Everything You Need to Know About Window Ventilation Grilles: Benefits and Installation

A window ventilation grid is a device designed to renew the air in your home.

It allows for continuous air exchange between the inside of your home and the outside, without opening the windows.

Moreover, integrated ventilation in your glazing is important for roof windows, as it allows you to ventilate your room even in rainy weather.

This system has the advantage of improving air quality without compromising the security of your home and without increasing your heating bills.

A window ventilation grid consists of the following elements:

• A mounting plate that anchors the ventilation grid firmly to the window.
• A regulator that allows you to adjust the incoming or outgoing air flow through the grid.
• A filtering foam that captures most particles and pollutants to purify the air passing through the grid.
• A deflector that directs the air flow in a specific direction and improves the distribution of fresh air or the evacuation of stale air.

The dimensions of a window ventilation grid vary from 12 to 25 mm in height for a length of 210 to 450 mm.

Window ventilation grids offer ventilation capacities ranging from 5 to 70 m³/h depending on the products, to meet all air renewal needs.

Ventilators are generally available in white, brown, or black PVC, matching the frame of your window.

They come in several types:

• Classic window ventilator
• Hygro-adjustable ventilator
• Self-adjustable ventilator
• Acoustic self-adjustable ventilator
• Self-adjustable ventilator with mosquito net

Find the presentation of these systems further down in this article.

Air circulation in your interior ensures a constant renewal of the air you breathe. It helps to prevent the formation of mold and the spread of viruses..

Insufficient window ventilation can lead to an accumulation of pollutants, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, and allergens, thus increasing the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and other diseases..

Regular ventilation of rooms is therefore very important to maintain fresh and clean indoor air..

By installing ventilation grids on windows or integrating ventilators, you help maintain a healthy indoor environment..

In the face of humidity and air quality issues, this approach has several notable advantages:.

• Reduction of carbon dioxide levels and pollutants.
• Prevention of moisture accumulation and mold problems (while maintaining window tightness).
• Overall improvement of indoor air quality.

Installing a window ventilation grid is an important point for 4 main reasons:

1. Improve air quality: The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) warns about the retention of chemical, physical, and bio-contaminants in indoor air. Effective ventilation is therefore essential for the well-being of all the inhabitants of your home.
2. A less humid interior: heating your home generates moisture. Without adequate evacuation, condensation and mold can compromise the comfort of your dwelling.
3. Enhance heating efficiency: humid air is more difficult to heat. Calibrated ventilation grids maintain the ideal ambient humidity, without altering the insulation of your house.
4. Compensate for the absence of VMC: in wet rooms, controlled mechanical ventilation (VMC) is essential for ventilation. In rooms where VMC is absent, ventilation grids take over effectively.

In short, a window ventilation system has a beneficial effect on air quality, improves healthiness, increases the comfort of the dwelling, and reduces energy bills.

Window ventilation: is it mandatory?

Since 2017, French regulations require the integration of ventilation devices in all new windows and French windows to ensure constant air renewal. This requirement aims to maintain healthy indoor air quality, avoiding the obstruction of ventilation systems.

Resources:

• Decree of May 3, 2007
• Decree of March 22, 2017
• Article R1331-34 of the Public Health Code

The market offers a variety of options for window ventilation, ranging from simple grids to more complex systems integrated into double-glazed windows.

Each version of window ventilator offers a different air flow rate and filtration capacity.

The models also vary according to the type of window (PVC, wood, aluminum) and may include additional features, such as air flow control or anti-pollution filters.

Window ventilation grids are common products generally available in stock at large DIY stores, or for delivery, on order from your local installer.

Here are these product options presented in a comparative table (find the details of the characteristics of each version just below the table):

Choose your window ventilation according to the following factors:

• The configuration of your accommodation (T1, T2,…),
• The number and type of damp rooms,
• The type and power of combustion systems that use indoor air (wood stoves, old boilers),
• The necessary air flow, expressed in cubic meters per hour (m³/h).

To help you choose the right window ventilation, here are detailed explanations of the main types of grilles:

The classic window ventilator is the ideal product for a room like an office or a bedroom where the main need is air renewal without particular requirements related to humidity or noise.

For example, if you live in a region with a temperate climate and your room is well insulated, this ventilator provides adequate ventilation without additional complexity.

Features of the classic window ventilator:

• Airflow and filtration capacity: offers a basic version without specific regulation, allowing a constant passage of air.
• Window compatibility: adaptable to PVC, wood, and aluminium windows, making it versatile for different installations.
• Additional features: its main characteristic is to provide a constant passage of air without automatic adjustment.
• Estimated budget: prices vary between £10 and £35, making it an economical option for ventilation.

The humidity-controlled window ventilator is suitable for rooms subject to significant humidity variations such as the bathroom or kitchen.

Imagine that your bathroom regularly becomes foggy during and after showers: this ventilator automatically adjusts its opening to eliminate excess moisture and prevent mold problems, while maintaining a pleasant temperature.

