Supply valve for plastic windows: how to choose and install a ventilation valve

The installation of sealed window structures entails a deterioration in the microclimate of the room: humidity rises, a lack of oxygen and air staleness appear. Problems can be easily solved by placing a supply valve on plastic windows - the device normalizes natural ventilation and stabilizes air exchange.

We will tell you how to choose the right ventilator to ensure the supply of fresh air to rooms with plastic window frames. We describe in detail popular device models tested in practice. For independent home craftsmen, we provide detailed installation instructions.

Is it necessary to install a supply valve?

The basis for a normal indoor microclimate is the presence of an effective ventilation systems.

The air must constantly circulate - polluted air with excess carbon dioxide is removed through hoods, and clean air comes from outside.

When designing Soviet-built houses, special attention was paid to exhaust ducts, but supply air ducts were not equipped. The supply of fresh air occurred naturally - through the cracks in the wooden window frames.

Normal air speed in a residential building or apartment is 0.15 m/s. A significant increase in the indicator provokes a draft, and a decrease will stop air exchange

Metal-plastic analogues are equipped with air chambers in the doors and frames, sealed double-glazed windows and seals around the perimeter.

Modern designs isolate the room from street noise and retain heat, but paralyze the normal functioning of ventilation. As a result, the microclimate worsens - the air becomes stale, humidity rises, people experience a lack of oxygen, black mold.

Old imperfect structures coped with the task effectively, providing sufficient air flow even in winter. The disadvantage of wooden frames is poor noise and heat insulation

An attempt to restore air circulation by opening a window in ventilation mode cannot be considered a successful solution for the following reasons:

• the advantages of “plastic” are reduced to zero - the efficiency of thermal insulation of the room is reduced;
• ventilation only works when the window is open, which is especially problematic to organize in the cold season or in windy weather;
• the air flow is uneven and uncontrolled - drafts appear.

Some manufacturers of window systems have taken into account the consequences of complete sealing and have improved metal-plastic structures.

Impaired air exchange negatively affects people’s health and livelihoods. Condensation appears on the windows, slopes and walls become covered with mold - the concentration of toxic substances increases

Special ventilation fittings:

• ventilated profiles;
• opening limiters;
• partially breathable seals;
• glazing beads with adjustable valve.

To ensure air flow through a previously installed window, a supply valve is used.

Due to the ventilation valve, air exchange in the room is carried out without heat loss.The device protects the room from noise and dust (+)

Operating principle of the inlet valve

In essence, the supply valve is a gap with dampers in the window structure. The ventilator is part of natural air exchange.

The device works due to the difference between the pressures inside and outside the room. For the “supply unit” to function effectively, it needs effective exhaust ventilation.

In the hot season, to ensure air circulation, you will need to turn on forced ventilation. The hood will speed up the flow of fresh air

Standard equipment for a ventilation valve for plastic windows:

1. Air intake – the outer part of the device, mounted on the outside of the frame. The inlet unit has an insect screen and a canopy to keep out snow and rain.
2. Through slot – a telescopic channel through which the air flow passes. The element cuts into the window frame.
3. Interior – installed from inside the room. The outlet unit is equipped with a nozzle, a flow control valve and a filter.

Outdoor air enters the air intake, moves through a telescopic channel and exits through the nozzles. Then, under the influence of the convective flow from the heating radiator, the air rushes to the ceiling and warms up.

The heated air descends into the living area at some distance from the window, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature

In general, according to building regulations, the installation of plastic windows in houses that are not equipped with mechanical ventilation must be accompanied by modernization of ventilation. For example, by installing wall supply valve, the features of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Which valve to choose?

To choose the optimal ventilator model for installation on plastic windows, you need to decide on the method of its installation and the type of adjustment. The quality of the device largely depends on the manufacturer, and the efficiency of the device depends on the technical characteristics of the device.

Types of ventilators by design type

Supply valves for PVC windows are divided into three main groups according to their design features:

• folded;
• slotted;
• invoices.

Seam models

Micro-ventilation of the room in this case is carried out through a slot in the frame. The window can be equipped with such a device without dismantling the glass unit.

Advantages of rebated valves:

• affordable price;
• maintaining the heat and sound insulation qualities of the window;
• simplicity and speed of installation;
• possibility of automation.

Disadvantage: low throughput (up to 5 cubic meters/hour). To increase air flow, experts recommend installing two valves on one window.

Seam “supplies” are often equipped with humidity sensors.Preference should be given to models where the sensor-drive is remote from the ventilation duct - this guarantees accurate operation of the valve

Slot climate devices

Fresh air enters here through a gap whose width is 17-40 cm and height is 12-16 mm. The valve has an inlet and a control block. Improved models consist of one universal box.

