the price of the product.
There are heated glasses on which the conductive wires are visible (mostly used in auto glass), and even if they are very small, they are still visible. Accordingly, they cannot be called analogues.
