Ventilation in the window sill of plastic windows

You can solve such a common problem of “crying” windows in literally a couple of hours, because often the cause of condensation is insufficient air exchange due to too wide window sills. Additional ventilation into the window sill is the main way to correct the direction of the flow of hot air coming from the heating radiator and let it flow to the double-glazed window.

With proper circulation of air masses and ventilation of the room, owners of plastic windows will be able to forget about excessive humidity, annoying puddles on the windowsill and harmful fungus. But what is such ventilation and how to arrange it correctly?

In this material we will look at the principle of operation of a window sill ventilation system with a supply valve, talk about the types of ventilation grilles and how to install them in plastic or wooden window sills.

Install convection grilles in the windowsill - tell me

They say that without window sills, not a single window structure would have a complete appearance. But with the advent of ventilation grilles, we can say with confidence that this window fully complies with all the customer’s wishes, solving all practical problems.

According to experts, it’s beautiful when you have a stone window sill, it’s convenient (for cleaning) when it’s narrow, and it’s logical to buy a high-quality one with a built-in grille to ensure convection of warm air.

Nowadays, a large number of ventilation grilles are produced. They are installed mainly on plastic window sills. The main role of such convection innovations is to achieve natural ventilation. In this case, the warm air from our hot batteries will rise up, and as it cools, it will fall down. The convection that occurs is essentially the normal procedure of air circulation.

Types of ventilation systems

air removal and air supply systems in a municipal apartment or private house are often of two main types:

natural - air draft in the ventilation ducts appears due to the special design of the latter;
forced (perhaps with heat recovery) - in this case, the air flow is organized thanks to fans, which are installed in the air duct or ventilation window.

The choice of a specific design option depends on the individual requirements and configuration of the residents' premises.

Based on location, the air access system into the room is divided into the following types:

Supply window ventilation, which are part of the window system . This is the simplest method of providing ventilation to a room without opening a window. The disadvantages are the inability to install filters that retain dust, and the need to make structural changes to the frame.

Ventilation ducts located under the window sills . It is a pipe passed through the wall, which is closed on the outside with a special grille, and is decorated with an attractive-looking box, which allows, among other things, to regulate the intensity of the air flow. The air channel is equipped with additional sound insulation and filters. Another advantage of this option is that such a structure can be easily installed with your own hands.

An air duct mounted under a window may have a motor that supplies forced air circulation.

This option has many advantages:

air circulation in the room increases, which normalizes the humidity level;
it becomes possible to more finely regulate the air flow speed;
Dust and other hard particles are more effectively removed from the incoming air.

Properties and features of ventilation grilles for window sills

The faster the warm air from the radiators rises through the windowsill to the windows, the better. And it’s even better if such a grille is located closer to the windows. So, with wide window sills, craftsmen place the grill directly above the radiators. It is easy to determine what the parameters should be - if, for example, in the upper section the battery has 800 by 100 mm, then the openings for the grill itself must be made the same (no less). Standard sizes: 800x80, 600x100, 480x80 and 800x80.

In terms of their throughput, ventilation grilles for window sills have different effective cross-sectional sizes (the sum of the areas of the holes in the grille for air passage is called the effective cross-section of the grille). For convection grilles it ranges from 0.42 to 0.60 l/s, which is quite enough for heated rooms. And the additional convenience of the installed device is that no small parts fall through its holes.

There is also a type of slats - they can be adjusted and slightly rotated towards the window. This, according to experts, helps to further protect installed windows from condensation and freezing.

Window sill ventilation methods

Depending on the initial depth of the window sill, the thickness of the external wall and the seating depth of the window frame, air circulation around the glass unit can be ensured in two ways:

using the natural passage of flows through holes made in the window sill for ventilation;
thanks to the installation of a separate ventilation duct with a supply valve.

Each method has its own characteristics both in the selection of materials and in implementation.

Ventilation through grill openings

The first method of improving air passage is quite simple and does not require special skills.

The figure schematically shows the direction of air movement through the ventilation holes in the window sill, equipped with special grilles. The slats in these products have a certain angle, due to which the flow rushes towards the window

Even an inexperienced craftsman can make the necessary holes and secure the ventilation grille. The method is suitable for window sills of medium and large depth, the protruding part of which significantly overlaps the heating radiator. Ventilation grilles will allow air to pass through the window sill more freely and reach the glass unit in sufficient quantities.

The grilles themselves can be made of different materials: plastic, aluminum, steel and even wood. The most ergonomic are metal products coated with special paint that is resistant to high temperatures. Plastic is no less common on sale, but this material can become deformed over time and lose its original shade, which also does not add aesthetics to it after a year of use.

The dimensions of the ventilation grille are selected based on the width of the window sill. To make the window warm up more evenly, it is better to install the grill along the entire window sill. Particular attention should be paid to the live cross-section of the grille - the size of the holes through which air will pass. The larger their area, the more efficient the circulation will be.

Grilles with a large distance between the slats, like regular wide ventilation openings, should not be mounted on window sills that are actively used by the owners as a storage area, since small objects can fall through them

The slats themselves can be static or adjustable . The second option is more preferable for installation, as it allows you to more accurately adjust the air direction angle or completely block the air exchange.

Installation of a channel with a supply valve

A more complex method that requires more skill during installation and knowledge to select a special complex - a window sill valve.