Advantages of slot models:

• sufficient throughput (about 20 cubic meters/h);
• protection from external factors;
• Possibility of installation without removing the glass unit.

The disadvantage is the difficulty of installing two-block models that require milling of the window block. Cheaper analogues do not have this disadvantage. Simple “intakes” provide air flow through the space between the sash and the frame.

To install a simple ventilator, it is enough to remove part of the standard seal on the frame and place the valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Overhead valve models

Such valves are similar in principle to slotted models. The main advantage of the device is its high productivity (up to 100 cubic meters per hour). “Intakes” are located in both fixed and openable windows. However, the installation is carried out before installing the double-glazed window.

Surface-mounted devices are usually used in industrial and office premises; installation in a house or apartment is impractical. In addition, such valves allow street noise to pass through and reduce the thermal insulation of the window.

Ways to control a window “inlet”

Depending on the design of the valve for plastic windows, the intensity of the supply ventilation can be constant or adjustable.Optimal microclimate parameters can be achieved using a ventilator with control options, which can be automatic or manual.

The operation of an automatic valve is based on one of the principles:

1. Stabilization of air supply due to the pressure difference between indoors and outdoors. The owner sets the permissible range of air flow, which is supported by the device under various atmospheric conditions.
2. Air circulation adjustment using polyamide sensor. The flow area of ​​the valve increases with excess humidity, and when optimal microclimate indicators are reached, it decreases.

The disadvantage of automatic devices is their high cost. In addition, in some models it is impossible to completely block ventilation.

The operation of a hygro-controlled drive is based on the principle of a physical law: when humidity decreases, matter narrows, and when humidity increases, it lengthens

The air flow in a mechanical device is adjusted by changing the position of the valve or curtain.

The manual setting method allows you to independently choose the time to ventilate the room. This method is more crude - unconsciously, a person on his own can allow drafts to arise and the room to become overcooled.

Selection of main valve characteristics

When choosing a ventilation valve, special attention should be paid to the following parameters:

#1 - Performance Range

The value of the indicator depends on the pressure difference at the outlet and inlet, as well as on the flow area of ​​the “inlet”. When evaluating models, it must be taken into account that in the technical characteristics, the throughput is always indicated in relation to the pressure difference.

It is not at all necessary that a device with a capacity of 15 cubic meters. m/h at 10 Pa will allow a greater air flow to pass than an analogue with an indicator of 12 cubic m/h at 5 Pa.

Normal air exchange in the room is ensured by valves with a capacity of 20-35 cubic meters per hour at a static pressure of 10 Pa

No. 2 - Providing sound insulation

Most metal-plastic windows have a sound insulation value of 30-35 dB. The supply unit must meet such characteristics that after installing the valve, the noise level in the room remains the same.

No. 3 - Operating temperature

Water vapor escapes through the ventilation device. In winter, this is fraught with complete icing and equipment failure.

Modern systems use the principle of “thermal break” - a plastic insert is placed between the metal inner and outer parts.

No. 4 - Possibility of adjustment

For residential premises, it is undesirable to choose devices without the ability to control air exchange. There is always a need to change the intensity or completely block the ventilation duct.

It should be remembered that the window air intake is only an addition to the ventilation system of the apartment. If it doesn't work, you need restore the functionality of the air ducts. We recommend reading about how restoration measures are carried out in our proposed article.

Review of popular ventilator models

There are quite a few models of ventilation valves on the market from different manufacturers. As in every industry, there are leaders here: Aereco, Air-Box, Helios, Vents And Siegenia.

Aereco valves of the EHA2 series, as well as products from the manufacturer Helios with the letter designation “S” are distinguished by increased sound insulation (+)

Aereco (France) offers various modifications of ventilators. Automatic valves are equipped with a V8 sensor and operate on the principle of hygroregulation. The actuator sensor is located away from the air flow.

Aereco ventilation valves for arranging plastic windows are available in several colors: white, teak, beech and gray. Canopies can be purchased separately for better acoustic protection

Popular models Aereco:

• ENA2 – Available in three variations with different performance. The material of manufacture is plastic, the maximum capacity of the model range is 35 cubic meters. m./h., sound insulation – 37 dB.
• EMM – the main difference from previous products is the movable outdoor unit.
• EMF – lack of a hygroregulation system. The model is equipped with a manual mode switch.

Air-Box (Russia) produces plastic “supplies” for manual regulation. The main advantage of the models is ease of installation; the disadvantage is the lack of automatic control of humidity levels.

