ᐅ Window frame ventilators – A good idea for uninsulated older buildings?
Created on: 23 Oct 2017 07:45
S
SpeckiGood morning everyone,
I’m not sure if this is the right section for my topic, so please feel free to move it if necessary.
We bought a house built in 1964 in 2015. We have almost completely renovated it, including replacing the windows. The old windows were wooden double-glazed units, but the frame could be opened so you could get between the two panes of glass. I think you know what I mean. Obviously, they were far from airtight. Now we have installed airtight PVC double-glazed windows.
As expected, with these airtight windows in our uninsulated older building, we’ve been having some issues with moisture inside the house. By heating well and ventilating very thoroughly (at least 3 times a day), we’ve managed to get the humidity under control. The indoor relative humidity usually ranges between 50% and 65%. However, the windows still have some condensation on the lower part in the mornings. We successfully avoided mold last winter.
With the next winter approaching, I’m considering making some changes for the following reasons:
1. The frequent ventilation is annoying and time-consuming. Also, the rooms cool down a lot.
2. We are expecting our second child soon, and I doubt they will enjoy sitting in a 20°C (68°F) room when cold air suddenly keeps flowing in from outside.
I came across window frame ventilators (trickle vents).
What are your experiences with them?
I have already found out that they are designed to prevent drafts because they close at a certain airflow speed.
Some even have small “heat exchangers” integrated, so not all the heat is lost.
What I want to know:
Do these devices actually work? Will I really need to ventilate less to reduce moisture?
How much extra heating energy is lost?
My hope is to only have to ventilate well once a day (in the morning).
I don’t expect to have to heat significantly more since I would ventilate less.
I would appreciate your experiences and insights.
Best regards,
Specki
I’m not sure if this is the right section for my topic, so please feel free to move it if necessary.
We bought a house built in 1964 in 2015. We have almost completely renovated it, including replacing the windows. The old windows were wooden double-glazed units, but the frame could be opened so you could get between the two panes of glass. I think you know what I mean. Obviously, they were far from airtight. Now we have installed airtight PVC double-glazed windows.
As expected, with these airtight windows in our uninsulated older building, we’ve been having some issues with moisture inside the house. By heating well and ventilating very thoroughly (at least 3 times a day), we’ve managed to get the humidity under control. The indoor relative humidity usually ranges between 50% and 65%. However, the windows still have some condensation on the lower part in the mornings. We successfully avoided mold last winter.
With the next winter approaching, I’m considering making some changes for the following reasons:
1. The frequent ventilation is annoying and time-consuming. Also, the rooms cool down a lot.
2. We are expecting our second child soon, and I doubt they will enjoy sitting in a 20°C (68°F) room when cold air suddenly keeps flowing in from outside.
I came across window frame ventilators (trickle vents).
What are your experiences with them?
I have already found out that they are designed to prevent drafts because they close at a certain airflow speed.
Some even have small “heat exchangers” integrated, so not all the heat is lost.
What I want to know:
Do these devices actually work? Will I really need to ventilate less to reduce moisture?
How much extra heating energy is lost?
My hope is to only have to ventilate well once a day (in the morning).
I don’t expect to have to heat significantly more since I would ventilate less.
I would appreciate your experiences and insights.
Best regards,
Specki
I am aware that ventilation cannot be completely eliminated. However, I might be able to reduce it to one or two short bursts of airing out.
I just spoke with my window installer. He thinks these units are good and has successfully used them in several renovations. He also said they can be easily installed by yourself. So, he wasn’t trying to sell me an expensive installation.
I believe the window frame ventilators are significantly cheaper than a decentralized ventilation system. Or does such a system have major advantages compared to the frame ventilators?
Can anyone recommend a model of window frame ventilators for uPVC windows?
Best regards,
Specki
I just spoke with my window installer. He thinks these units are good and has successfully used them in several renovations. He also said they can be easily installed by yourself. So, he wasn’t trying to sell me an expensive installation.
I believe the window frame ventilators are significantly cheaper than a decentralized ventilation system. Or does such a system have major advantages compared to the frame ventilators?
Can anyone recommend a model of window frame ventilators for uPVC windows?
Best regards,
Specki
D
Deliverer23 Oct 2017 10:18So, we have these units without heat recovery installed in our new build and have been satisfied with them for a year now. Even after being away for a longer period, the air inside the house is never stale.
We haven’t had any issues with humidity shortly after moving in either.
Two things come to mind: Could it be that during the full renovation a lot of moisture was brought into the house? For example, new screed? In that case, the ventilation requirements might decrease over time, so it may no longer be necessary to install mechanical ventilation.
And the other thing: Are you aware that window trickle vents (at least the ones I know) are only passive elements, and you still need wall openings for extract fans in 3-4 places in the house (usually bathrooms, laundry room) to pull the air out? Also, the interior doors need to have enough clearance at the bottom to allow airflow between rooms.
We haven’t had any issues with humidity shortly after moving in either.
Two things come to mind: Could it be that during the full renovation a lot of moisture was brought into the house? For example, new screed? In that case, the ventilation requirements might decrease over time, so it may no longer be necessary to install mechanical ventilation.
And the other thing: Are you aware that window trickle vents (at least the ones I know) are only passive elements, and you still need wall openings for extract fans in 3-4 places in the house (usually bathrooms, laundry room) to pull the air out? Also, the interior doors need to have enough clearance at the bottom to allow airflow between rooms.
Thanks for your reply.
The electrical rough-in was only redone in the bathroom; the rest was left as is. Otherwise, only the bathroom and kitchen were replastered. In the other rooms, only minor plaster repairs were made. So, I don’t think there is much residual moisture from the renovation. After all, it’s been about 1 ¼ years ago now.
As far as I understand, I don’t need an active ventilation system for these—have I completely misunderstood something here? The interior doors definitely have enough gap and are generally quite drafty, as the old doors were refurbished and remain in the house without seals.
Regards,
Specki
The electrical rough-in was only redone in the bathroom; the rest was left as is. Otherwise, only the bathroom and kitchen were replastered. In the other rooms, only minor plaster repairs were made. So, I don’t think there is much residual moisture from the renovation. After all, it’s been about 1 ¼ years ago now.
As far as I understand, I don’t need an active ventilation system for these—have I completely misunderstood something here? The interior doors definitely have enough gap and are generally quite drafty, as the old doors were refurbished and remain in the house without seals.
Regards,
Specki
About the RegelAir system, we have it installed. These are window rebate units that require an exhaust fan; ours is from Helios and located in the bathroom. We have only one floor, so that is sufficient. The system is affordable and effective. Controlled residential ventilation for those on a budget. Karsten
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