The method consists in arranging a special window sill ventilation system, which consists of:

an internal box with grilles through which exhaust air is taken in;
ventilation duct in the form of a pipe that leads the flow outside;
external grille with filters that do not allow street dust to pass through.

The slats of the indoor duct are usually adjustable, which allows you to change the intensity of air intake. The channel itself is equipped with additional filters and reliable noise insulation, which will prevent too loud sounds from the outside from penetrating into the room.

The design may also have a motor, which will provide more efficient capture of street air. To reduce heat loss, it is worth taking a closer look at devices with heat recovery.

The figure shows a diagram of installing a supply valve under a window. Thanks to this design, natural ventilation of the room occurs, which prevents the formation of condensation

Such ventilation systems are optimal for houses and apartments with thick walls and deep window sills.

The main advantages of the designs are:

maximum and constant renewal of air in housing;
the ability to avoid sudden changes in temperature or drafts that may occur when ventilating a room while opening a window;
limiting the ingress of street dust during ventilation;
reduction of heat losses.

However, a significant disadvantage of this method is that this measure will only work properly if the indoor ventilation ducts are properly functioning.

If there are problems with the draft into the shaft, they need to be solved before installing window sill ventilation with a supply valve. The ventilation may need to be cleaned.

Additionally, ventilation should occur evenly in all rooms. To do this, interior doors must have ventilation grilles or have a lower gap between the leaf and the frame

To choose the optimal device for a particular room, you should focus on the throughput of a particular system and the noise absorption coefficient. The usefulness of air exchange depends on the first parameter, the second affects the comfort of the residents of the house. And the presence of soundproofing membranes will significantly reduce the penetration of street noise into the apartment.

Ventilation grill installation

Window sills with ventilation grilles are glued using silicone. To make a grille to your size, you will need a milling machine. During installation, it is necessary to take into account the distance between the installation of consoles - in the area of the grille, consoles should be installed up to 30 mm to the edge of the window sill.

Before installing the grille, you need to choose a color. Ventilation grilles installed in the window sill (can be made of stainless steel, brass or plastic) may well blend in with it, or, conversely, stand out strongly. Clients sometimes like this contrast more than the usual color combination, and fits perfectly into the interior of the room.

Popular makes and models

The catalog of ventilation grilles is quite extensive. To choose the right option, you need to study the technical characteristics of the model you are interested in and the manufacturer’s rating. Products from the following companies are in great demand:

AMK-Group Holding. The brand produces frontal designs with good build quality and a reasonable price.
DIST. Engaged in the manufacture of inexpensive gratings.
Stroyformat. The catalog contains different types of designs, including decorative dampers.

The AMK-Group holding produces structures at an affordable price.
From popular models you can choose Europlast MR 100B, Bauset or Dobroparov gratings 1311802.

Install the grid and get results!

With the installation of this element in the window sill, the structure will do its job 100 percent. Having heat-protective properties, the window sill will retain the flow of warm air that comes from heating devices and form a warm air cushion near the window. In addition, this will help deal with condensation.

However, not all manufacturers offer window designs along with window sill bars. If you are not provided with such a service, you can order ventilation grilles for the windowsill in special stores. It will be enough to indicate to the seller that you need to avoid problems associated with condensation and you are faced with temperature changes or high humidity in the room.

The main advice from experts is that when installing a window sill, do not interfere with the access of warm air from the heating radiator to the window. Otherwise, you risk encountering the formation of condensation on the glass during the cold season. This is especially dangerous for those who have a large window sill. If you still want a window sill of exactly this size, then for proper heat exchange, equip it with a ventilation grill.

Advantages of forced ventilation

The widespread fascination with plastic windows is explained by people’s desire to reduce heat transfer during the cold season and maximize heat retention. However, this also leads to difficulty in natural air exchange due to the tightness of windows with fiberglass bags. At the same time, waste products – carbon dioxide and excess moisture – accumulate in apartments. Considering that each person excretes approximately 20 liters per hour. carbon dioxide, then in the absence of forced ventilation in an apartment with plastic windows, the concentration of harmful substances in the air exceeds all permissible sanitary and hygienic standards.

To ensure a comfortable, safe environment for the inhabitants of the apartment, air exchange rates must be no less than those given in SNiP.

According to clause 31-01-2003 “Residential multi-apartment buildings”, the air exchange rate is:

For living rooms, based on up to 20 m2 of total area per person - no less than 3 m3/h for each meter of living area;
30 cubic meters of air per person per hour, if each person has more than 20 m3 of total area;
For rooms using gas equipment (gas stoves, boilers) – 100 cubic meters of air per hour;
For a kitchen with an electric stove – at least 60 m3/h;
For a bath, toilet or combined bathroom - 25 m3/h.

List of benefits

Regulatory requirements for providing residential premises with an influx of fresh air can only be met by using forced ventilation.

The advantages are obvious:

Forced ventilation does not depend on the season or weather;
Does not require complex engineering calculations when laying communications;
Allows you to ensure the flow of the required volume of air into all living rooms and exhaust from rooms with high humidity, gas pollution and lack of natural ventilation (kitchen, bathroom, pantries, wardrobe, utility rooms);
Promotes mixing of indoor air with incoming dry air, thus reducing the possibility of condensation formation.

