Plastic windows that appeared in our country 20-25 years ago caused a real sensation, as they looked much more aesthetic than wooden ones, and also provided excellent heat and sound insulation of rooms.
However, after a very short time it became obvious that their such excellent tightness itself was the cause of great problems. In particular, after installing PVC windows in the cold season, an unfavorable, too humid microclimate is established in the rooms, condensation appears on the glass, as well as mold and fungus on the walls and slopes. Of course, one could blame the manufacturer of such double-glazed windows. But this is not entirely correct, since its task is to manufacture products with reliable locks that will last a long time, do not lose their attractive appearance and ensure tightness. So does this mean that you need to refuse to install double-glazed windows? Not at all! It is enough to purchase a high-quality ventilation valve for plastic windows.
Cause of problems
The question of why the wooden windows “sweated” less, why mold and fungus did not appear during their operation, many are interested. According to experts, the fact is that they had gaps through which fresh air constantly flowed into the room. But double-glazed windows do not let him through, which means that the moisture released as a result of the life of the inhabitants of the house accumulates in the room and settles on the windows and walls.
Ventilation
Of course, the easiest way to alleviate the situation is to frequently ventilate the room. However, experts say that they will be effective only if you perform such procedures every hour and leave the windows open for 5 minutes. Obviously, no one will get up at night 6-7 times to ventilate all the rooms in the house.
Frequent opening of PVC windows is fraught with other dangers:
- sharp temperature difference;
- penetration of pollen into the house, which can cause allergies;
- the possibility of an intrusion into the house of strangers, which is especially true on the lower floors;
- dust pollution;
- violation of sound insulation.
What to do?
Fortunately, there is a way out, and instead of manually ventilating the apartment or house every half hour, you can simply purchase a ventilation valve for plastic windows. Such products are mounted directly on the window and let in fresh air, which is sent to the ceiling and does not form drafts at the level of the window sill, as during ventilation.
Advantages of Aereco Valves
There are several types of such devices. In particular, the ventilation valve for plastic windows "Areco" has the following advantages:
- does not need power supply;
- passes from 30-35 cubic meters. m. air per hour;
- does not create drafts;
- prevents the formation of condensation on the windows;
- does not require human intervention to work;
- eliminates the occurrence of sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the room;
- provides the ability to adjust the level of ventilation;
- does not worsen noise and thermal insulation;
- almost imperceptible;
- takes up little space.
How to mount?
Externally, the ventilation valve for plastic windows is a small pencil case of white, light brown or dark brown color. It is installed directly in the window frame. To do this, a slit is drilled in its upper part with dimensions corresponding to the length and width of the valve, mounted as specified in the instructions, and a visor designed to protect from precipitation is installed outside.
Airbox Devices
The ventilation valve for plastic windows, the photo of which is presented below, has even more miniature dimensions. This model Air-Box Comfort, characterized by a mass of positive operational properties. In particular, such ventilators that provide a change of air in the room with the windows closed:
- can be installed on the profile of any design;
- equipped with air volume regulator;
- at winds with a speed of 5-6 meters per second (average indicator in a temperate climatic zone) valves are closed spontaneously;
- their installation does not require changes in the window profile, i.e. windows do not suffer in any way.
In addition, the ventilation valve for plastic Air-Box windows does not violate the thermal and sound insulation of the room. To make such a system work more efficiently, experts recommend using it in conjunction with conventional electric fans mounted in exhaust shafts.
Air-Box Comfort (ventilation valve for plastic windows): installation
Installation of ventilators for double-glazed windows is carried out in two ways:
- Installation without profile milling. With this method, good noise protection is provided, and the valve performance is up to 20 cubic meters. m / h For its installation, the standard seal on the frame is replaced by a special gasket that is included with the ventilator. At the same time, a distance of 0.5 cm to the lower inner corner of the glass should remain. Then, on the upper part of the sash, the place where the ventilation valve for plastic windows will be installed is selected, a regular 3.5 cm seal is also cut there. The last step is to remove the protective film from the product, it is installed according to the attached instructions and fixed with self-tapping screws included in the kit.
- Installation with profile milling. This method provides increased productivity (air passage to the room from the street up to 40 cubic meters per hour). To install a ventilator with milling on the upper part of the window sash, choose a place for its installation and remove the standard seal. Milling is performed to a depth of 1.5 cm. Remove the protective film from the sealant on the product, install the ventilator according to the instructions and fix it with self-tapping screws.
Advantages of supply window valves in relation to split systems
Conventional air conditioners have the following principle of operation: they take air from the room, cool it, clean it in filters, and again feed it back into the room. In this case, air saturation in the room with oxygen "from the street" does not occur. Of course, there are split systems equipped with a device that provides forced ventilation, but they are quite expensive. In particular, in models that cost less than 30,000 rubles, they are generally absent. In addition, the installation of an air conditioner, providing free access of air from the street, will require air ducts, and they themselves consume electricity, while the valves for the windows are autonomous. Thus, these ventilators are also economical.
Ventilation valve for plastic windows: reviews
Most of those who have already installed supply air vents in their apartment, claim that this is the right decision. At the same time, it is noted that such valves work only if the hood is working properly in the room. This is especially true of apartments in the so-called Khrushchev or houses built 30-40 years ago. Therefore, before purchasing a ventilation valve for plastic windows, make sure that the hood is not clogged with debris. After all, devices, for example, like Air-Box pump in air from the outside as the exhaust is removed from the apartment. Judging by the reviews, plastic windows with a ventilation valve should not be installed only in climatic zones, where frosts often exceed 35 degrees. The fact is that such devices are not designed to work in severe cold, and ice can form on them.
Now you know what advantages plastic windows with a ventilation valve have, and you can decide what is better to install in your house - an air conditioner with an extractor hood or such a simple and inexpensive device.