Best Check Valves for Ventilation for 2022

The ventilation system is an important element in any building. It effectively eliminates unnecessary and unpleasant odors, and also promotes ventilation of the room. If its operation is disrupted or becomes incorrect, then a person will quickly feel not only odors, but also exhaust air from the natural ventilation channel. It will become impossible to be in such a house or apartment without a respirator. To avoid this, just buy a special device. Therefore, the editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for you a rating of the best reverse ventilation valves for 2022.

Device design features

When a person sees this device for the first time, no questions arise about the principle of its operation. After all, the design is as simple as possible. Despite this, without it it is impossible to organize proper ventilation of the room. If there is no valve, the exhaust air will stop leaving the room. There are several reasons why this happens:

• Missing or incorrect sealing;
• The ventilation duct is clogged with debris;
• The hood is placed in the wrong place;
• The combustion draft increases due to the use of the furnace structure;
• Disturbances in normal ventilation due to the installation of a powerful exhaust system in one of the apartments, this often occurs when some owners install an air duct without taking into account the design features of the building;
• Uneven ventilation due to the presence of several exhaust systems in one apartment.

All these reasons are common in large cities. To prevent them from affecting normal ventilation, manufacturers recommend installing a check valve. Its installation will take a minimum of time, but its effectiveness will remain for a long period. The main design element is the blades located on the same axis. They open only in one direction, and if the opposite movement occurs, they close, preventing unpleasant odors from entering the apartment.

What are air vents and what are they for?

Many owners of radiator systems have encountered a situation where, with hot pipes, some parts of the radiator do not heat well or are generally cold; similar problems arise with insulation with water floors. The main reason for this phenomenon is the presence of air in the pipes, which rises and impedes the movement of the coolant.

If there is a large volume of air, a plug may form, leading to a complete stop of coolant circulation in the pipeline - the line becomes air-filled.

If in an open circuit air bubbles are sent to an unclosed expansion tank located on high floors of a building or attic, and bleeding is not so important, then in a closed system an air bleeder for the heating system is vital on all circuits and individual heat exchange devices.

When plugs interfere with the operation of the system, manual or automatic heating drain valves are used to remove accumulated air. One of the simplest devices is a regular valve installed at the top point of heating radiators. To bleed air from the batteries, open the valve and wait for the moment when the stream stops flowing jerkily along with the air - in radiators without air, the water flow will be uniform.

In individual heating lines of private houses, instead of ordinary valves, special locks are installed on the radiators, which function automatically or are manually adjusted. With their help, they remove not only air from devices in which gas formation occurs, but also, when necessary, oxygen from water, which causes accelerated corrosion of metal fittings.

Rice. 2 Air vent for venting air from the heating system - design

Types of valves

By design, valves can be:

• Single leaf. An effective but less common option. As the air flows, pressure is exerted on the valve flap, causing it to open and release excess odors. When there is no movement, the sash closes under the influence of reverse thrust. This prevents unwanted odors from penetrating into the room. If a person uses natural ventilation, this option is most preferable.
• Butterfly valve (double leaf). The most common model, which is equipped with two curtains. They open due to strong exposure to air and close when there is no movement. Everything works automatically without user intervention.
• Blinds. The operating principle of this device is the same as the first option. The only difference is the dimensions. Therefore, it is installed in large manufacturing plants or large houses.
• Membrane type design. The principle of operation of the device is based on changing the position of the plate due to the influence of air flow. The equipment is widely used in places with natural ventilation, since there is no need to exert a strong impact on the main element.

These are not the only differences; there are also models:

• With manual control, the device is installed in large enterprises where there is high air movement. Automatic products operate without user intervention; this option is more suitable for installation at home.
• They differ in the installation method. There are horizontal and vertical options.
• There are round and rectangular products. To choose the right option, it is important to understand that the shape depends entirely on the characteristics of the cross-sectional size of the air channel.
• Bandwidth is also taken into account. It all depends on the volume of air that passes through the valve.
• The last difference is the material of manufacture. Plastic ones are suitable for installation in houses and apartments, as they make less noise during operation. For office buildings and manufacturing plants, it is recommended to install metal products. They are larger in size and have high throughput.