Many apartment owners, where the usual wooden frames have been replaced with fiberglass frames, complain about the formation of condensation. This occurs due to the occurrence of the so-called “dew point” - when the surface temperature of walls and windows drops to the level necessary for condensation to form at a certain humidity. The higher the air humidity, the higher the “dew point” temperature.

So, if the indoor air temperature is +18 degrees Celsius and the humidity is 50%, the dew point is 6.8. When humidity increases to 75%, this figure increases to 13.2. That is, with an increase in indoor air humidity, the indicator of the ambient temperature favorable for the formation of condensation increases.

This phenomenon can be avoided for an apartment equipped with plastic windows by providing forced ventilation of the supply and exhaust type.

Why windows fog up and how to fix it

Usually, owners encounter the problem of condensation on the inner glass of a metal-plastic window early in the morning. The problem occurs in cold weather (winter and autumn), when water accumulates on the windowsill. The explanation for this process is as follows: after installing windows, the ventilation mode in the room changes, air exchange is disrupted (previously air passed through cracks and frames), there are fewer drafts and the humidity in the room increases.

When the microclimate changes sharply, the temperature outside becomes low and the temperature in the room becomes high, and the likelihood of condensation increases. In order to avoid such differences, in order to cope with the ventilation process, an additional part of the window structure is installed. This anti-condensation grille is a series of straight, fixed flaps that redirect air flows.

If the window sill is too wide, when it completely covers the radiator, the heat exchange in the room is disrupted. Try to install the window sill so that it covers only half of your radiator. If you want to leave wide window sills, be sure to install decorative grilles.
If you have a single-chamber double-glazed window and the windows fog up, then you better call a specialist who will eliminate the violations that occurred during the installation of the window structure.
You will also encounter condensation if there is poor air circulation in the room. The solution is to clean or replace the ventilation grilles.
Flowers may also be involved in condensation. With constant watering, these processes are inevitable. Alternatively, you can leave only a few pots of flowers on your windowsill and ventilate the room more often.
Problems can also arise due to improper installation of windows. It is better to plaster the cracks yourself or, in case of large deviations from the correct position, reinstall the double-glazed window.
If the windows in the kitchen sweat due to frequent cooking, then the experts will advise you to ventilate the room more often.
The following will help fix the problem: a working hood, good thermal insulation of the house, no leaks from the roof of the house, eliminating the source of dampness and more frequent ventilation.
We wish those who decided to independently begin the process of installing and manufacturing the grille good luck. If you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to contact specialists in this profile who install ventilation grilles. Because if you incorrectly calculate your strength or the size of the product, you risk being left without window sills.

Related article: Plastic window sills dimensions thickness

Condensation on the surface of the window glass

Sometimes, despite all the tricks aimed at reducing the level of humidity in the room, condensation still continues to appear on the window glass. Many people use various folk remedies to combat it, wipe the windows with rags and dry wipes, additionally ventilate the room, and so on.

Only ventilation grilles for window sills will help you cope with this situation once and for all. Only they will keep the window profile dry, thereby extending its service life for a long time.

Condensation on glass is an unpleasant phenomenon

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.

Installing gratings on a window sill

In order to independently secure devices that help eliminate condensation from the surface of the window frame and glass, you need to stock up on the following tools:

drill;
marker;
jigsaw;
glue for joining polymers;
weight for securing the grille during installation.

The sequence of actions for installing the grille on the window sill is as follows:

A pre-purchased device is applied to the window sill, which is traced along the contour with a pencil or marker.
Holes are made in the corners of the resulting figure using a drill. Their diameter should be slightly larger than the width of the jigsaw blade.
Then, along the drawn lines, a part of the window sill is cut out. In the future, the place of the removed part will be taken by a decorative grille, providing unhindered access to heated air.
After this, gluing is done. Excess adhesive must be removed immediately using cotton or linen cloth. After the glue hardens, this will be problematic.
Before complete polymerization, a weight must be placed on the attached ventilation grille.

Installing a grille in a window sill is a simple task

Installation stages and rules

You can install a ventilation grill with your own hands in a plastic or wooden window sill; installation in a concrete “board” will require much more experience and other tools. Otherwise, the grille is installed in a concrete window sill in exactly the same way.

Related article: Table instead of a window sill in the kitchen

Let's consider the nuances and stages of work for a plastic or wooden board and the same lattice. It is not necessary to remove the window sill to carry out the work . The direction of the slats (if the holes are slot-shaped and the slats are installed at an angle) should be towards the window.

A hole cut in the window sill for the ventilation grille

Tools you will need:

Marking tool (marker, pencil).

Jigsaw or grinder.

Glue for plastic (optional).

Any heavy object that can be used as a press (needed if the lattice will stick).

The diameter of the drill bit must be larger than the width of the jigsaw blade (so that it can fit into the drilled hole).

Stages of work (video)

Stages of work

The process itself looks like this:

Mark the place where the grille will be located.

Holes are drilled in the corners.

A jigsaw blade is inserted into the hole and a mounting hole is cut out for the grill itself.

The product is installed in the hole for “trying on”.

The edges of the hole are coated with glue.

The grille is installed in place and pressed.

The glue squeezed out along the edges is removed.

Any heavy object is installed on top of the grate as a press.

Hole in the window sill for installing a grill

Metal products (as well as some plastic and wooden ones) are attached not with glue, but with bolts.

Using glue is not an ideal solution - in this case the structure will be solid. If necessary (for example, if the plastic lamella breaks), the grille will have to be torn off from the surface.

