Until recently, there was no need to create special channels at all. The function of natural ventilation was provided by defects in the house in the form of cracks, large gaps and cold bridges. However, as construction technologies improved, walls and finishing coatings became more airtight, which necessitated the introduction of special systems for air exchange. To date, supply valves in the wall are the simplest means of ventilation, which is realized artificially. The efficiency of such installations depends on many factors, including installation, climatic conditions of the area and the configuration of the location of the system.
Types of supply valves
Inlet valves are available on the market in two basic versions. These are models with constant ventilation, and options with the possibility of adjustment. In the first case, the owner receives a device that provides the same parameters and volumes of air exchange. In extreme cases, the permanent inlet valves in the wall can be completely closed for the duration of the departure. Usually this choice is made due to atmospheric conditions, whenpressure drops outside and inside the room are very different. Models with the ability to adjust are more technologically advanced, more functional and more profitable in terms of ergonomics. Special management of such devices is due not only to the interests of ease of use, but also to more productive operation of the system. These are valves with adjustable flow capacity - the user can adjust the air flow rate depending on the conditions.
Which rooms to install?
The process of selecting valves should be guided by the needs of specific premises. It is important to take into account that the air masses from living rooms are supply air in relation to the toilet, bathroom and kitchen, as they are removed using ventilation ducts located in the same place. Taking into account the throughput of supply valves, their number and installation location are determined. There are two approaches to determining the number of valves to install in a home. According to the simplified scheme, supply valves in the wall must be installed in each room. A more economical configuration involves calculating the fresh air needs of a house or apartment - then, in accordance with these indicators, the throughput for each room is determined. The kitchen causes the greatest difficulty in the planning process, as there are certain restrictions when combining valves and household appliances. For example, if there is a gas stove in the room, then a model with adjustable throughput should be used. If aIf the kitchen is provided with a boiler or stove, then a model with a constantly working valve is recommended to ensure safety.
Defining installation points
It is desirable to install the valves at a level of 2 m from the floor surface. This arrangement is the most rational in terms of the comfort of residents. In addition, if the room is heated, then the air at this level will be warm enough. In winter, this approach will also get rid of drafts. The installation itself can be performed in the upper window part or in doorways. However, experts recommend mounting the supply valves in the wall, since this method will ensure that the device is securely fixed and will not cause any special problems with dismantling. For comparison, if you install the valve in a door or window frame, you will inevitably have to revise the design of the system carrier, and this will entail additional costs.
Mounting technique
During the installation process, a special hole for the valve is made, after which free niches are sealed, and a protective visor is introduced. Also, the installation of a supply valve in the wall can be carried out in combination with a special profile. In this case, the device will be integrated into a protective case, which will facilitate the fixation process. But there is a downside to such solutions - they will take up more space in the wall and require the creation of a hole of a larger diameter.
Generally, wall valvesit is recommended to install it even at the construction stage, since in a finished house this event will cause much more trouble. As an alternative solution, it is possible to provide for installation through special openings, but in this case, you can lose the guarantee. In addition, the installation of a supply valve in the wall can be carried out either in a living room or in a kitchen. Due to humidity, this installation is not allowed in the bathroom.
Valve adjustment methods
It has already been noted that some types of valves allow you to adjust the parameters of their work. In particular, there are systems with automatic and manual regulation of the volume of air supplied, the degree of filtration and even the level of humidity. Models with manual adjustment are usually equipped with a special sash, in which the position changes and, accordingly, the throughput is adjusted. If you plan to install a supply ventilation valve in the wall without the possibility of user intervention in its adjustment, then automatic models should be purchased. Such devices independently control the throughput depending on the pressure, humidity level and outside temperature.
Question of price
Vent valves are inexpensive in their simplest designs. For only 500-700 rubles. you can buy a good model from a well-known manufacturer. However, if several devices are required with installation for a long time, then it is better not to save money and purchase more technologically advanced and reliable supply valves inwall, the price of which will be about 2-3 thousand rubles. These can be hygro-controlled devices that respond to changes in humidity and independently change operating parameters. The most expensive models have a sensor made of polyamide tape that controls the flaps, increasing or decreasing the air flow. You should also take into account the installation costs, which can be quite impressive when installing the valve into the wall. As a rule, specialists mount devices purchased from their own companies at significant discounts, but all the same, the cost of this part can amount to 1-2 thousand rubles.
Valve performance reviews
Despite the simple design and wide control possibilities of such systems, they are not widely used. However, there are many consumers who use such valves in private homes. It is they who leave positive feedback on the performance that a homeowner receives by installing air inlets into the wall. Reviews of critics of this approach to providing ventilation are based on two points. Firstly, full-fledged forced air conditioning systems also cope with a similar function. Secondly, intervention in the wall for the sake of such an insignificant adaptation does not justify itself - again, with similar efforts, a more functional system can be introduced.
Which houses are the air inlets suitable for?
Anyway, a small valve with ventilation can be useful. Hisit is advisable to use in houses that are operated in conditions of sudden changes in temperature, but do not require large volumes of air exchange. It is important to understand that the supply ventilation valve in the wall is more of a supplementary element of natural ventilation. That is, one should not expect high efficiency from it, but it is quite possible to count on adjusting the microclimate.
Conclusion
The market offers different models of air supply systems, so it is not worth judging the very principle of their operation only by one design. Even within the family, there are quite different systems in terms of capabilities. For example, if you integrate a supply and exhaust valve into the wall with the ability to automatically adjust the operating parameters, this will provide the maximum ventilation function without the use of overall equipment. A compact device, neatly embedded in the wall, will not spoil the facade of the building, but it will provide autonomous control of the air environment inside the premises. As for the costs, they are minimal compared to special climate equipment, so you can count on the economy of such ventilation.