Air vents for heating systems - operating principle

To bleed air from the circuit, you can use a regular valve by draining a certain amount of liquid. If in communal houses a decrease in the volume of water in the circuit does not cause negative consequences and it is replenished by utility services, then in individual houses the drained coolant will have to be replenished independently.

For a closed system, adding coolant is quite a big problem - you will have to connect a manual or electric pump, and if there is toxic ethylene glycol antifreeze in the line, carrying out the work while taking the necessary safety measures will take a lot of time.

The main difference between special air vent devices and conventional valve locks is the small diameter of the outlet hole, its location at an angle of 90 degrees and the ability to smoothly adjust the cross-section of the outlet channel using a threaded screw.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the screw has a cone-shaped shape and a similar seat, thanks to which, when closed, it reliably and hermetically covers the inlet hole. To bleed air, the screw head is turned one or two turns, opening a small-diameter outlet drain hole, and the air-filled coolant along with bubbles will begin to flow out of the tap in small quantities while the air plug will be released more intensively.

The advantage of using an air vent is that when you turn the screw, first of all, with a characteristic hissing sound, the air flow comes out, and then the aired coolant flows out, a small amount of which does not need to be added to the system.

Fig.3 Operating principle of an automatic air vent

How to choose the right equipment?

In order for the check valve to last as long as possible, you need to know some features of the choice. The first thing that is taken into account is the maximum air flow speed that is present inside the channel. It should be remembered that the blades must open even under slight pressure. Because this is the only way to ensure effective elimination. Some models are equipped with a return fan, which increases the valve operation. Power is selected only based on the area of ​​the room.

Also important is the ambient temperature. Single-leaf devices are not able to cope with negative temperatures, so they will not be effective. To vent air outside, it is necessary to install a “blind” type check valve. It withstands low temperatures and does not break down over time.

The installation features are also taken into account. Because there are models that need to be placed only at a certain angle. There are also universal versions that can be installed in any way.

The cost of the structure usually comes in last place, since it has little effect on anything. It is better to look at the main parameters: type of section, dimensions, what material was used in production, etc.

Is it possible to make a valve with your own hands?

There are often cases when an apartment or house has a ventilation duct of unusual shape or size. Then not a single market offer will suit a person and he must make the device with his own hands. This solution will cost several times less than a custom-made product. Creating this design will require a minimum of time and effort.

The first thing it is important to decide on is the type of ventilation. If natural is present, then it is best to make a membrane-type device, but single-leaf products are also suitable. For the last option, you need to choose a hard material. It is also necessary to pay attention to some points:

• The plate should not have gaps, even small ones. It is best if it fits tightly to the walls so that cracks cannot form.
• If the air flow often changes direction, it is necessary to ensure that the knocking of the plate is minimal or completely absent, otherwise it will be impossible to sleep at night and concentrate on rest during the day.

To create blades, it is better to use high-quality materials, for example, Mylar film. It is sold in all construction stores at an affordable price. The diameter of the element should not exceed the dimensions of the ventilation duct. To prevent the blade from deteriorating during reverse thrust, it is recommended to install a plastic grill. This is the most practical and durable option.

Installation instructions

To install a check valve for ventilation with your own hands, you will need:

• the valve itself;
• dowels with self-tapping screws;
• electric drill;
• perforator;
• silicone sealant.

Correct order of work:

• the equipment is checked (the list is given on the insert), although this is best done during the purchase process;
• the fan, if standing, is dismantled;
• the new fan is installed in place;
• marks are made on the wall for fasteners;
• Using a hammer drill, a groove is cut out in the wall for electrical wiring. The channel can be replaced with a plastic box or retro wiring, which, on the one hand, looks impressive, on the other hand, is expensive, and the wiring can be done directly along the wall;
• use an electric drill or hammer drill to drill holes for dowels;
• the fan is inserted into the air duct and fixed with self-tapping screws;
• wiring is connected;
• the connection between the fan and the wall is sealed with silicone sealant (some sets provide a rubber seal for this purpose);
• the operation of the fan is checked;
• At the fan inlet, a mesh is first installed, and then a check valve is installed for ventilation. If it is gravitational, check the horizon of the damper axis - if it is deflected, the petal may not close;
• the operation of the system as a whole is tested;
• a decorative cover is installed.

