Which supply valve to choose: types of valves, features of choice + review of the best brands
The popularity of plastic windows is due to the tightness of the structure and the ability to effectively block out external noise.However, many owners of such systems are faced with the problem of a lack of fresh air. As a result, the windows fog up and condensation forms on them. High levels of humidity in the area of window structures contribute to the development of fungus, mold, significant deterioration of the indoor microclimate.
There are several ways to restore balance. One of the simplest but most effective methods is to install an inlet valve. A simple device will ensure optimal air exchange rates, help solve the problem of excess humidity, and create a favorable atmosphere in the room.
To make a successful purchase, you need to figure out which supply valve to choose and which brands to pay attention to. This is exactly what we will talk about in our article. We will also pay attention to the design features of such a ventilator and the principle of its operation.
The content of the article:
When is a supply valve necessary?
Due to the massive replacement of wooden window systems with plastic structures, the efficiency of natural ventilation has become noticeably lower. While air from the street easily penetrated into the room through the micro-gaps between the wooden doors, sealed plastic structures eliminated this possibility. In such a situation, the speed of air flow is significantly reduced, which negatively affects the microclimate in the apartment.
In addition to reducing indoor comfort, insufficient air flow can lead to more serious problems, including:
- Increased carbon dioxide concentration — a high content of carbon dioxide with a lack of oxygen leads to a deterioration in overall health, the appearance of lethargy, drowsiness, and irritability. In addition to decreased performance, many experience increased susceptibility to viral diseases.
- Accumulation of allergens — in rooms that are poorly ventilated, pathogenic organisms actively develop. They can provoke allergic reactions.
- Unpleasant odors - when the air renewal rate is low, odors that appear as a result of cooking, human activity, and animals linger in the apartment.
- Excess moisture absorbed by all wooden surfaces, accelerates the corrosion processes of metal products.
Installing a supply valve easily solves these problems.
The key task of the supply valve is the uninterrupted supply of fresh air from the street. This solution is relevant when general house ventilation does not perform its functions correctly and an additional influx of air masses is required.
The use of a supply valve allows not only purification, but also, in some cases, heating of air coming from the street.
Installation of the device does not require significant financial costs. Thanks to its small size, you can install valve anywhere, the beauty of the decorative design of the room will not be disturbed.
Design features and operating principle
When looking through information about which model of supply valve is best to choose, where to install the device, it is important to first understand the design features, as well as study the principle of operation of the device.
Essentially, the valve is a cylinder equipped with a filtration and noise reduction system.
Next, we will consider in more detail the main elements of the design of the supply valve:
- Air supply valve duct. It looks like a plastic tube with a diameter of 6-14 cm. The performance of the valve, the maximum volume of air that can be supplied to the apartment with its help, depends on this parameter. Through the tube, air from the street enters the room.
- Ventilation grille may have a different appearance and differ in functionality. The simplest option is an aluminum or plastic mesh that prevents debris and large insects from entering the apartment. More advanced models provide protection from precipitation and are equipped with a mosquito net that can resist flies, mosquitoes, and midges.
- Heading (work intensity regulator) - an element that closes the valve from the inside. It provides regulation of air supply and has an attractive appearance. The dimensions, shape, and location of the holes that allow air to pass through may vary in different models.
- Thermal and sound insulation of the valve. To prevent the wall in contact with the air duct from freezing in winter, the entire length of the plastic tube is lined with heat-insulating material. Often the product has the shape of a sleeve.
- Wall ventilator filter. The material is located in the head and does not allow dust, pollen, or other allergens to enter the apartment. Depending on the model and brand, different fillers are used.
An additional element in the design of the supply valve is sealing ring, damper. Thanks to their use, strong gusts of wind do not cause discomfort during operation of the device.
The operating principle of the ventilator is as simple as its design:
- Air is taken in from the street through the grille.
- Passing through the air duct, the flow warms up.
- The filter cleans air masses from dust.
- The flow rate is regulated by a special damper.
If there is a supply valve, air enters the apartment without interruption. In this case, the windows will be closed, cold and dust from the street will not penetrate into the room, as with normal ventilation.
When installing a supply valve, it is important to understand that simply creating an air flow will not solve ventilation problems.To ensure a healthy atmosphere in the room, it is necessary to adjust the operation of the hood and create conditions for the movement of air flows between rooms. To do this, grilles are installed or a gap of at least 15 centimeters is left between the sash and the floor.
To understand the intricacies of creating effective air exchange in rooms, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rules of arrangement ventilation in a private house or apartment.
Types of supply valves
Today, manufacturers offer a variety of modifications of ventilators.
Among them:
- window fittings, having a constant cross-section;
- wall modelsequipped with an air supply intensity regulator;
- forced air wall valve.
To choose the best supply valve and install it in a window or wall, it is important to understand how the models differ.
All models perform one task - provide a healthy atmosphere in the room and increase the air exchange rate. However, differences in design features lead to differences in the functionality of the devices.
