Modern plastic windows have significantly increased the comfort of people in terms of providing an optimal microclimate and sound insulation, but at the same time they have introduced a number of negative factors. Among them, almost complete sealing, which excludes the possibility of air passing through a closed window system. This problem is solved with the help of special devices, which include the Air-Box Comfort valve for window ventilation.
Device assignment
The main task of the valve is to create an intermediate buffer between the outdoor surface of the window and the room where air can be exchanged with the effect of fresh inflow. The window system in this case acts as a structural and load-bearing base for placing the device. Moreover, not every design can be built in the Air-Box Comfort micro-ventilation device. This type of inlet valve is compatible with PVC windows with tilt and turn adjustment mechanism.
Valve design
The function of the valve is quite complex and responsible, but the device is simple. The basis of the design, in addition to accessories, is formed by two parts:
- Outer visor with protective grille. Installed from the street side of the window.
- Directly a valve that is mounted on the sash from the back side.
The main manufacturing material is ABS plastic, which is also reflected in the texture of the Air-Box Comfort ventilation damper - white tone is used as the main color scheme in the family, but the manufacturer provides the possibility of ordering in a different color scheme according to the RAL scale. Also, some parts are made of polyvinyl chloride.
From the working qualities of the design, one can note the average throughput at the level of 30-42 m3 / h, water resistance and insect protection. Actually, the main concerns of potential users of such valves are usually associated with the negative consequences of seal failure. But the grill provides protection from pollution, the same insects and other unwanted objects.
Valve principle
The flow of air flows under the force of atmospheric pressure in several stages. First, air enters the channel between the sash and the frame at the location of the seals, which are replaced during installation. Further alreadydirectly through the valve located on the leaf in its upper part, the flows are sucked into the room. When organizing complex air exchange, a plastic window will perform only part of the ventilation functions. The greatest effect can be achieved if a stable removal of warm “exhaust” air is also organized in the room, for which special ventilation ducts are also installed. If the exhaust system does not have an additional power drive with a fan, then the circulation efficiency will depend entirely on the pressure difference. Otherwise, natural inflow is carried out with the support of the force of the exhaust system.
For example, the optimal operation of natural air exchange is observed in conditions where the outdoor temperature is no more than 5 °C. If the emphasis is on ventilation in hot weather, then experts recommend thinking in advance about the inclusion of forced exhaust.
Features of valve modifications
The Air-Box line has several versions of valves that differ in the nuances of their design and performance properties. In particular, the Comfort S modification is designed for installation on "blind" plastic windows, and is also suitable for frame structures made of wood and aluminum. As for performance indicators, the inflow rate is fixed at the same level of about 41 m3/hour, while the quality of sound insulation and flow filtration remain the same. In terms of installation possibilities, the Air-Box Comfort S valve is more versatile, but it gives lessoptions when choosing operating modes.
Another version of the supply valve of this brand is represented by the Standart design. This option is appropriate to use to provide the function of self-ventilation of the window, which will reduce the level of humidity of the incoming streams. Thanks to this solution, the regulation of microclimatic conditions occurs with minimal risk of natural condensation.
Typical Air-Box Comfort
The easiest and most common way to install a valve without the need for milling. From the working tool you will need a Phillips screwdriver, a knife and marking devices. Before installation, it is necessary to open the window sash, remove part of the sealing seal with a knife and put in its place the special Air-Box Comfort valve gasket included in the kit. Then the device is directly mounted:
- Plugs with a “skirt” directed downwards are integrated into the groove points of the seal.
- In the upper part, along the direction of the bracket rods relative to the window, the valve is placed on the sash influx.
- The device is fixed with screws passing through the brackets.
- The seal is being installed. It is placed at the slot points between the supporting parts.
- The seal material is inserted into the groove between the support mounts.
Valve installation with milling
To perform work operationsyou will need an electric drill, a jigsaw, a mounting knife, a file and a marking tool with sealant. Installation is carried out in the following sequence:
- Contours are marked at the installation site. To facilitate this procedure, it is advisable to remove the window sash.
- Through holes with a diameter of 5 mm are made at the fixation points. Then the prepared holes are drilled to a diameter of 10 mm, which will create conditions for the installation of a perforated structure.
- A through slot is made in the area between the two extreme fixation points, the edges of which are further cleaned with a file.
- The mounting plate of the Air-Box Comfort inlet valve is attached to the surface of the sash overlap using self-tapping screws. Before fixing, the tooling of the drill must be treated with sealant, which will increase the density of the fixing assembly.
- A slot is milled at the place where the frame is welded. The position of the valve is marked according to the template, after which a groove is cut with an electric jigsaw.
- The outer part of the valve is installed on the outside of the frame. The element is also fastened with self-tapping screws with pre-treatment with sealant.
- The sash is being installed on frame hinges.
- Assembly events. The sash is put in place.
- The inside of the valve is installed on the mounting plate with snaps and clips.
Positive feedback about the model
Most users of this device note its advantages as simple, convenient ininstallation and a relatively effective solution to the problem of spot ventilation. Without radical changes in the design of the window and, in principle, without major installation, the owner gets the opportunity to organize a ventilation system for a particular room. This is not the only product of this type on the domestic market, however, reviews of the Air-Box Comfort valve emphasize its advantages in terms of the regulatory function. Using a special handle in the design, you can change the position of the damper, thereby controlling the intensity of the air inflow.
Negative feedback about the model
The main drawbacks of the valve are expressed in its low efficiency as a means of ventilation and certain ergonomic nuances of application. As for the first aspect, many point to the uselessness of this solution as the only ventilation channel. In other words, without a parallel working forced draft, there will be little benefit in such an improvement in the plastic window. Initially, it should be considered precisely as an addition to the main ventilation system. In terms of ergonomics, critical reviews indicate the need for constant adjustment of the damper, since the operation of the valve is highly dependent on weather conditions - temperature, wind and pressure. The situation is complicated by the fact that the valve is located high, because of which it is necessary to think over the appropriate conditions to ensure easy access to it.
Conclusion
Ventilation systems today are implemented by different methods, which is facilitated by the emergence of a new and increasinglyvarious climatic equipment. The Air-Box Comfort family of valves is an entry-level ventilator for point-to-point air supply. Despite certain shortcomings, this solution is in high demand. In addition, the modest price tag of its kit of 500-600 rubles has a positive effect on the growth of the popularity of the valve.
