Supply ventilation in an apartment: options for organizing air exchange

Properly organized supply ventilation in an apartment is the basis for a comfortable microclimate in a living space.Very often natural air exchange does not provide sufficient fresh air and it is necessary to look for alternative ways to improve supply ventilation.

We will tell you everything about the existing options for organizing air exchange and help you choose the optimal method. The presented article describes in detail the simplest options for devices for improving ventilation and complex technical systems. Taking into account our recommendations, you will significantly improve your living conditions.

Air exchange is the key to a healthy microclimate

For normal operation of the apartment, one air exchange per hour is sufficient. Compliance with this standard is ensured by laying natural exhaust ventilation ducts.

The supply of fresh air during unorganized air exchange occurs through leaks in window frames, slotted openings in door structures, vents and vapor-permeable wall material.

After installing sealed double-glazed windows, the ventilation scheme malfunctions - the air supply channel into the apartment is blocked, the pressure difference is reduced and the exhaust vapors stagnate in the room.

Natural circulation diagram: 1 – air flow through the cracks of the window frames, 2 – movement of the air flow through the threshold gaps, 3 – removal of exhaust air through ventilation ducts. Natural circulation is based on the difference in temperature conditions and pressures inside and outside the building

Many apartment residents encounter negative factors that indicate problems with the ventilation system:

1. Deterioration of air quality. At home there is a lack of oxygen; due to an excess of carbon dioxide, the air becomes stale. A “heavy” atmosphere causes discomfort, headaches and fatigue.
2. Stagnation of unpleasant odors. In a “mothballed” apartment, the aromas that accompany human life linger for a long time. Exhaust appliances in the kitchen or bathroom cease to function fully.
3. High humidity. A clear sign of a problem is condensation on the windows and wet corners on the walls. Subsequently, black dots can be found on surfaces - the first manifestations of mold. In such conditions, the finishing of the room becomes saturated with moisture and gradually collapses.

If you do not take care of the unhindered and regular supply of street air in time, the likelihood of allergic and viral diseases increases.

An unrenewed musty atmosphere stimulates the development of pathogenic fungi, parasitic mites and bacteria. Elderly people and young children react very quickly to deteriorating air

Restoring the intensity of air flow solves the listed problems.

Regardless of the chosen method organization of supply ventilation, it is necessary to ensure the following air exchange standards per resident:

• bedroom, children's room and living room - 30 cubic meters per hour;
• kitchen – 60-90 cubic meters/hour;
• bathroom – 25-50 cubic meters/hour.

The air supply requirements for the kitchen depend on the type of stove installed. The exact standards for the bathroom are determined based on the joint or separate use of the toilet and bathroom.

The parameters are relevant if the maximum concentration of harmful components in the atmosphere does not exceed the established regulatory indicators for populated areas

If the premises are not used for permanent housing, then the minimum air exchange rate for residential and non-residential rooms is reduced by 0.2 h-1 and 0.5 h-1, respectively.

Complete information about performing calculations for the installation and modernization of ventilation is given in this article. We recommend that you read the useful information.

Ways to increase the efficiency of inflow

Various techniques aimed at improving the performance of supply ventilation are divided into two main categories:

• measures that increase air flow without blowers;
• use of forced air units.

The first group includes: manual or automatic ventilation, installation of a window or wall valve.

Manual ventilation. Opening the window for 15 minutes every 3 hours. It is almost impossible to implement the method in practice - there is no time or no one to constantly open and close the window. An alternative option is to open the window sash in micro-ventilation mode.

The disadvantage of this method is that dust from the street and noise enter the apartment through the gap. In winter, micro-ventilation gradually cools the room

Automatic ventilation. A servo drive is installed on the flap of the window. The device is programmed to open the transom at specified intervals or is equipped with a weather sensor.

The “intelligent” mechanism reacts to changes in humidity and changes in the atmosphere - during rain, strong wind or snow, the sensor will work and the window will close on its own.

It is possible to connect the automatic electric drive to the general fire safety system. If there is smoke in the room, the drive will operate and the window sash will open.

The automatic ventilation method has the same disadvantages as the manual method.

Window and wall valve. Overhead and built-in air inlets perform the same function - they provide access to fresh air flows into the room. Varieties of valves differ in characteristics and installation technology.

