ᐅ Window frame ventilators – A good idea for uninsulated older buildings?
Created on: 23 Oct 2017 07:45
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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
S
Schwetkowski28 Sep 2020 18:07Specki schrieb:
Thank you for your reply.
The electrical rough-in was only redone in the bathroom; the rest was left as it was. Apart from that, only the bathroom and kitchen were replastered. In the other rooms, only small plaster repairs were carried out. So I don’t think there is still much moisture left from the renovation. It was all completed about 1 ¼ years ago.
As I understand it, I don’t need active ventilation in this case—am I completely misunderstanding something? The interior doors definitely have enough clearance at the bottom and are generally quite drafty since the old doors were refurbished and remain in the house without seals.
Regards,
Specki Specki schrieb:
Thanks again for your answers.
I have now ordered four units for two windows and will test them.
The cost was 37€ (about $40), which is acceptable.
As I said, I realize I can’t stop ventilating completely, but if I can at least reduce the frequency, that would be very helpful.
Regards,
Specki Hello, have you installed the window frame ventilators? And can you say if they made any difference? Thank you, I look forward to your feedback.
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Pinkiponk28 Sep 2020 19:52In our uninsulated older building from 1950 (only the roof was insulated), we have window rebate ventilation everywhere and find it excellent. We have had no issues with mold or similar problems. Unfortunately, our prefabricated house manufacturer for the new house does not install windows or doors with rebate ventilation.
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Schwetkowski29 Sep 2020 17:20Pinkiponk schrieb:
In our uninsulated older building from 1950 (only the roof was insulated), we have window rebate ventilation everywhere and find it excellent. No issues with mold or similar problems. Unfortunately, the modular home manufacturer for our new house does not install windows or doors with rebate ventilation.We have an apartment in a multi-family building from the 1960s; like yours, the roof is insulated, the windows have been replaced, but the facade is not insulated. Unfortunately, we have problems with moisture, and despite constant airing, I cannot keep it under control.Similar topics