No instructions are needed to install valves at natural draft collection points. Everything is extremely simple there. The work progress is described in the instructions printed on the insert.

Valve installation diagram for natural (petal) and forced (butterfly) draft.

Correct installation

The check valve can be installed either at the beginning of the ventilation duct or at the end. To do this, you need to drill holes for fastening, but before that it is important to make the correct markings. To do this, the device housing is installed in the air duct pipe.

After drilling, the check valve is installed; it is better to use dowels. When performing this operation, it should be remembered that there should be no gaps; even if they appear, they must be sealed with a special sealant on any basis. The main thing is that it provides reliable and durable adhesion, and also has antifungal properties.

Troubles that may arise

Using this device has its disadvantages:

1. The flow of natural ventilation is disrupted, which can lead to unpredictable consequences.
2. There is noise during operation that may cause discomfort. In such cases it gets worse. When the direction of air movement changes and frequent switching occurs.

Experts do not give a clear answer to the question whether these dampers should be used correctly or not. To provide reliable ventilation, it must be designed and constructed in such a way that it can operate properly without additional devices. However, this method is expensive and not available to everyone. Using a check valve in this case is a more convenient way to solve the problem.

Rating of the best plastic valves

TiRo Market d-120 OK120

A simple but effective device that will prevent air pollution in the apartment. Made entirely of plastic. Therefore, the user will not hear any extraneous noise during operation. The mounting is convenient, the case is made with high quality and fits tightly to the wall, leaving no gaps. Diameter – 120 mm.

The average price is 270 rubles.

valve TiRo Market d-120 OK120

Advantages:

• Durability;
• Quiet operation;
• Reliability;
• High quality build.

Flaws:

• Not found.

FreeImport AAA3353

Reliable check valve, sold assembled. Provides high-quality ventilation in any room. Even if the air flow is small, the valve will open and eliminate it, so as not to pollute the room with exhaust gases. The design is simple, and installation does not take much time. All holes are marked, so a person just needs to place the device against the wall and mark it.

The average price is 160 rubles.

FreeImport valve AAA3353

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• Efficiency;
• Durability;
• Doesn't make unnecessary noise.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Vent KO 125mm

A simple device that will help remove unpleasant odors from the apartment and also prevent their further formation. The case is made of durable plastic and can withstand light loads. The shutters operate without user intervention and do not make popping noises. Universal diameter suitable for most rooms.

Sold at a price of 300 rubles.

valve Vent KO 125mm

Advantages:

• Beautiful appearance;
• Quickly eliminates odors;
• Good throughput.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Epilogue

Let someone say that installing a check valve on ventilation is nonsense and is not worth wasting time and money on. But still, many of those who have done such work say that the air exchange in the room has improved significantly after their work. Humidity has decreased, unwanted odors have disappeared, etc. Based on the reviews, it's safe to say that the vent check valve is worth the cost of installation. After all, our health depends on what we breathe, so any improvements aimed at cleaning the air will be beneficial.

Non-return valve for forced ventilation in the section

In any case, there is nothing worse than installing such valves, which means it’s worth trying, first, to at least install a valve made by yourself, because it won’t cost anything. Well, having understood the advantages of such equipment, you will probably want to purchase a more advanced factory product.

Rating of quality models with grilles

Grille with valve from Revizzona LLC

A classic device designed for installation in residential and office premises. The operation is completely silent. The main feature of the design is its tight fit to the walls, which makes it unnecessary to use sealant.

Sold at a price of 500 rubles.

Grille with valve from Revizzona LLC

Advantages:

• Beautiful appearance;
• Good ventilation;
• Tight fit;
• Bandwidth;
• Easy installation.

Flaws:

• Not found.