Wall valve models are more productive; they are advisable to use in spacious rooms. Window vents are suitable for compact rooms

Installation wall device more difficult than installing an inlet on a window sash, as it requires drilling a through hole through the load-bearing structural element of the building. Products for windows are cheaper than their wall counterparts.

Ductless devices for forced air flow:

1. Ventilators. Essentially, this is the same wall valve only with a built-in fan. The supply of fresh air does not depend on the external parameters of the atmosphere (temperature, pressure), but is determined solely by the performance of the fan.
2. Breezers. Unlike ventilators, the installation provides high-quality multi-stage filtration. An additional plus is the presence of climate control. The user sets a comfortable temperature, and the smart device automatically heats the air.
3. Air conditioners with air supply option. Multifunctional two-block split complexes with air mixed from outside are equipped with an air duct connecting both buildings, as well as an air mass filtration system.

The listed devices are installed without laying an air duct and work to supply air to one room. To comprehensively restore the supply ventilation function in several rooms at once, duct systems are used.

The installation of air ducts must be taken care of even at the repair stage. Otherwise, you will have to dismantle the finishing or create a false box for laying ventilation ducts

Features of duct supply systems:

• high performance;
• possibility of air heating;
• control automation;
• sufficient sound insulation;
• high cost of components;
• complexity of installation.

Duct ventilation is rarely installed in apartments. Priority areas of application: offices, cottages and public premises.

You can learn how to check the efficiency of wall and window ventilation valves by reading next article.

Budget options for restoring air exchange

Wall and window valves do not have a fan. The air flow occurs due to the difference between street and “home” pressure. A prerequisite for the operation of overhead inlets is proper exhaust ventilation.

Features of different types of window valves

The design of all window climate control devices is very simple. Standard valve consists of an air intake, a telescopic channel and an indoor unit.

The air intake is installed outside the frame. The external unit is equipped with a visor and a grille that prevents insects from getting inside.The telescopic channel cuts into the frame, forming a through gap for the unhindered flow of air.

The indoor unit is mounted on the side of the room. Some models of inlet units are equipped with a filter and a valve that regulates the throughput of the device

Based on the design features and installation method, the following climate control devices are distinguished:

• slotted;
• folded;
• invoices.

Slot models. The throughput capacity of the unit reaches 20 cubic meters per hour - the influx of air masses is carried out through a micro-hole up to 1.6 cm high and up to 4 cm wide. The device consists of two blocks, which complicates its installation - milling of the window frame is required .

Rebated valves. This is the most affordable and easiest way to ventilate a room. The air flow is carried out through slits in the vestibule. The main advantage of the models is the ability to install them on a window in use without milling a groove.

Additional advantages of rebated models include: low cost, preservation of the sound-absorbing and heat-retaining properties of PVC double-glazed windows and the possibility of automation.

The valve capacity does not exceed 5 cubic meters/hour. To ensure a larger volume of air supply, it is permissible to install several valves on one window

Overhead climate products. This option is rarely implemented in domestic conditions due to the complexity of installation - the valve is inserted at the stage of assembling the double-glazed window. In addition, the product worsens the heat and sound insulation of the window.

Overhead modifications have found their application in production and warehouse premises. The productivity of climate control devices is about 100 cubic meters per hour.

In the simplest models of window inlets, the size of the gap, and, consequently, the intensity of the air flow, is selected manually - the position of the valve is adjusted. High-tech devices are equipped with humidity and atmospheric fluctuations sensors.

Wall model: device and installation

Externally, the wall valve resembles a cylindrical flask or a wide pipe, with a diameter of about 10-16 cm.

The plastic air duct is equipped with the following elements:

• thermal insulation layer - a “sleeve” passes through the entire flask, preventing freezing of the wall and reducing the noise effect from the street;
• filter – located at the outlet of the air duct, provides rough air cleaning.

In some models, an O-ring (silicone) with flaps is placed in front of the filter. The purpose of the part is to equalize the air flow in windy weather.

On the street side, the wall air duct is closed with a metal grille and an anti-mosquito insert, and on the inside - with a decorative cover with an adjustable handle

When choosing air supply device First of all, the power and “operating” temperature of the unit are assessed. On average, the productivity of a wall climate product is 40 cubic meters/hour. This value is enough to ventilate a room of 13 sq.m.

The operating temperature range is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging or in the instructions for the device. For harsh climatic conditions, special models have been developed to prevent the formation of condensation and the appearance of an ice plug in the channel.

