Standards for the design of residential buildings provide for the possibility of ventilation. There are many concepts by which this task is realized, but providing a natural air channel is its most popular solution.
Depending on the technical capabilities, there may be different options for organizing an air renewal system. The simplest technology uses natural ventilation valves that integrate into walls or window openings. In essence, it is a small plastic or metal channel that forms a shaft for air flow.
In what cases is a supply valve used
Until recently, the problem of organizing natural ventilation was not so acute due to the poor tightness of the houses. Improving construction technologies has led to a reduction in gaps and gaps in openings and partitions, which has been exacerbated by minimizing pores in the finishing materials. Therefore, almost any modern house or apartment requires the integration of ventilation devices.
Especially the supply air valve is appropriate in houses where compacted windows are used, in which the minimum coefficient of infiltration is noted. It is important not to forget that any natural channel contributes to air renewal, but worsens other insulating qualities. This applies to the characteristics of heat transfer and sound insulation. Another thing is that the valves have a different device, and in some cases it is possible to maintain a balance between these parameters.
Device Selection Criteria
When choosing a device, you should be guided by several parameters, but the main thing is the ratio between the volumes of the removed and incoming air. The valve should ensure the equality of these indicators.
In some cases, you have to count and install multiple channels. For example, you can integrate the supply valve into the wall in the kitchen, in the living room, bathroom, etc. That is, for each room you can provide your own duct.
Special attention should be paid to technical rooms in which the presence of gas or other heating equipment may impose special requirements on the characteristics of ventilation devices. To understand the other nuances of choice, you should consider the types of valves in more detail.
Types of device
The simplest versions include valves that do not imply the possibility of adjustment. They constantly save bandwidth of a certain amount.
But more and more often owners of private houses pay attention to adjustable and automatic models. They provide more operational capabilities and are also reliable. For example, if you install an adjustable supply valve in the kitchen wall, then the hostess will be able to adjust its parameters in accordance with the mode of use of the stove. At times of intense cooking, you can open the mine with the expectation of maximum throughput, and then reduce the opening to the optimum value.
Hygro-controlled valves are also common, the function of which is adjusted according to the humidity level in the room. These are automatic devices that independently control the position of the ventilation flaps using a sensor.
How is a supply valve installed in the wall?
Valves are placed at a height of about 2 m from the floor. According to experts, this is the most favorable position of the canal in terms of the comfort of residents. In the serviced room at this level, the air is quite warm, which allows you to effectively warm cold flows in the winter without drafts. It is best to carry out such an installation at the construction stage, as further installation will require the formation of a special hole.
It is quite difficult to install the supply valve into the wall with your own hands, since the operation requires the use of a grating tool. However, the rest of the installation is quite simple, and even a layman can handle it.
When the niche is ready, all fixing procedures can be performed using the devices included with the valve.
Features of installation in window openings
In some ways, this installation option is easier than in the case of the wall. Theoretically, this channel can be mounted in both wooden and plastic windows. But only on condition that the introduction of this ventilation component does not reduce the strength indicators of the entire box.
For installation in the profile, it is necessary to create a hole, and on the outside to provide a protective visor. But there is another way to solve the problem.
Many manufacturers of frame structures made of polyvinyl chloride even at the design stage allow the technological possibility of integrating such climate devices. The user only needs to determine which ventilation valve for PVC windows is better in terms of reliability of the entire structure.
It is advisable to initially focus on models of the same brand that produced the window system. If such products are not on the market, then valves that fit the size are preferred.
Supply valve user reviews
A competently implemented system of supply valves, according to the owners, provides an efficient exhaust air by replacing it with fresh air.
Most positive reviews are given to models with automatic sash adjustment. The convenience of their operation and the optimal performance of the formed microclimate are noted.
Also, many owners highly appreciate the operation of the filter, which can be supplied with a supply valve in the wall. Reviews emphasize that the presence of such a system eliminates the need to purchase special humidifiers and other climate equipment with a cleaning function. At the same time, the valve itself is not so expensive compared to household air conditioners and split systems.
Conclusion
Trends in the ventilation system market show that consumers are increasingly turning to simple but effective solutions. The extra functionality and complex configurations used to optimize the microclimate characteristics give way to elementary devices whose operation is characterized by ease of use and energy efficiency.
Users who install a supply valve in the wall practically do not complain about the disadvantages of using such devices. The only problem that many consumers fear at the stage of purchase is installation with the creation of a hole in the wall. Indeed, this is a time-consuming and in some cases costly operation, but you can choose a simplified integration scheme in the form of installation through a window box.