AURAMAX S 5S S

A beautiful, modern product designed for installation in residential areas. The design includes a fan and a check valve, which increases efficiency significantly and eliminates even minor odors. The product is made of plastic. Provides a tight fit to the wall.

The average price is 1,600 rubles.

valve AURAMAX C 5S C

Advantages:

• Fan and check valve;
• Efficiency;
• Durability;
• Tight fit to the wall.

Flaws:

• High price.

Ventilation grille made of ABS from Revizzona

An excellent product that will purify the air and decorate the room. The grille is equipped with a check valve that is activated at the slightest air fluctuation. Installation does not take much time and can be carried out by an ordinary person.

Sold at a price of 450 rubles.

Ventilation grille made of ABS from Revizzona

Advantages:

• High service life;
• Works quickly;
• Removes excess odors;
• Doesn't make noise.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Where should air vents be installed correctly?

When installing a heating system, installing air vents is a mandatory procedure; to determine the required quantity, you need to know where to place these devices. Air vents are recommended to be located in the following places:

• The highest points of the system. If during installation the pipeline rises upward, bypassing any obstacle, and then descends down to the heat exchangers, an automatic air vent for the heating system should be installed on top. This will prevent airing due to the fact that light air always rises and accumulates in the pipeline on the upper floor.

Rice. 9 Types of automatic air vents

• Heating radiators. Radiator heat exchangers have a complex shape, including a large number of sections - this creates convenient cavities for air accumulation. Therefore, Mayevsky outlet valves are always used in radiators; in an individual heating circuit, they are installed on each radiator, regardless of the connection diagram (one-pipe, two-pipe, bottom, side, diagonal). Radiator manual models of exhaust valves, unlike automatic ones, are small in size, less expensive, fit aesthetically into the radiator contour, and therefore are installed on batteries in the vast majority of cases by the manufacturer and, if necessary, by home owners.
• Heated towel rails. Industrially produced heated towel rails of the complex “ladder” shape, popular in everyday life, are always equipped with an air vent with a straight pipe located in its upper part. It is more convenient if the heated towel rail is equipped with an automatic air vent for the following reasons: the screw located at the top of the manual model is inconvenient to tighten, in residential buildings there may be periodic lack of water and manual adjustment becomes troublesome, in addition, the duct protruding from the side spoils the aesthetic appearance of the heater.
• U-shaped bends and bypasses. Any section of a pipeline with an upward-facing loop collects air; if a shut-off valve is used to turn off the loop, it is installed at the highest point, using a model with a built-in automatic Mayevsky valve (naturally, the air vent at the top can be installed separately from the valve).
• Boiler piping system. It is also recommended to equip the boiler piping with a valve to ensure safe operation of the heating equipment in the event of airing in the main line.
• Hydroshooters. It is not so often that in household heating systems they use hydraulic arrows, to which circulation pumps, radiator and heated floor collectors are connected - if the device is located vertically, an automatic air bleeder is screwed into its upper part.
• Collectors. When installing multi-circuit heated floors, manifolds with combs are used, to which the pipeline of various circuits is connected. The collectors are located above the level of the water floors and are always equipped with automatic air vents, which are installed in their housing by the manufacturer; the system includes two devices for the supply and return lines.

Rice. 10 Manual and automatic air vents in the heating system - location diagram

Rating of the best models of the “Butterfly” type

ERA 12SKTs 120mm

A classic product that is suitable for installation in public places or at home. The flaps operate at low pressure, which facilitates rapid removal of air. For greater efficiency, the blades are equipped with special springs. Fastening is carried out using clamps. A damper seal ring is located inside the structure.

The average cost is 275 rubles.

valve ERA 12SKTs 120mm

Advantages:

• Long service life;
• Reliability;
• Spring-loaded blades;
• Sealing ring;
• Easy installation.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Shuft RSK 100

A universal device that can be placed anywhere, including outdoors. Withstands temperatures down to -40 degrees and is not subject to corrosion. The body is made of high quality steel, which is covered with a protective layer. To prevent the blades from knocking while moving, there is a rubber seal that absorbs all noise.