The following photo selection will clearly introduce the technology of installing a wall valve:

Stage 1. Determination of place. When choosing a wall, you should consider some nuances:

• It is better to install it on a supporting structure;
• optimally – the valve “exit” to the insulated loggia;
• It is better to avoid installation from the side of the roadway.

Valve manufacturers have designated recommended and undesirable areas for installing the device.When installing, it is important to consider the air flow vector.

In the first option, fresh air entering the apartment warms up at the top and falls down. The second option is that the air masses are heated by the heating radiator

Stage 2. Preparing and drilling the wall. On the inner wall, mark the place for the through hole and draw the diameter of the valve.

Channel drilling procedure:

1. Perform initial drilling with a diamond core bit to a depth of 10 cm.
2. Remove debris and use a chisel to knock out a small notch for stable placement of the drill.
3. When drilling, keep the slope outward - this position of the air duct will prevent rainwater from getting inside the device.

It is better to carry out the work with an assistant who will periodically wet the drilling area. Humidification will reduce dust levels and protect the instrument from overheating.

Stage 3. Installation of valve components. Clean the groove from dust and place a heat-insulating “sleeve” in the channel. Using screwing movements, install the cylindrical body of the device, and secure the fine-mesh grid on it.

A panel, a ring with dampers and a filter are fixed from inside the wall. The final stage of assembly is installation of the lid with the adjusting handle

Ductless forced ventilation

Supply units of this category are considered the optimal solution to problems with the supply of fresh air to a high-rise apartment and a private house. They are quite powerful, independent of weather changes, and their installation does not cause any particular difficulties.

Advanced Wall Valve

A wall ventilator with an air jet is a modernized analogue of a wall supply valve. The fundamental difference in the design is the presence of a fan that pumps an air stream.

The performance of the mechanical inflow is determined by the speed of the fan. The amount of energy consumed and noise characteristics depend on the selected mode

Operating principle of the ventilator:

1. Rotating fan blades force a supply of outdoor air.
2. Passing through the air duct, the air masses are cleaned and enter the apartment.
3. The exhaust air moves towards the exhaust ducts and is discharged through the vent.

The degree of purification of the supplied air flow depends on the built-in filtration system. It is optimal if the ventilator is equipped with different types of filters.

A ventilator with a fan works even with a weakly efficient exhaust system. Forced supply increases air pressure, which has a positive effect on the performance of the hood.

Breezer – compact ventilation unit with climate control

The breather is designed to maintain air circulation indoors with an area of ​​10-50 sq.m. The device solves several problems simultaneously: supplying clean air and heating it to specified temperature values.

The main area of ​​application of breathers is residential premises, that is, cottages, private houses and apartments. The device is also in demand in small offices

Breezer is a technically complex device with a climate control option and a control system. Components of the air handling unit:

1. Air intake with grille – protects the device from insects and rainwater getting inside.
2. An insulated air duct is a sealed channel that provides air flow. Thermal insulation liner prevents wall freezing and reduces noise levels.
3. Automatic damper - opens the outdoor air supply channel after turning on the device and closes it after turning it off. The element prevents cold air from leaking into the apartment.
4. The fan is responsible for the volume of intake air from the street.
5. The communication unit and control system are the “brains” of the breather, responsible for all operating processes of the device.

The compact unit is equipped with a complete filtration system. The filter cascade implements three degrees of purification.

Coarse filter – removal of medium and large particles (wool, dust, pollen). HEPA filter – retention of particles 0.01-0.1 microns in size, including mold spores and bacteria. AK filter – carbon filtration of smoke, odors and industrial emissions

Breezer is the optimal solution for creating ventilation in an apartment with filtration, providing up to 80-90% purification of air masses from atmospheric dust. The installation process of the device is quite simple:

Air conditioners with fresh air supply

95% of split systems on sale operate with static air. They continuously recirculate the atmosphere of a closed room. Typical air conditioners perform their main task and make the room cooler. However, their work does not add fresh air.

Manufacturers split systems proposed their own solution to the problem of lack of fresh air and developed air conditioners with an admixture of air from outside.

Design features of a split system with air supply:

• air is supplied through air ducts running from the external unit to the internal one;
• The outdoor building is equipped with a turbine with a filtration system, which is responsible for supplying and cleaning air.

Some models of ventilation units are equipped with an oxygen concentrator, and the oxygen level in the room is controlled by special sensors.