Air-Box valves do not come standard with any outdoor units. The narrow plastic case is installed only from the inside of the room on the frame sash

Series Air-Box:

• Standard – the valve is mounted without milling. The main purpose of the valve is to prevent condensation on PVC windows. The volume of incoming air is 4.8 cubic meters per hour with a pressure drop of 10 Pa, sound insulation is 32 dB.
• Comfort – There are two possible installation methods. Inserting the ventilator into the frame increases its productivity from 31 to 42 cubic meters per hour.The inlet can be used in any rotary and tilt-and-turn structures.
• Comfort S – mounted only on milled holes. A special feature of the model is the two-way direction of air flow, which provides better ventilation of the room. Valve capacity is 40-42 cubic meters/hour.

Renson (Belgium) produces slot-type supply ventilation Aerovent. The valve is equipped with a filter and mosquito net. Manual control is provided using a cord - operation is carried out in two modes: “closed” and “open up”.

Main characteristics of Renson Aerovent: body material – aluminum, air flow – 21 cubic m/h at 10 Pa, sound insulation – 33-42 dB

Example of installation of a ventilator with perforation

It is advisable to install the valve for perforation in the upper part of the window. The complexity of the work lies in the need to mill the frame - this cannot be done without special equipment and skills in working with power tools.

Carrying out preparatory work

When planning a valve insertion, you need to consider some points:

• It is better to install the ventilation device on a removed sash;
• installation is carried out in the warm season;
• When sawing a hole, you must work carefully so as not to damage the seal on the sash.

The sash is removed from its hinges and installed in an inclined or vertical position.

Part of the fittings (scissors and corner gear) are removed from the frame, and the counter strips are removed - they can interfere with milling

List of required tools

To install the inlet you will need:

• electric drill and drills (diameter – 5 mm and 10 mm);
• fine-grained file;
• jigsaw;
• template for marking holes;
• silicone sealant.

You can prepare a groove without a template, but it’s easier to work with. You can make a template yourself from plywood or hardboard.

Step-by-step installation and fastening

The entire process of installing a supply valve is divided into several stages:

Stage 1. Marking. Place a template on the vertical protrusion and mark the place where the device will be inserted.

Stage 2. Sash milling. Using a large diameter drill, drill several holes in a row and connect them using a jigsaw. Repeat the operations on the frame fusion.

Window chambers opened during the milling process must be filled with sealant - this will prevent moisture from entering and whistling during air circulation.

Stage 3. Installation of mounting plate and valve. Treat the back side of the plank with sealant, attach the part to the sash and secure with self-tapping screws.

Install the indoor unit of the ventilation device to the frame and snap the fasteners onto the bar. Check the evenness and strength of the valve location

Stage 4. Installation of the visor. Secure the protective visor on the outside of the frame with self-tapping screws. Treat the joint between the parts with sealant. It is advisable to use insurance during installation.

Stage 5. Completion of installation. Put the fittings back in place and hang the sash on the hinges. Set the ventilation device to the ventilation mode.

Example of valve installation without milling

Installation of supply ventilation without perforating the sash takes little time and does not require special skills.

Tools you will need:

• stationery knife;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• ruler.

The necessary components of the valve are supplied complete with an inlet.

Standard set includes:

• valve;
• one long and two short seals;
• plugs for fixing the device;
• self-tapping screws

First you need to determine the location of the valve and mark it with a pencil. The best option is to install the device in the center of the sash.

If the sash is too narrow, then the “inlet” must be moved a little to the side so that the valve does not block the window fittings

Make cuts at the marked points with a sharp knife and remove the seal from the groove.

To install the valve in an open groove, place mounting dowels - one in the middle and two at the edges. Remove the protective film from the adhesive tape and attach the device in the desired position.

The valve is attached to the profile with self-tapping screws, which are screwed into the installed dowels through the “inlet” holes. Instead of a standard seal, install small seals from the kit

The seal on the frame will also need to be replaced with a narrower one so that the valve can allow air flow. The changes made will not affect the performance of the sash.

At the end of the installation, it is necessary to adjust the valve by changing the position of the slider. Right position – maximum air flow, left – closing the gap

If installing an air supply device on a plastic window does not lead to the expected results, ventilation in the apartment requires serious modernization. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with ways to regularly provide your apartment with fresh air.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video materials will help you better understand the technology of installing different types of ventilation valves.

Video #1. The procedure for installing a slot valve without milling the window frame:

Video #2. Supply valve insertion technology:

Ventilation valves do not replace air conditioning systems, which refresh and change the temperature of the room.At the same time, “intakes” are an excellent alternative to open windows and sashes. The valve installation diagram can be done by any home craftsman.

We are interested in your opinion and your stories about installing inlets on plastic windows yourself. Please write comments in the block below. Here, ask questions, post photos of purchased devices or installation steps.