Sold at a price of 290 rubles.

valve Shuft RSK 100

Advantages:

• Durability;
• High-quality case;
• Does not make noise;
• Optimal price.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Polar Bear RSK 355 "butterfly"

A good valve that operates automatically and does not make much noise. The body is made of galvanized steel. Behind the blades there is a damper ring that absorbs excess noise and does not distract a person from work. The valve can be installed in any position, which is a big advantage.

Sold at a price of 1,280 rubles.

Polar Bear RSK 355 butterfly valve

Advantages:

• High service life;
• Reliability;
• Automatic adjustment;
• Tight fit;
• The blades are made of aluminum.

Flaws:

• High price.

Adjusting the compressor pressure

As mentioned above, after creating a certain level of air compression in the receiver, the pressure switch turns off the unit’s engine. Conversely, when the pressure drops to the switching limit, the relay starts the engine again.

But often situations that arise force you to change the factory settings of the pressure switch and adjust the pressure in the compressor at your discretion. You can only change the lower switching threshold, since after changing the upper switching threshold upward, the air will be released by the safety valve.

Pressure adjustment in the compressor is carried out as follows.

1. Turn on the unit and record the pressure gauge readings at which the engine turns on and off.
2. Be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply and remove the cover from the pressure switch.
3. After removing the cover, you will see 2 bolts with springs. The large bolt is often designated by the letter “P” with the signs “-” and “+” and is responsible for the upper pressure, upon reaching which the device will be turned off. To increase the level of air compression, turn the regulator towards the “+” sign, and to decrease it, turn towards the “-” sign. First, it is recommended to make half a turn with the screw in the desired direction, then turn on the compressor and check the degree of pressure increase or decrease using a pressure gauge. Record at what indicators of the device the engine will turn off.
4. Using a small screw you can adjust the difference between the on and off thresholds. As mentioned above, it is not recommended that this interval exceed 2 bars. The longer the interval, the less often the device’s engine will start. In addition, the pressure drop in the system will be significant. Setting the on-off threshold difference is done in the same way as setting the upper on-off threshold.

In addition, you need to configure the gearbox if it is installed in the system. It is necessary to set the compression level on the gearbox to a level that corresponds to the operating pressure of the pneumatic tool or equipment connected to the system.

Source

TOP 3 models for production sites

TEKHNOTSENTR LLC general industrial valve 150x150

A reliable device that is designed to remove large volumes of contaminated air. Adjustment is carried out manually using a special handle. Thanks to this solution, the product can be installed in one position, which contributes to good ventilation of the room.

The average price is 16,300 rubles.

TEKHNOTSENTR LLC general industrial valve 150x150

Advantages:

• Simple controls;
• High throughput;
• Durable housing;
• Reliability.

Flaws:

• High price.

Production valve KOP from TD "COMTECH"

An excellent option that is suitable for installation in large rooms. The body is made of durable material that is not subject to corrosion. Adjustment is carried out using a special lever.

Average price – 1,200 rubles

valve Production valve KOP from TD "COMTECH"

Advantages:

• Durability;
• High-quality execution;
• Removes air quickly;
• Optimal cost;
• Convenient controls.

Flaws:

• Not found.

TCOG-05-250x500 from Vympel LLC

An excellent valve that will help organize proper ventilation of the room and eliminate toxic and unpleasant odors in a few minutes. The body is made of a thick layer of metal, which increases durability and increases the reliability of the device.

Sold at a price of 8,800 rubles.

valve ТКОГ-05-250х500 from Vympel LLC

Advantages:

• Efficiency;
• Quickly removes contaminated air;
• Lasting;
• Easy adjustment.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Advice from the experts

Wall-mounted models are recommended for installation during the construction of walls, but they can also be installed in finished premises. It is not recommended to install window valves yourself - it is easy to break the tightness of the window frames and lose the manufacturer's warranty service. However, the most important thing is to choose the right type of additional ventilation you need. Poorly selected models can clog the natural ventilation system of rooms, overturn it, or create uncomfortable conditions due to the additional noise of the operating fan.