Modern construction involves the use of effective energy-saving materials that ensure the integrity of the premises. This can cause a problem such as fogging of windows. As a result, condensation forms. It entails the spread of mold, creating discomfort.
Such a microclimate can cause a deterioration in health: migraine, asthenia, drowsiness. To solve this problem, they resort to the installation of a device such as a CPV (fresh air valve).
Types of supply devices
The modern building materials market is full of different models of supply ventilation valves. They are window or wall.
Each modification is applicable according to the customer, but both are intended for the same purpose - to freshen the air in the room. Therefore, as a rule, devices are equipped with a filter that traps small contaminants.
The following ventilation inlet valves are available:
- devices equipped with a constant cross-section (window);
- devices with section control (level of air supply intensity (wall);
- forced air models.
Window-mounted supply valves
The ventilation valve for plastic windows is the most common. It has a simple design and provides automatic air purification in the room for 24 hours.
The window device is a gap in the window with dampers. The performance level of this device is 3-7 m 3 / h.
Windows with a ventilation valve can be plastic, wooden or aluminum. The device is installed at the top of the window.
The conditions under which window models operate
For the proper functioning of window modifications, they need special conditions:
- The room should be equipped with a natural range hood.
- The air temperature on the street should not be higher than +5 degrees.
- The front door must be closed hermetically, as there is a danger of exhaustion of air by the entrance.
- Between the rooms of the room should circulate air. This means that the doors must be either open, or they must have a 2 cm wide gap located above the floor.
Many users note that window ventilation ventilation valves are susceptible to freezing. This occurs when the device is not properly adjusted. In severe frosts, it is not recommended to close the device. If there is a need to close it, then the outside should be sealed.
Pros of window devices
- The ventilation valve for plastic windows does not spoil the interior. The device in the room is imperceptible.
- Installation is not difficult and takes about an hour.
- Soundproofing of windows and walls is provided.
- Supply air is directed upward, which eliminates drafts.
- All automatic models are equipped with a hygrometer that controls air humidity.
- The maximum power rating of the device is 30 m 2 / h of fresh air, and the minimum is 5 m 2 / h.
- The window unit is inexpensive.
Negative sides
- In autumn and winter, a stream of cold air enters the room, which increases heating costs.
- Devices operate only with a good exhaust hood.
- It has low bandwidth.
- The valves do not have filters to clean the air from dust, which is inconvenient.
- In some cases, there is a danger of freezing.
Wall models
Air inlet valves of this kind consist of a pipe equipped with sound insulation and heat insulation located in the wall. On the outside, a grille with a mosquito net is mounted on the pipe, and a valve regulating the degree of air supply is located inside.
Improved models are controlled manually or automatically.
The automated device responds:
- polluted air;
- humidity drop;
- pressure surges.
At its core, a wall device is no different from a window device and has the same positive and negative sides, except for the following indicators:
- the power level of wall models can reach 60-70 m 2 / h;
- a filter for coarse cleaning is mounted in the device;
- in comparison with the window modification, the wall is more difficult to install.
The wall device provides increased air circulation, allows you to adjust the air flow rate. The valve design prevents moisture from entering the room. It has a high noise isolation rate.
Operating principle
Air flow passing through the ventilation grill enters the soundproofing material, where it is cleaned of dust. This device is equipped with a labyrinth channel, providing a decrease in the rate of air flow and subjecting it to rough cleaning. After that, clean air is sent to the damper with regulation, where through the holes it enters the room.
Cons of the model
With all the advantages, wall models also have negative sides. They require timely care, although you may not be told about this when you buy. Once a season, the valve needs to be disassembled and cleaned.
In addition, according to user reviews, some species are prone to freezing. This happens if the device’s pipe is metal. But it should be noted that almost all manufacturers produce such a device as plastic ventilation, the valve of which is not subject to icing and settling of condensate. The disadvantage of these types of units can be attributed to their high cost. It ranges from 2500 to 4000 rubles. But according to experts, the price is adequate. After all, valves provide a healthy indoor climate.
Where are wall models installed?
The installation of a ventilation valve of this type can be carried out in country houses, apartments, factories, in public buildings. This species is often used in hospitals, schools and kindergartens. The wall model is suitable for homes with low ceilings.
According to experts, the installation of the device is advisable in kindergartens, as it prevents the development of mold, which adversely affects the body of babies.
Forced Air Modifications
The supply valve with a forced air supply system is characterized in that it has:
- electric fan;
- additional cleaning filters;
- device for preheating air.