You don’t have to use glue if the groove is perfectly even: so that the lattice “sits” tightly in it without moving. In this case, if necessary, it can be pulled out - for replacement, repair or cleaning.

Device

The wall supply valve has a very simple device. In this regard, repairs will not bring many problems. I would also like to note that the system copes with its responsibilities perfectly. All modern valves differ not only in manufacturer, but also in material. In general, this technology consists of:

a pipe that is long and wide, comparable to a wall;
ventilation grille, which can be seen when inspecting the valve. The main function is to retain large debris;
noise suppression composition filled into the internal cavity of the pipe;
O-rings together with the valves. They close the incoming air during severe wind pressure;
filter for fine cleaning;
the cover of the device along with the handle and valve for adjustment. Due to this, you can regulate the air supply to the apartment.

Window sill grilles for ventilation

A ventilation grille in the window sill has not been used before. With the advent of modern technologies, new solutions began to be introduced not only for the visual design of the interior, but also to improve the properties of heating devices and increase their efficiency. A grille in the window sill is needed not only for better air distribution, but also for ventilation of the structure. Thanks to it, you can get rid of condensation and ensure proper air circulation.

Independent installation of supply ventilation

Preparatory stage

Before constructing a duct for the supply of fresh air, you need to make sure that the exhaust system is working normally.

This can be done as follows:

open a window in the room where the work will be carried out;
bring a small sheet of paper to the existing ventilation grill at a distance of 5-10 cm;
if it is pulled into the hole (it seems to stick to the grille), then the exhaust system works correctly.

Note! It is not permitted to light a match or bring it near the ventilation. If the openings in the ventilation ducts are clogged, flammable gases can accumulate. In this case, an open flame or spark can lead to a fire or explosion.

If the completed test demonstrates a lack of draft in the exhaust system, you need to take care of cleaning or repairing it. In the city, this is handled by an organization that is important for the operation of apartment buildings.

In order not to depend on housing and communal services, it is possible to install personal exhaust ventilation at the same time. In this case, you need to correctly calculate the power of the fans and the cross-section of the channels: the amount of incoming air should only be slightly greater than the amount of air being removed.

One more fundamental point. For effective operation of supply ventilation, it is fundamentally important to ensure that interior doors also allow air space to pass through.

This is achieved by two methods:

the presence of a gap between the door leaf and the floor covering;
installing a special ventilation grille, for which a special slot is made in the door.

Installation process

The window sill ventilation valve consists of three parts:

indoor unit;
external decorative grille;
connecting channel.

Installation of this device is carried out in the following sequence:

The installation location is selected. it is optimal if the outlet is located between the central heating radiator and the window sill. It is necessary to disassemble the purchased valve, pick up the empty box of the indoor unit, and mark the holes for drilling.
A hole is made in the wall. According to the markings applied in advance, a channel with a slight downward slope is drilled into the thickness of the wall using a hammer drill or other similar equipment.
The connecting pipe is installed. A plastic connecting piece, pre-wrapped with insulation, is inserted into the hole made. The outer end must be flush with the surface of the wall, and the inner end must protrude from it by 1-1.5 cm. After this, a housing is attached to the inner wall using dowels, which presses the insulation.
Final assembly of the ventilation valve. At this stage, the necessary filters and soundproofing membranes are installed, and the external decorative grille is secured.

Note! The sequence of actions for installing natural supply ventilation was discussed above. If you bought a valve with a fan, you need to take care of connecting the electric motor to the installation and wiring the control panel for the entire system.

Once installation is complete, the window sill ventilation system requires virtually no maintenance. You only need to clean the filter elements once or twice a year.

Let us remind you once again that the supply air duct only works effectively if the exhaust hood functions properly in the room.

When are window sill bars needed?

This solution may be useful in several cases, which include the following:

If you plan to install wide window sills that will completely block the heating device located underneath them, the air distribution will be incorrect, condensation will begin to collect, and the room will not warm up well. The problem can be solved without violating the design intent and without changing the window sills to smaller models. It is enough to install a decorative grille in existing products.
The cause of condensation may be an incorrectly installed double-glazed window. A visit to a specialist from a window company will correct this problem, but if there are holes in the window sill, you can ensure that warm air is blown across the glass and reduce fogging.
If there is no grill or it is clogged with something, air circulation will become worse, which will affect the comfort of being in the room.

Ventilation grilles for window sills often solve the problem of condensation, but if it does not disappear, it is worth paying attention to other factors that cause it. These include the following:

It can form when watering flowers.
Incorrectly installed windows.
The windows are located in the kitchen, the room heats up sharply and is rarely ventilated. To prevent your kitchen windows from sweating, you can try installing a range hood. This will remove excess moisture and odor and make the room cleaner.

Equipment selection

When purchasing a window sill valve, the main selection criterion should not be the price, but its consumer properties.

It is advisable to pay attention to the following features:

Device control method . There is equipment that is controlled manually or by special automation. With manual control, you will need to constantly monitor various parameters of the air in the room: humidity, temperature, and so on. The electronics will open and close the valve, as well as reduce and increase the fan speed without your participation, based on information received from external sensors.
Soundproofing properties. Insufficient noise absorption coefficient can create discomfort in the room. Choose models that have special soundproofing membranes.

Advice! A ventilation duct with forced air injection can become an independent source of noise from a running electric motor rotating the fan blades. To avoid this, purchase models with silent or low-noise devices.