Features of the humidity-controlled window ventilator:

• Airflow and filtration capacity: incorporates an automatic adjustment system according to the humidity level, thus optimizing air renewal according to needs.
• Window compatibility: compatible with PVC, wood, and aluminium windows. It is particularly recommended for rooms with high humidity variations.
• Additional features: ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, where humidity regulation is crucial for comfort and mold prevention.
• Estimated budget: costs for this type of ventilator range from £28 to £55. An effective solution for humidity control at a moderate price.

The self-regulating ventilator is an effective solution for rooms exposed to external climatic variations, such as a living room facing a noisy street or a room exposed to the wind.

This ventilator maintains a constant airflow and ensures stable indoor air quality, even in strong winds or in the case of dense outdoor traffic.

Features of the self-regulating window ventilator:

• Airflow and filtration capacity: provides a constant airflow, regardless of external pressure variations.
• Window compatibility: can be installed on PVC, wood, and aluminum windows, ensuring effective ventilation without manual intervention.
• Additional features: its ability to maintain a stable airflow makes it a suitable choice for environments subject to variable external conditions.
• Estimated budget: with a price similar to the classic ventilator, between £10 and £35, it represents a cost-effective option for autonomous ventilation.

The acoustic ventilator is recommended for homes located in noisy environments, such as near a motorway or in a dense urban area.

If you work from home in a space that requires quiet and concentration, choosing an acoustic ventilator will allow you to benefit from a significant reduction in external noise while ventilating your workspace.

Features of the self-regulating window ventilator:

• Airflow and filtration capacity: offers acoustic insulation up to 35 dB, significantly reducing external noise.
• Window compatibility: designed to fit PVC, wood, and aluminum windows, it is particularly useful in noisy urban areas.
• Additional features: in addition to regulating air, it provides sound isolation, making it ideal for rooms requiring peace and quiet.
• Estimated budget: the cost varies from £28 to £110, reflecting the advanced technology and specific materials used for acoustic insulation.

The ideal solution for bedrooms or living spaces located in areas where insects, particularly mosquitoes, are a nuisance during certain seasons.

If you like to air out your home in the evening but want to avoid the entry of insects, this ventilator allows for effective ventilation without compromising your comfort.

Features of the self-regulating window ventilator with mosquito net:

• Airflow and filtration capacity: maintains a constant airflow while preventing the entry of insects thanks to the integrated mosquito net.
• Window compatibility: adaptable to PVC, wood, and aluminum windows, this model combines ventilation and protection against insects.
• Additional features: the mosquito net offers additional protection, ideal for areas prone to insects, without compromising air circulation.
• Estimated budget: between £10 and £110 depending on the options.

When you buy a new window, the ventilation grille is already installed on your equipment.

But if your windows do not have ventilation, here are two possible options:

The mortising or drilling of a hole is done on the frame, on the sash, or on both.

It is preferable to carry out this drilling in the factory or workshop and to respect certain sizing standards depending on the condition of your equipment:

• On old joinery: 1 slot of 250 mm x 15 mm.
• On new or recent joinery: 2 slots of 170 mm x 12 mm, spaced 10 mm apart.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Accessibility: this method is easily achievable and does not require specialized masonry skills.
• Economical: it avoids the costs associated with masonry work and makes ventilation more affordable.
• Flexibility: suitable for both old and new joinery, with specific recommendations for sizing the slots depending on the age of the joinery.
• Practicality: drilling can be done in the factory or workshop, ensuring precise work that complies with standards.
• Risk of degradation: making a mortise or drilling requires great precision to avoid damaging the window.
• Aesthetic limitations: direct modifications to the joinery can alter the appearance of the window.
• Potential reduction in insulation: if the drilling is not done correctly or if the dimensions are not optimal, this can reduce the effectiveness of the window's insulation.
• Compliance: adhering to specific sizing standards can be restrictive, especially for non-standard installations.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Preservation of acoustic insulation: this technique maintains good sound insulation, as it traps sounds while allowing air to pass through. Ideal for noisy environments.
• Preservation of windows: it offers an alternative for those who wish to avoid modifying or damaging their windows and preserve their aesthetic and integrity.
• Integrated solution: coring in the wall creates a discreet and integrated ventilation solution, which can be adapted to the architecture and interior design.
• Preparation and costs: this method requires more significant preparatory work, potentially including specialized masonry operations that can be costly.
• Complexity of installation: the process of coring and installing ventilation in the wall is more complex than window drilling and requires the intervention of a professional.
• Structural limitations: in some cases, coring is not possible, particularly with load-bearing walls or old structures, which can limit ventilation options.
• Execution delays: this option can lead to longer installation times, impacting the planning of renovation or construction projects.

