Good ventilation is essential for indoor air to be comfortable. One way to achieve this is to invest in cost-effective and, above all, efficient fresh air vents and supply air vents.
These vents ensure that fresh air enters the home. Through correct installation and placement, you can significantly improve air quality, reduce the risk of moisture problems, and also reduce your energy consumption.
To help you on your way, in this guide we will discuss everything you need to know and a little more when it comes to the placement of fresh air vents and supply air vents for the best possible effect.
Where should supply air valves be placed?
The primary function of a supply air vent is to allow fresh air into living rooms and bedrooms, spaces where many of us spend a lot of our time. The placement of supply air vents should allow for effective air distribution while preventing drafts.
Recommended placements
- Along exterior walls : A common placement for supply air vents is along your exterior walls. You can also combine both placements depending on the construction of your home.
Where should you place an exhaust vent?
In the previous section, we discussed the placement of an exhaust vent. Next, it's time to address how exhaust vents should be placed. Exhaust vents are crucial in spaces where contaminated air and moisture need to be guided out.
We should never place vents in kitchens or bathrooms. If exhaust vents are installed incorrectly, the bad air can spread to other parts of the house, which will worsen the indoor environment for all residents.
Optimal placement
- Towards the ceiling : Because warm air rises, it is much more effective to place exhaust vents towards the ceiling, actually as high up on the wall as possible. This way, both moisture and odor are captured immediately, while preventing the spread to other spaces. Since Airmove's automatically thermostatically controlled vents direct all incoming air upwards, we take advantage of the heat barrier that always collects at the false ceiling and mix it with fresh oxygen so that it can spread further into the home.
- Near sources of moisture and odors : In the bathroom, you should install an exhaust fan that runs constantly, preferably with a humidity sensor that removes the moist air faster. An Airmove Flow 100 or Airmove Flow 125 does just that.
What height is recommended for a fresh air vent?
When it comes to the height of a fresh air vent, it is crucial when it comes to airflow and comfort for the specific space, as incorrect planning can result in both drafts and discomfort.
Recommended height
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1.8 - 2 meters above the floor : This height allows the air to mix sufficiently before it reaches your lungs. In addition to mixing the air, this height reduces the risk of drafts.
Airmove 3.0 smart supply air valve
Airmove supply air valves are smart and efficient. The product is equipped with a temperature-sensitive thermostat with the capacity to control itself. This in turn enables automatic adjustment of the valve disc.
The air gap and the amount of air are adjusted according to the temperature outside. When the thermostat is in auto mode, the air flow decreases when it gets colder outside. When the temperature rises, the air supply increases. This way, you always get the right amount of air, without having to do anything yourself.
Save energy and money
Installing fresh air and supply air valves can significantly improve indoor air quality and at the same time contribute to energy savings. Below are statistics and information from the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning that we believe are important to know.
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Characteristics of fresh air and supply air valves |
Numeric values and percentages |
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Improved air quality |
99% of pollutants are reduced |
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Optimal airflow |
0.35 l/s per m² floor area |
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Energy saving |
Up to 85% heat recovery |
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Noise level |
15-20 dB(A) reduction |
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Maintenance needs |
Inspection every 6 months |
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Air temperature |
±1°C variation |
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Humidity control |
Prevents 90% of mold growth |
How do you install a fresh air valve?
It is quite easy to install a fresh air valve. At Airmove, our goal is for everyone to be able to complete the installation without any hassle. Below is a short step-by-step instruction on how to proceed:
- Choose spaces . Start by identifying where you need fresh air the most. For example, we mentioned at the beginning that we often spend the most time in the bedroom and living room, which are the spaces you should focus on initially.
- Measure and mark . Next, you need to mark a location where the fresh air vent will be mounted. Use a carpenter's pencil or other markers depending on the material of the exterior wall.
- Drill the hole . Use the correct size drill bit to drill a large enough hole. If you have a concrete wall, it is common to use a high-power impact drill.
- Install the valve . Then install the fresh air valve according to the instructions provided by Airmove. It is important not to deviate from our instructions as this may result in incorrect installation and poor performance.
- Insulate the edge . Also ensure that the edge around the fresh air vent is sufficiently insulated. This is to reduce the risk of cold drafts forming. Please check again to avoid discomfort after installation.
- Test the air flow: Check that the air is flowing evenly . An easy way to do this is to hold a piece of toilet paper in front of the valve. If the toilet paper bends inward, the valve has been installed correctly according to the instructions.
How much does it cost to install fresh air vents?
When it comes to installing fresh air vents, the cost varies depending on the model and the type of installation method used. Below is a general overview of material and labor costs.
Price range
- Material cost : Airmove 3.0 Fresh Air Valve costs between 595 - 800 SEK depending on function and design.
- Labor cost : If you choose to hire an authorized installer, the labor cost can be between SEK 1,500 and SEK 3,000 per valve.
What affects the price?
- Number of valves installed.
- Type of material to be drilled.
- Possible costs for insulation and adjustments.
Closing words
The placement of fresh air vents and supply air vents is crucial for healthier indoor air. To succeed in this mission, it is important to place the vents in strategically selected locations and at the right height.
Products like the Airmove 3.0 Fresh Air Vent and the Airmove Manual Fresh Air Vent have proven to be extremely effective when striving for a well-ventilated home. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can both save energy and create the conditions for lower operating costs.
Frequently asked questions
How many supply air valves should I order?
It is very difficult to answer this question in detail without actually knowing the size of your home. On a general level, you should aim to install supply air vents in all rooms, except your bathroom(s) and kitchen.
When are more supply air valves required for the same space?
When the space where you plan to install supply air vents exceeds a minimum of 25 sq m, it is recommended to have at least two supply air vents installed. In other cases, you will let in less fresh air.
Is it permissible to turn off the supply air valves during the winter months?
No, you should not turn off the valves during the winter, even if the temperature drops well below freezing! Remember that closing the valves also increases the risk of mold and moisture taking hold more easily.