Compliance with established sanitary standards. Ventilation ducts installed under windows must provide sufficient fresh air. This parameter for various premises is specified in the relevant SNiP.

Installation process

The window sill ventilation valve consists of three parts:

indoor unit;
external decorative grille;
connecting channel.

Installation of this device is carried out in the following sequence:

The installation location is selected. It is best if the outlet is located between the central heating radiator and the window sill. You need to disassemble the purchased valve, take an empty box of the indoor unit, and mark the holes for subsequent drilling.
A hole is made in the wall. According to pre-applied markings, using a hammer drill or other similar equipment, a channel is drilled into the thickness of the wall, which has a slight downward slope.
The connecting pipe is installed. A plastic connecting piece, pre-wrapped with insulation, is inserted into the hole made. The outer end should be flush with the surface of the wall, and the inner end should protrude from it by 1-1.5 cm. Then, using dowels, a housing is attached to the inner wall, which presses the insulation.
Final assembly of the ventilation valve. At this stage, the necessary filters and soundproofing membranes are installed, as well as the external decorative grille is secured.

Note! The sequence of actions for installing natural supply ventilation was discussed above. If you purchased a valve with a fan, you need to take care of connecting the electric motor to the wiring and installing a control panel for the entire system.

Once installation is complete, the window sill ventilation system requires virtually no maintenance. It is only necessary to clean the filter elements once or twice a year.

Once again, it should be recalled that the supply air channel works effectively only if the hood functions properly in the room.

What types of ventilation grilles are there for window sills?

The choice of modern materials is quite wide: a window sill grille can look aesthetically attractive and have many types of design. This is a modern piece of furniture that can significantly decorate it. Products can be divided according to the following characteristics:

material;
color;
design features;
form;
size;
0installation features.

The grille is needed to evenly distribute the air heated by the heating device. The simplest options are made of plastic; they can be purchased at any hardware store, however, the appearance of such a product is not the most attractive. The dimensions of the structures are standardized, so they do not always fit individual window sills. The color range is also not the richest; such a grille will last about 2.5 years, then it is likely to deform, since the plastic reacts to temperature changes.

More practical, but at the same time inexpensive, are convection grilles for window sills made of steel. They are a perforated plate. The sizes may vary, but in most cases they are also standardized, but the choice of sizes is much larger. Some companies offer custom-made products. Heating grilles in the window sill will not stand out if you choose the right colors. They are painted using fire-resistant powder paint, the shades of which can be selected according to the RAL table. This allows you to create a design solution in the apartment.

There are other steel products, the steel in this case is thicker - 2 mm, the color can also be chosen, the fasteners are usually hidden. The design on them can be decorative or artistic, which makes the grille more attractive and able to fit into any interior. The reinforced steel grating is able to withstand high physical loads and pressure, which makes it possible to use it for window sills on which you plan to sit, place pots of flowers or any heavy objects. However, such products are not recommended for use in rooms where humidity is high. The same gratings are sometimes used as floor gratings.

VRK-L-N grilles may also be of interest: they are made of stainless steel, which allows them to be used in any room, including wet ones. This grille for a window sill for a heating radiator is better suited than all other options, as it is not afraid of temperature changes, does not deform from high temperature or physical impact, has high strength, and a large number of design solutions for decoration. The structure can be painted in any color with powder paint, which makes the coating durable and attractive in appearance.

Types of supply valves for apartments

Today you can find many types of supply air valves on sale - with heating, filters, fans and other functions. However, the main difference between devices of this type is the installation features. According to this feature, supply ventilation valves are:

window – installed inside the double-glazed window frame;
wall - mounted in a special hole in the wall.

Both of these types have their advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will analyze their differences in detail and try to make it easier for our readers to choose the right model.

Window models of ventilation valves

There are ventilation valves that are mounted on plastic windows. This provides good ventilation even in winter, when opening the window is problematic due to the excessively cold air outside.

The window inlet valve has excellent aesthetic characteristics; it is almost invisible on the double-glazed window frame. At first glance, this design seems to be the most suitable for any home, but it has a number of disadvantages:

high cost compared to wall analogues (sometimes the price of the valve reaches 50% of the price of the double-glazed window itself);
the valve is installed before or during the installation of a plastic window; it cannot be placed in a closed window opening;
installation is carried out only by professional craftsmen;
window valves, as a rule, are not equipped with filters and heating.

Wall ventilation valves

A supply valve installed in the wall is a simple and inexpensive, but very functional device. It is a plastic sleeve in which a filter and noise protection are installed. On the outside, the ventilation valve in the wall is equipped with a mesh and protection from precipitation, and on the inside - a decorative grille in which a damper is mounted.

The wall supply valve compares favorably with window analogues and natural ventilation in the following parameters:

low price, no need to buy the device together with the window;
better protection against noise and dirt;
works great in winter;
possibility of automatic or mechanical control;
Provides ventilation throughout the apartment.

The main disadvantage of the wall model is that to install it you will have to make a hole in the wall of the house. This process is quite labor-intensive, but not complicated; from a technical point of view, anyone familiar with repair work can handle it. From an aesthetic point of view, installing the valve on the wall will not cause any particular trouble - both in the apartment and on the outside of the wall, decorative dampers will make the device almost invisible.

