ᐅ Window frame ventilators – A good idea for uninsulated older buildings?
Created on: 23 Oct 2017 07:45
S
Specki
Good 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
D
Deliverer25 Oct 2017 09:47Phew... so, on the invoice it says:
Helios ELS-VF 60/35
I don’t know the exact size of the fans themselves – the wall opening is 80mm (3 inches). They are installed in housings with backdraft dampers.
They have three speed settings, which can either be adjusted manually or automatically controlled based on the humidity levels.
There are also filters included. Although, I’m not really sure why air being exhausted outside needs filtering...
There is no heat recovery system.
Since they are installed in both bathrooms and the utility room, the humidity control works well for us. By default, they run on the lowest setting.
Regarding noise: you can hear the units, but in those rooms it doesn’t matter since the shower, faucet, and washing machine are much louder. In the living and sleeping areas, you don’t hear anything.
The supply air comes, as mentioned, through the RegelAir window frame vents on all windows except the roof windows. So far, no one has noticed any drafts. Because of these, you can also run the kitchen extractor hood without having to open a window.
The whole package including RegelAir, fans, and installation cost a little over €2000.
Helios ELS-VF 60/35
I don’t know the exact size of the fans themselves – the wall opening is 80mm (3 inches). They are installed in housings with backdraft dampers.
They have three speed settings, which can either be adjusted manually or automatically controlled based on the humidity levels.
There are also filters included. Although, I’m not really sure why air being exhausted outside needs filtering...
There is no heat recovery system.
Since they are installed in both bathrooms and the utility room, the humidity control works well for us. By default, they run on the lowest setting.
Regarding noise: you can hear the units, but in those rooms it doesn’t matter since the shower, faucet, and washing machine are much louder. In the living and sleeping areas, you don’t hear anything.
The supply air comes, as mentioned, through the RegelAir window frame vents on all windows except the roof windows. So far, no one has noticed any drafts. Because of these, you can also run the kitchen extractor hood without having to open a window.
The whole package including RegelAir, fans, and installation cost a little over €2000.
W
winnetou7825 Oct 2017 12:02Ok, then I’ll do it that way too, Karsten.
Do you really feel that these things actually make a difference?
Do you really feel that these things actually make a difference?
W
winnetou7825 Oct 2017 12:43Since the ventilation system isn’t completely finalized yet, there is no hole in the wall to the bathroom. I will probably need a core drilling, which shouldn’t be a problem in aerated concrete, right?
Does a ventilation system help? I don’t know how it would be without one. Only the house has good air quality. I’m not worried about mold either. She still opens the windows. Has always done it that way.
My builder includes this as standard and refuses to sell a house without this minimal solution because he doesn’t want to deal with mold issues.
My builder includes this as standard and refuses to sell a house without this minimal solution because he doesn’t want to deal with mold issues.
W
winnetou7825 Oct 2017 13:06Well, if it’s good air, then it’s good air.
Similar topics