How to arrange the ventilation in the apartment?

Air ventilation is a highlight when designing a living space. Any modern apartment can be compared to a small chemical laboratory, in which something is constantly boiled and steamed, throwing a lot of harmful substances into the air. Carcinogens emit synthetic carpets, laminate and linoleum, and new furniture made of chipboard. That is why correct and regular air exchange is very important, which will help ensure the supply ventilation in the apartment.

Why do I need ventilation in the apartment

Long gone are the days when, to ventilate an apartment, it was enough just to open a window or window. At present, in modern industrial cities, the atmosphere is so polluted that it can be not only not useful, but also unsafe. If the average person cannot influence the cleanliness of the environment, then everyone is able to take care of the microclimate in their own apartment.

Air renewal in the room is due to the supply and exhaust ventilation. During the construction of high-rise or low-rise buildings, mines are laid at the construction stage to exhaust the exhaust air. Air vents are located in the kitchen and bathroom. The exhaust air rises under the influence of traction and is thrown out through the shaft into the street. If the outflow of air is not intensive enough, you can purchase a special household appliance for arranging an additional exhaust hood.

However, for normal air exchange it is not enough just to throw the exhaust air out, it is necessary to establish the influx of a clean portion from the street. Previously, airing took place through all kinds of slots in wooden frames and open windows. Today, trying to save expensive heat, many are replacing old frames with plastic windows that do not have any natural openings. Therefore, it is necessary to install special mechanisms to ensure the flow of air, that is, a ventilation device.

Important!

Studies by scientists have shown that if you do not renew the air in the apartment for a long time, then the concentration of harmful substances can reach a critical level. As a result, the inhabitants of the apartment have severe headaches, and heart and respiratory diseases develop.

Properly equipped fresh air ventilation gives comfort and health, increases efficiency and improves mood.

Air handling units

Compact units that supply fresh air from the street are divided into three types: supply valves, ventilators and breathers.

Supply valves

Devices are installed on windows or mounted on a wall. The force of the air flow penetrating through the valve is manually controlled, at the request of the occupant. The valves are equipped with special filters that prevent insects from entering the room.

Such designs have several drawbacks. They do not purify or heat the air; in addition, street noise is heard through an open valve. Such devices are perfect for apartments located in ecologically clean and noisy areas.

Ventilators

Mechanical ventilators are more advanced devices for forced ventilation compared to valves.Models from different manufacturers differ in air supply capacity, so the buyer has a choice. In addition, the ventilation process is mechanized, that is, air can be forced forcibly by selecting the appropriate mode on the remote control.

Ventilators are equipped with a filtration system that includes a charcoal filter that traps coarse dust. In more expensive models, air heating is provided, which is very convenient when turning on ventilation in the cold season.

Breathers

One of the modern household appliances providing an influx of fresh air in an apartment with filtration is a breather. The popularity of this device is explained by its advanced filtration system, constant and adjustable flow, and the possibility of heating the air in winter.

The breather is a small ventilation unit in the form of a neat box located on the wall in one of the rooms of the apartment.

Typically, such devices have the following components:

• treatment plant;
• pipe passing through the wall;
• air lock, with which the air supply automatically stops when the device is turned off;
• air intake through which air enters the system. The entrance is protected from moisture and other negative factors.

To install a breather, it will be necessary to lay a canal in the apartment, so it is better to take care of ventilation in advance until the finishing of the walls is finished.

Types of Supply Valves

There are two types of supply valves - window and wall. However, despite the design features, all valves perform the same function - provide fresh air to the room. Moreover, the valves should be selected so that the amount of incoming and outgoing exhaust air is the same.

Window air inlets

Window inlet valves are devices installed in the window frame. These are the most simple and common devices designed to supply fresh air without opening a window or window. The supply valve to the plastic windows is a slit in the window frame, equipped with special dampers that can be opened and closed by automatic or manual control.

The performance of a window valve depends on the type of model and can range from 5 to 30 m³/ h Window ventilation can be installed on an old or new window with a plastic or wooden frame.

The supply valves on the windows have several advantages, among which the following can be distinguished:

• ease of installation - a professional will install the device in 1 hour;
• aesthetics - the valve is almost invisible, therefore it does not spoil the appearance;
• sound insulation - when closed, it does not allow street noise;
• convenient air direction - the valve does not create drafts, as the air flow is directed upwards;
• some models are equipped with humidity sensors, which regulate the flow rate depending on the humidity in the room. With increasing humidity, the flap opens slightly at the command of the sensor, allowing fresh air to enter the room.

Window valves also have significant disadvantages:

• there is no heating of the air entering the apartment from the street;
• for the valve to work, an additional mechanical hood is required;
• low power flow;
• lack of filters to clean the air entering the room;
• there is a possibility of freezing of the air intake, as there is no protective device in case of frost.

Window valves can be adjusted from the remote control or using a special knob that allows you to close the dampers and stop the air supply.

Wall inlet valves

As the name implies, wall valves are installed in the supporting wall. These devices are a pipe that is equipped with a mosquito net on the outside.It is possible to control the airflow using a toggle switch located on the valve cover indoors.

Unlike window devices, wall valves have higher power. She reaches 70 m³/ h Fans for forced air supply, purification filters, heating elements are often installed inside the valve.

There are models with automatic control, which spontaneously adjust the intensity of the incoming flow depending on air pollution, humidity and pressure in the room.

To reduce the noise arising during the operation of the supply valve, the pipe is lined with insulating material from the inside.

Wall ventilation has the following advantages:

• quick and easy installation;
• the possibility of installation after completion of repairs;
• aesthetic type of ventilation;
• if the valve is located above the battery, the air coming from the street will warm up;
• high power and ease of use.

Supply valves are very popular. They are used in multi-storey buildings and private cottages, schools and kindergartens, in industrial premises. Particularly often, ventilation with the help of valves is arranged in preschool institutions, where it is important to prevent drafts during ventilation.

Effective conditions for supply ventilation

There are several rules that must be followed when arranging the supply ventilation. Only subject to certain norms and requirements will the system work for a long time and efficiently.

• Ventilation valves must be installed in all rooms of the apartment.
• In a kitchen equipped with a gas stove, an automatic supply valve must be installed. If there is no gas equipment in the kitchen, the installation of an automatic supply valve is optional - you can use the manual model.
• The amount of supply air must be equal to the volume of exhaust. The larger the valve capacity, the fewer devices you can get by.
• It is best to install forced ventilation at a height of more than 2 m and near windows.
• Do not install ventilation valves in rooms that do not have windows.
• Experts do not recommend installing valves in rooms with high humidity, such as in the bathroom, due to the possibility of freezing in the winter season.
• For one person, the air exchange rate is 30 m³/ h
• If the valve is installed in a wall or on a window facing a noisy street, it is better to choose models with sound insulation. Conventional devices greatly miss street noise.
• When installing ventilation over the battery in the winter, the air coming from the street will be heated.
• When choosing a supply valve, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of purification filters, without which dust penetration with air is not excluded.

The cleanliness of the air in the apartment primarily depends on the ventilation system. Together with the exhaust of exhausted air masses, a new portion of fresh air must come in, because human health and working capacity depend on its quality. When choosing a device for fresh air ventilation, it is necessary to take into account the location of your house or apartment, the area of ​​the room and the number of rooms, exhaust power and many other factors. You should always remember that “avaricious pays twice”: it is better to purchase a comfortable automatic system equipped with various filters and other devices for convenient use.