Construction stores offer customers a large selection of supply ventilation valves to the wall. The design of the device is quite simple, so devices from different companies do not have serious external differences. The main one is the length and material of the ventilation duct pipe. All valves are equipped with a damper that regulates the air flow into the room. Up to 40 m³/hour of air masses can pass through the device, this is quite enough to completely ventilate the apartment.

Developers provide supply valves with a whole range of additional functions. The first of these is the ability to control the air flow regulator. This makes it possible to provide inflow in conditions where ventilation of the room is especially necessary, for example, if wet laundry is being dried in the room or food is being prepared.

Control can take place in automatic or mechanical mode. In the first case, the device itself monitors the temperature and humidity of the air in the room and regulates the level of the pipe barrier. In the second, the device is configured manually by the owners.

Automatic valves are more expensive than their analogues, but they do not always correlate well with weather conditions. If in winter the automatic control function is very important, then in summer, with the same temperature outside and inside the premises, it practically loses its significance.

How is ventilation done in the window sill?

Ventilation under the window sill is not always provided initially, so it has to be done after this element has been installed.
It is important that the grille is not too large and is installed in such a way as not to interfere with the use of the structure and not to create excess dust. It can be installed both from the inside and from the outside. Related article: How to choose the width of a window sill

Aluminum gratings can be the lightest and most durable; moreover, they do not rust, last a long time, and are highly durable. For installation, a hole with sides is made in the window sill, and the structure itself is most often glued. Construction adhesive is used for this. Less commonly, the grille is screwed on using self-tapping screws. This method attaches more securely, but does not look as attractive. You can make a hole in the window sill yourself; to do this, you will need to mark it with a marker and use a jigsaw to cut the hole.

Home ventilation problems

Many people don’t know, but modern window systems have several functions, one of which is micro-ventilation mode. When turning to open the sash, the control handle should not be brought all the way down, but should be set at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. The window does not fully open; the system weakens the pressure, creating a gap of 2-3 mm through which air can flow. Later you can return the sash to its original position.

However, such a function is a half-measure because, in fact, in this mode the window creates a draft, which is also not needed in the room.

What does such a room ventilation system with an installed supply valve provide, and how does it work?

The operating principle is based on pressure differences, but in order for the valve to provide an influx of fresh air, the internal one must be removed from the room. To do this, the house needs working exhaust ventilation. If it is not there, you need to equip it, or thoroughly clean the existing channels.

The supply valve works like this. Fresh and colder air enters the room through the system and pushes the lighter, warmer mass into the hood.

The normal functioning of such air exchange requires certain conditions:

Full operation of the ventilation valve begins if the outside temperature is lower than +5 degrees. In summer, it requires forced exhaust with fans to operate. If internal air is not removed, the system will not work.
It is necessary to seal the entrance door from the entrance or street so that there are no other sources of supply of cold mass.
Between all housing premises, it is necessary to arrange free air exchange. All interior doors must be kept ajar, or a gap of 20 mm must be provided under them. Also, as an option, you can install ventilation holes in the lower part of the canvas (for a kitchen with an area of 200 cm², a bathroom with an area of 130 cm²).

In the case when you need to block the access of air, you simply need to seal the valve gap.

It is worth knowing that in winter, in severe frosts, you cannot block the channel slot; it is best to adjust it to the minimum flow. Otherwise, the ventilation gap may simply freeze over with ice and stop working.

A useful draft: how to choose and install ventilation grilles for window sills correctly

Reading time: 6 minutes No time?

Condensation on the glass of plastic windows is not only an aesthetic problem, but also the cause of mold. By installing ventilation grilles for window sills, you can cope with the difficulties that arise without major financial investments. We invite you to get acquainted with the varieties and operating principles of these products, and the procedure for self-installation.

It's not just a decorative element

Read in the article

So is it worth buying a window valve?

If there are no major sources of air pollution near your home (for example, a busy highway or an industrial plant), winters in your region are not very cold, and if you do not plan to spend a lot of money, then a ventilation valve for plastic windows will be sufficient. It is worth remembering that its performance is sufficient if 1-2 people live in the room.

The window valve needs to be cleaned every six months. Dust from the device can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth. When cleaning, it is not recommended to use household chemicals or rinse the device under running water.

Window valve, mechanical ventilator, breather - the choice is yours. Each device has its own advantages, which manifest themselves in certain circumstances. Breathe easy and be healthy!

The principle of operation of ventilation in the window sill of plastic windows

Thanks to their design, such products make it possible to provide natural ventilation in the window sill of plastic windows. As a result, warm air from the batteries rises, and cooled air returns back. The convection provided helps prevent the formation of condensation on the surface of the glass.

Ensuring natural circulation is easy

When to install valves on metal-plastic windows

We recommend using window air intake devices only as a last resort, when other methods of organizing air supply are not available. Causes:

Due to the small size of the flow hole, the ventilation valve for plastic windows does not allow enough air to pass through. Manufacturers claim a throughput of 10...30 m³/h (depending on the type of device), but the figures indicated do not correspond to reality.
Installing a ventilator valve involves violating the design of the PVC window - removing part of the standard rubber seal or milling a through slot in the frame profile.
The operation of such an “inflow” is highly dependent on the efficiency of natural exhaust. If the exhaust shaft in the apartment does not work well, the flow of fresh street air will be scanty.
Through the open channel, insects can climb inside the frame profile and settle there (for example, wasps). You definitely need to come up with some kind of net or cover for the summer.
The valves often do not have an air filter, and dust will begin to accumulate in the window. Cleaning out this dirt is quite problematic.