Type #1 - ventilators for plastic structures
Supply valves designed for PVC windows are considered the most common solutions for ensuring effective air exchange in an apartment or private cottage. Structurally, a window ventilator is not much different from a wall ventilator. It is a slot equipped with dampers. The productivity of the device ranges from 3-7 cubic meters per hour.
Most often, window ventilators are used for plastic structures that provide high tightness. However, they can also be installed on wooden or aluminum systems.
For the window supply valve to function correctly, the following conditions must be met:
- the room must have a working hood;
- The temperature difference in the apartment and outside should be at least 5°.
The disadvantage of using the device is the likelihood of a drop in air temperature during severe frosts. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely close the window valve. To ensure insulation, its outer part is sealed.
The advantages of window ventilators include:
- the small size of the device, which is located on the sash, does not spoil the interior;
- installation does not require professional tools or special skills, and does not take more than an hour;
- when using the valve, sound insulation is not compromised;
- the air entering the room is directed upward, which eliminates the occurrence of drafts;
- affordable price.
Thanks to the variety of models, you can choose a supply ventilation valve with the required performance.
Type #2 - wall valves with air supply regulator
The supply ventilation valve can be equipped with manual or automatic control.
If there is an electronic controller, the devices respond to pressure changes, the level of air pollution in the room, and humidity indicators.
The operating features of wall models are practically no different from the use of window valves, except for certain points:
- the power of the wall ventilator can reach 70 cubic meters per hour;
- the device is equipped with a filter that purifies the air;
- installation of the device is more difficult and requires the use of professional equipment.
In addition to all of the above, wall models are equipped with an air supply regulator.
Thanks to the design features of the device, moisture from entering the room from the street is prevented and a high level of sound insulation is ensured.
A feature of the operation of wall models is the need for maintenance, which not all users are aware of. Every season it is necessary to disassemble the supply valve and clean the filters.
Type #3 - valves with mechanical ventilation
Models that provide forced air supply have the following design features:
- use of an electric fan;
- the presence of additional filtration;
- ensuring heating of air flows.
Devices with forced air supply are characterized by increased productivity. They supply up to 120 cubic meters every hour and are equipped with carbon filters that can thoroughly clean the incoming stream from harmful impurities.
The advantages of such solutions include:
- efficient operation even in the absence of a working hood;
- high quality of purification of air entering the room;
- quick normalization of the humidity level in the apartment.
The only disadvantage of a valve with forced air supply is its high cost.
Such a device can be installed in any convenient place, without being tied to heating radiators that heat the air masses coming from the street.
Ventilator selection criteria
When studying the features of various modifications of supply ventilation valves and figuring out which option to choose, it is worth taking into account the main criteria that affect the operating comfort of the device:
- Bandwidth - will allow you to evaluate what air exchange rate the supply valve will provide, whether it is sufficient for a particular room, and the number of households living in it.
- Working temperature — valves with metal air ducts often freeze. By choosing a product with a plastic tube, the likelihood of freezing is significantly reduced.
- Adjustment type — automatic control over the operation of the supply valve ensures comfortable operation of the device. The possibility of mechanical adjustment will allow you to change the intensity of the incoming air flow during sudden temperature changes.
Sometimes home craftsmen make their own supply valves. This allows you to save money, but does not provide a sufficient level of operating comfort.
Brief overview of the best manufacturers
When choosing a ventilator, users rely on different criteria. One of the important indicators of the duration and quality of operation of a supply valve is its manufacturer.
But sometimes the characteristics indicated in the product passport do not correspond to reality. To avoid such a situation, you should choose valves from well-known brands with a good reputation.
Next, we will briefly consider the best brands whose products are represented on the domestic market.
Vents automatic supply valves are considered the most popular solutions. Vents is a Ukrainian company that has won recognition from European users. Today, the manufacturer’s assortment includes more than 10,000 items.
Ventec is a Russian enterprise that produces aspiration and ventilation systems, specializing in the production of metal frame and cabinet products. The company has an excellent level of service.
Brand supply valves Ballu supplied to 30 countries. Ballu is a manufacturer specializing in engineering systems and climate control equipment. Having its own laboratories allows the company to use innovative solutions in production.
Tion is a Russian brand that is rapidly gaining popularity. The company creates “smart” ventilation, develops devices for highly efficient filtration and disinfection.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
To select the appropriate model of the supply valve, it is important to study the design of the device, its operating principle, and evaluate the best models. The selection of videos below will help with this.
Operating principle, design features of the supply valve:
Recommendations for choosing a ventilator:
Review of the best models:
The supply ventilation valve becomes a practical alternative to an open transom, providing an effective supply of air from the street when the windows are closed. Its use allows you to introduce fresh air without cooling the room, without allowing large amounts of dust and allergens into it. But when choosing a suitable model, it is worth studying the types of ventilation devices and evaluating the products of leading manufacturers.
Have you already installed a supply valve at home? Share your experience in the comments, add unique photos of your ventilator. If you are just looking at such a device for ventilating rooms, ask questions about the specifics of selection and its operation to our experts and other visitors to our site.