An oxygen concentrator passes outdoor air through a membrane membrane that separates oxygen molecules from other gaseous substances. As a result, the oxygen concentration increases

The principle of operation of the “split system with admixture”:

1. Fresh air is supplied through the duct to the evaporative (indoor) unit by means of a suction fan.
2. Street air currents mix with room air.
3. After undergoing filtration and additional processing (cooling, heating), the air flows enter the apartment.

Despite the good idea of ​​technologists, such models of climate systems are in little demand. Air conditioners with air supply operate loudly and are not able to provide adequate ventilation of the apartment. In addition, the cost of improved equipment is 20% higher than the price of a conventional air conditioner.

Supply duct multi-systems

Duct ventilation is a complex of air ducts laid in all rooms. The heart of the system is the supply equipment located at the inlet.

The design and operation of ventilation is determined by the type of ventilation unit. Let us outline the features of the two most economical and effective methods of organizing air supply: ventilation with recovery and the use of VAV units.

The principle of operation of the complex with recovery

The recuperator is a component element air handling unit. The heat exchanger can significantly reduce energy consumption by providing heat transfer from heated exhaust air to cold incoming air flows.

For the operation of the recuperator, in addition to the supply air duct, the installation of exhaust ducts is required, which affects the cost of the system. The efficiency of some heat exchangers reaches 95%

Two types of heat exchangers are installed in ventilation systems: plate and rotor.

Plate recuperators. Structurally, they are a cassette installed in the air duct.Air flows are “cut” by a block of plates. Warm air passes from one side of the plate, and cold air from the other. As a result of heat exchange, condensate forms and must be removed.

Features of operation of plate recuperators:

• fresh supply and exhaust air do not mix;
• the likelihood of freezing in winter;
• Condensation does not accumulate in recuperators made of vapor-permeable thin films.

However, the service life of such equipment is limited to ten years.

Rotary recuperators. The principle of heat redistribution is based on the rotation of a drum through which versatile air jets move. Gradually, rotating in the drum unit, the exhaust air “shares” heat with the rotor sector. When the heated section of the rotor enters the cold supply flow, the air heats up and the rotor cools.

Rotary heat exchangers are characterized by their compact size and high energy efficiency. The disadvantage of the device is partial mixing of dirty and fresh air. In cold weather, turning off rotary models is undesirable

It is written in detail about the design and principle of operation of climate control units with heat recovery In this article, which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

VAV system – ventilation according to needs

Variable Air Volume (VAV) installation is an efficient ventilation system that provides air flow and heating with minimal energy consumption. The complex allows you to adjust the parameters and ventilation mode for each room separately.

A standard ventilation system supplies air without taking into account the time of day, the purpose of the room or the number of residents.The performance of the VAV system is selected by the user based on specific operating conditions.

Example of VAV ventilation operation. Let’s assume that a complex with a maximum productivity of 300 cubic meters per hour serves two rooms: a bedroom and a living room. If in winter there was not enough heater power to heat the air flow to a comfortable temperature, then in the case of conventional ventilation the total performance would have to be reduced. As a result, both rooms would become stuffy.

The operation of the VAV system can be adjusted to supply air to the living room during the day, and to the bedroom at night. Each room has a separate ventilation switch

Adjusting the performance allows you to save up to 25-50% energy compared to traditional ventilation.

In addition to reducing energy bills, a VAV system has other benefits:

• no freezing of equipment;
• “exhaust” is discharged through the existing ventilation ducts, so there is no need to equip a network of exhaust air ducts;
• low cost of operation.

The disadvantage of VAV ventilation is the high price of the equipment and difficulties in assembling and adjusting the functionality of the complex. Design and installation must be carried out by specialists.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. Technology for installing an Aereco inlet on an operating window structure:

Video #2. The principle of operation of supply ventilation with filtration using the example of the Tion breather:

Video #3. Scheme of operation of the VAV ventilation system in different modes:

When choosing a method for organizing air exchange, many parameters are taken into account: equipment pricing policy, installation efficiency, operating features in different weather conditions, availability of filtration and heating options for air masses.

Among the many units, the optimal balance of cost and quality is demonstrated by breathers, specially designed for domestic use in apartments.

Would you like to talk about how efficiently the ventilation works in your home/apartment? Perhaps you yourself improved ventilation by installing a breather or supply valve on the window sash? Please write comments in the block below, share your impressions, opinions and photos on the topic of the article.