Important. With natural ventilation of rooms, the movement of air flows is ensured by the hood - due to the traction force that arises in the vertical air duct due to temperature differences. Any air supply device becomes useless when there is no draft in the shaft; only opening the windows and ventilating the room will help.

The air flow through the slot valve is easy to calculate. In order for 30 m³/h of air to penetrate into the room at a speed of 1 m/s (this is the maximum for natural ventilation), the flow area of the channel must be F = 30 / 3600 x 1 = 0.0083 m². We use the formula presented in the article on air exchange calculations for a private house.

Now let's compare this figure with the manufacturer's data. For the Aereco E-EMM² window ventilation valve with an increased flow rate of up to 35 m³/h, 2 technological holes measuring 172 x 16 mm are made, the total cross-section of the gap is 2 x 0.172 x 0.016 = 0.0055 m². Then at a speed of 1 m/s we get only 20 cubic meters of air in 1 hour. The performance of valves from other companies (Air-box, VENTS, etc.) is even less.

Conclusion. For natural fresh ventilation, it is better to install a wall valve in each room, located near the window opening or under the window sill. In apartments with poor ventilation, you can use climate control units with forced air injection by a fan - breathers, recuperators.

Advantages of convection grilles for window sills

The main advantage of a convection grille in a window sill is the ability to prevent the formation of condensation on the glass and create comfortable conditions for air flow circulation. The heat given off by the radiator does not accumulate under the window sill, but enters the room. As a result, the room becomes much warmer. The advantages of such products also include:

installation versatility . Installation can be done anywhere: on a window sill, countertop, radiator screen;
a large assortment . You can choose ventilation grilles for countertops or window sills of various shapes, made from a variety of materials;
ease of operation and maintenance;
changing the appearance of the window sill . Decorative ventilation grilles for window sills can become one of the main decorations of the interior.

The appearance of the window sill is transformed

Related article:

Supply valve for windows. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a supply window valve, types and main characteristics of supply valves, a review of average prices for supply ventilation valves from leading manufacturers, installation nuances, recommendations from experts - read the publication.

Causes of window fogging

Weeping windows also freeze in winter.
Metal-plastic and wooden sealed windows, which have practically replaced ordinary wooden ones, perfectly retain heat in the room, but they do not let fresh air inside. Does the lack of natural air exchange lead to condensation on the windows during the cold season? This is a physical phenomenon. Surfaces cooled by the external environment interact with the warm air of the room, but if there is a lack of it, condensation forms.

But what are the reasons? After all, the appearance of droplets on the kitchen windows when food is being prepared is due to the evaporation of moisture - everything is clear here. The water in this room undergoes transformation several times into different states. But windows fog up not only in the kitchen, but also in other rooms where metal-plastic windows are installed. The reasons are as follows:

Indoor air is too humid. In addition to the kitchen, such a microclimate is also found in the sanitary rooms.
Incorrect design of windows, which do not have special openings for ventilation or are made of thin profiles. Such a profile is not able to retain heat, forming a dew point when the air near the glass turns into condensation.
A missing or poorly functioning heating system cools the air to a temperature where the air turns into water and falls out as condensation.
Poor air circulation caused by improper operation of natural ventilation.
The design of a window sill that interrupts the connection of warm and cold masses. Because of this, cold air prevails above the window sill, and warm currents are retained under it.

Types and characteristics of grilles in the window sill for a radiator

Manufacturers offer a wide range of window sill grilles for radiators, differing in design, type of material used, and appearance. We invite you to get acquainted with the existing types to make it easier to choose the appropriate option for your home.

Ready-made models come in various types

Types of ventilation grilles by material and color

Various materials can be used to make such products:

aluminum _ A lightweight and at the same time durable alloy, allowing you to obtain products of any configuration. To increase the service life and give the product the desired color, polymer compounds are applied to its surface;
steel _ Metal overhead ventilation grilles are installed on massive window sills made of stone;
plastic _ Lightweight products, mostly rectangular in shape, of various sizes;
tree. Among the existing types of ventilation grilles, this is an environmentally friendly option. Can become a stylish element of the interior. Needs timely care.

Most often, the convector grille for the battery is chosen in the same color as the double-glazed window. As a result, it is possible to form a harmonious design. Standard products are white. The steel ones are coated with gold or silver. Wooden ones can be painted and/or varnished in different colors. Imitation of marble or other material is possible.

The color of the structure should match the color of the window sill

Dimensions and shape of ventilation grilles

The shape of the decorative overlay can be different. The most widely used are rectangular ventilation grilles with dimensions of 80×480, 500, 800 mm or 100×500, 600, 800 mm, which are best suited for window sills of standard dimensions. Square models are also in demand.

The shape of the holes may also vary. The most widely used models are those with holes in the form of slits. However, there are products with round holes, in the form of complex patterns and ornaments.

The price and size of plastic ventilation grilles are interrelated. The larger the dimensions, the more you will have to pay for a specific product.

Size and shape are selected individually

Adjustable and static ventilation grilles

The design of such products may differ. Manufacturers offer adjustable and non-adjustable models. Adjustable ventilation grilles have movable slats. By changing their position, you can adjust the intensity of the supplied air. In non-adjustable structures, the slats remain motionless.