The unit often includes a charcoal filter to clean the air of harmful gases.
Devices of this type have a high degree of throughput - up to 120 m 2 / h.
Pros and cons of the unit
The advantages of the device include the following:
- The valve functions even if ventilation is faulty.
- It has an additional air purification system.
- Lowers carbon dioxide and dust particles.
- Normalizes the indicator of humidity in the room.
Cons of the device:
- in many types of these devices there is no function of preheating the air, which is inconvenient for use in the winter;
- such devices are expensive.
Tips & Tricks
- Devices are installed in rooms where there are windows.
- Supply ventilation valves are mounted in all rooms of the apartment.
- The level of incoming and outgoing air must be the same.
- In the kitchen, where there is a gas stove, an adjustable air supply device is installed.
- It is advisable to install valves at a height of 2 meters or more from the floor near window openings.
- Devices are not recommended to be mounted in the toilet and bath, as there is a high level of humidity. In winter, increased condensation may form, which will cause the devices to freeze. This disrupts the functioning of the ventilation.
- To avoid freezing of units, it is necessary to install devices with heating.
- Supply valves are mounted in rooms with windows, the coefficient of infiltration of which is less than 0.3 m 2 / h.
- The rate of air exchange per person should be 30 m 2 / h.
- If the walls and windows overlook a noisy street, additional valves are installed to suppress noise.
- Devices are mounted near radiators, so that cold air is heated in the winter
- When buying appliances, you should pay attention to the presence of a filtration system. Otherwise, in areas with high pollution, you risk a large amount of dust entering your room.
Installation Features
When choosing a ventilation system, pay attention to the pros and cons of each device. When choosing a wall model, an urgent solution is not required, and when choosing a window type, you need to make a purchase faster, since there are colds and the windows will soon be closed. In addition, this view is not equipped with a filter system, and the cost of a window view with additional components is quite high. In a word, the wall ventilation valve has more positive sides. In addition, it can be mounted independently.
Before starting installation, determine where the valve will stand. As a rule, an inconspicuous place is chosen, but often, depending on the taste of the owner of the room, other sections of the wall.
The device must be located in a wall that performs a supporting function. This is required to organize the flow of air from the street.
What tools will be required?
To install the device yourself, you will need:
- Hammer drill with a drill-bit or a crown with taps from winnings of the required diameter.
- Set of drills designed for concrete and brick.
- Figured screwdriver.
Working process
First of all, a hole is drilled in the wall, the diameter of which is taken with a margin. So the pipe will pass freely and take the correct position. The length of the valve is selected taking into account the thickness of the wall. The length of the pipe is 0.4-1 m. After installation, all slots are closed with construction foam. To prevent moisture from the outside, a rain chipper is installed.
During installation, important points to consider:
- Before you start drilling, make sure that there is no electrical wiring in the wall;
- use protective equipment such as gloves, glasses, etc .;
- If you cannot determine if there is wiring in the wall, contact a professional for help.
Manufacturers and cost
When buying a device, pay attention to the country of manufacture.
The original inlet channel is the KIV-125 model from the Finnish company Flakt Woods. The cost of the product is 4800 rubles. The Chinese copy of KIV-125 is inferior in quality to the Finnish product.
The popularity of the flow device has grown so much that some manufacturers, for example, the domestic company "First Passage", began to produce such modifications. Of these, the KVP-125, VPK-125, KPV-125, VK-8 models can be noted.
The KPV-125 device is also an analog of the KIV-125 design. The cost of a domestic appliance is one and a half times lower than the original model. She is 3,100 rubles. It should be noted that this model is in no way inferior to the original Finnish valve.
Of domestic appliances, it should also be noted "Domvet" - a ventilation valve, the price of which is 1,500 rubles.
Also on the market is a modification called KIV Quadro from the Italian company Vortice. The cost of the device is about the same as that of the Finnish one. It has identical characteristics. The difference is in the shape of the heads. Italian ventilation inlets are square, and Finnish ones are round.
Currently, the western market is replete with devices of this type. Window ventilation valves from the French company Aereco, the Belgian manufacturers Renson and Titon, the German brand Siegenia are already known in the domestic market for building materials.
User reviews
About such a device as a supply ventilation valve, the most positive reviews. According to users, the device helps to fill the premises with fresh air, however, it does not feel cold.
As experimental premises in one of the kindergartens, bedrooms and rooms for kids' games were chosen. For the entire time the device has been operating, they have proven themselves from the best side. A sufficient amount of fresh air entered the room. Children and staff did not complain about stuffiness, cold or noise from the street.