Adjustable allow you to change the intensity of the air flow

Types of ventilation systems

The air supply and removal system in a city apartment or private house comes in two main types:

natural - air draft in the ventilation ducts occurs due to the special design of the latter;
forced (possibly with heat recovery) - in this case, the air flow is organized thanks to fans that are installed in the air duct or ventilation window.

The choice of a specific design option depends on the configuration of the premises and the individual requirements of the residents.

Based on location, the air access system into the room is divided into the following types:

Supply window ventilation, which are part of the window system . This is the easiest way to ventilate a room without opening a window. Disadvantages are the inability to install filters that retain dust, as well as the need to make design changes to the frame.

Ventilation ducts located under the window sills . It is a pipe passed through the wall, which is closed on the outside with a special grille, and inside is decorated with an attractive-looking box, which, among other things, allows you to regulate the intensity of the air flow. The air channel is equipped with additional sound insulation and filters. Another advantage of this option is that such a structure can be easily installed with your own hands.

An air duct mounted under a window may have a motor that provides forced air circulation.

This option has many advantages:

air circulation in the room increases, which normalizes the humidity level;
it becomes possible to more finely regulate the air flow speed;
Dust and other particulate matter are more effectively removed from the incoming air.

How to choose a grille for a windowsill

When choosing a ventilation grille for the battery, you should take into account the length of the radiator and window sill. The ideal option is an equal length of the battery and the ventilation structure. If you choose a product of insufficient length, you can protect one side of the window sill. Condensation will form on the second side at this time.

Attention! Instead of one decorative element, you can use several shorter ones.

The length of the grille and radiator must be consistent

If the window sill will be used to place some objects, you should not choose a model with large holes. Not only will debris accumulate in them, but small things will also begin to fall through. If you do not plan to use the window sill in this way, you should give preference to a window sill grille for a heating radiator with the largest open cross-section. In this case, it will be possible to ensure maximum air flow, thereby preventing the appearance of condensation.

Attention! The design, material and color of the product should be chosen taking into account the design of the room in which the product is to be installed.

The shape of the ventilation lining depends on the operating characteristics of the window sill.

Equipment selection

When purchasing a window sill valve, the main selection criterion should not be the price, but its consumer properties.

It is advisable to pay attention to the following highlights:

Device control method . There is equipment that is controlled manually or by special automation. With manual control, you will need to constantly monitor various parameters of the air in the room: humidity, temperature, and even then. The electronics will open and close the valve, and reduce and increase the fan speed without your participation, based on information acquired from external sensors.
Soundproofing properties. Insufficient noise absorption coefficient can create discomfort in the room. Choose models that have special soundproofing membranes.

Advice! A ventilation duct with forced air injection can become an independent source of noise from a running electric motor rotating the fan blades. To avoid this, get models with silent or low-noise devices.

Compliance with established sanitary standards. Ventilation ducts installed under windows must provide sufficient fresh air. This parameter for different premises is specified in the relevant SNiP.

Maintaining performance in various climatic conditions . Supply ventilation must function properly regardless of the time of year, temperature, humidity level and other external factors. In addition, you should make sure that during the winter period condensate does not freeze in the ventilation duct, which can lead to fan failure.

Installation location of the convection grille for the radiator

Installation of such structures can be done in two ways: internal and external. External metal facade ventilation grilles are subject to less stringent requirements for aesthetic appeal than products that will be installed indoors. They resist the negative effects of the external environment well, preventing dirt, dust and insects from entering the house. The lockable ventilation grille is additionally equipped with a special cover. With its help, you can prevent the penetration of air from outside in the winter.

A narrow ventilation grille is most often placed near a window or at the edge of the stove. The installation location is selected taking into account the location of the battery. If the radiator is located deep in the slab, installation is carried out near the window, if it protrudes, from the edge.

Compact ventilation devices (breathers, ventilators)

Breathers (ventilators) are compact systems for supplying fresh, clean air to rooms.

Breezer Tion 3s

Supply is carried out either naturally or using a fan. In the first case, quiet, electricity-saving operation of the device is guaranteed, but problems with ventilation are possible if there is no difference in external and internal pressure.

Review and review of Breezer Tion 3S:

A ventilator with a fan will provide proper ventilation regardless of external climatic conditions; you just need to select the required mode. In some models, performance depends on the fan speed, which also determines the noise level produced by the device and its energy consumption.

The devices are equipped with filters of varying degrees of purification. The number of elements and the level of filtration depends on the specific model, the most advanced of which are capable of purifying the air from the smallest dust particles. In addition, filtration at the molecular level (for example, neutralization of exhaust gases) is possible.

Ventilator Blauberg VENTO Expert A50-1 Pro

Breezers, unlike many ventilators, are more autonomous. It is enough to configure it once (specify the schedule, set the appropriate operating mode) and it will automatically maintain the desired microclimate in the room.

Breezer Tion o2

A budget Breezer, designed for 32 m2 , costs 21,000 rubles . Model with a capacity of up to 140 m3/hour – 43,000 rub.

A supply wall valve will cost much less - the cost ranges from 1000 rubles. for a simple device, up to 8500 rub. for a model with a turbine and a high-quality filtration system.

The cost of a valve mounted on a window without milling is from 350 rubles. Overhead modifications that require complex installation - up to 4,500 rubles.