To install ventilation on a PVC, aluminum, or wood window, this series of 10 steps guarantees a successful and secure installation:

1. Choose the location of your ventilation grille: this depends on several factors, including the size of the room and the type of heating. As a general rule, a ventilation grille is installed between the ceiling and the top of the window to capture and evacuate the warm and humid air that rises.
2. Preparation of the workspace: make sure that the space around the window is clear to facilitate access and movement during installation.
3. Remove the window sash: carefully detach the window sash and place it flat on a stable and clean surface to avoid damaging the joinery.
4. Marking the cut: use the template provided with the ventilator to precisely mark the location of the cut on the sash or window frame. Be careful not to compromise the window's seal and frame.
5. Drilling: with a suitable tool, carefully drill according to the previously traced marks. Ensure that the size and shape of the hole match the specifications of the ventilator to avoid late adjustments.
6. Installation of the ventilation grille: gently insert the ventilation grille into the prepared opening. If your ventilator model includes additional elements (filters, flaps), assemble them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Securing the ventilator: once the ventilator is correctly positioned, use the screws or fixing system provided to secure it firmly in place. Check that the ventilator is well anchored and has no play.
8. Verification and adjustments: after installation, check the proper functioning of the ventilator by opening and closing the sash several times. Ensure that the ventilator does not hinder the normal movement of the window and that air circulates as intended.
9. Repositioning the sash: put the sash back in its frame and ensure that it opens, closes, and locks correctly.
10. Final check: perform a final check to ensure that the installation is successful and that the ventilator functions correctly, without unwanted air leaks or hindrance to the daily use of the window.

Cleaning a window ventilation grille is important for maintaining good air quality and the durability of your windows, whether they are PVC, wood, or aluminum.

It is advisable to use a slightly damp cloth.

Be careful, if you have hygro-adjustable air inlets, make sure not to damage the integrated hygro-adjustable wick. This wick is designed to automatically adjust the air flow according to the ambient humidity level. Damaging this component can compromise the system's ability to properly regulate air entry and affect the overall efficiency of your space's ventilation.

For washing a grille, two methods are available to you:

1. Without disassembly: simply use a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar to clean the grille.
2. With disassembly: remove the grille cover and soak it in a solution of water and white vinegar for a few hours for a thorough cleaning.

In addition to contributing to the thermal insulation of your home, double glazing promotes better air management.

• Integrated ventilation that allows for the renewal of indoor air without compromising insulation.
• Optimized air quality: eliminates CO2, pollutants, and excess humidity, and prevents mold and bacteria.
• Thermal comfort: maintains a stable indoor temperature and reduces the need for heating and air conditioning.
• Energy savings: reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint.
• Noise and pollutant reduction: filters noise and pollution from outside, ideal for urban areas.

Good to know: VELUX roof windows include a 15 mm Argon gas insulating layer that eliminates the cold wall phenomenon for a more comfortable indoor feeling.

They also have solar control glazing that stops 77% of the heat, which is 41% more than an older generation window.

To learn more, read our article: When to replace your roof windows?

Smart windows are capable of automatically regulating air flow based on indoor air quality and external conditions.

These innovations offer a perfect solution for maintaining a healthy indoor environment while optimizing energy consumption.

For a healthier home and optimized energy management, discover how VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO can transform your indoor quality of life.

Discover our smart ventilation solution VELUX Active with NETATMO.

Optimizing ventilation within the spaces of the house improves indoor air quality and contributes to a healthier living environment and increased energy efficiency.

Select your materials carefully and integrate advanced ventilation techniques for your home.

• PVC: known for its excellent value for money, PVC offers good thermal insulation and is easy to maintain. However, it is less durable than other materials and can discolor over time.
• Wood: naturally insulating, wood brings a warm aesthetic touch. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent degradation and warping.
• Aluminum: aluminum stands out for its durability and resistance to weather, while offering a slim profile that maximizes light intake. Although generally more expensive, it is appreciated for its modern look and ease of maintenance.

The ideal combination of materials can vary depending on specific needs in terms of insulation, durability, aesthetics, and budget.

Good to know: VELUX roof windows offer an aluminum exterior finish to withstand the test of time and weather.

Inside, they offer a variety of materials to match your decor. Painted, lacquered wood, or PVC: find the finish that suits you for your renovation project.

Humidity and condensation can be persistent problems in homes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom where activity generates a large amount of water vapor.

To remedy this, several solutions can be considered:

• Installation of Mechanical Ventilation Control (VMC) systems: VMC systems ensure a constant and controlled air renewal, extracting stale air and introducing fresh air from outside. They are particularly effective in maintaining healthy indoor air quality while minimizing heat loss.
• Single flow VMC: ideal for homes that require a basic and economical ventilation solution.
• Double flow VMC: offers heat recovery that reduces energy losses while ventilating the space. Particularly suitable for low energy consumption houses.
• Use of hygro-adjustable ventilators: these devices automatically adjust the air flow rate according to the humidity level in the room. They increase ventilation when humidity is high and reduce it when the air is drier. This system helps combat condensation while optimizing energy consumption.
• Specific solutions for high humidity spaces: for kitchens and bathrooms, the installation of extraction fans may be necessary to complement the general ventilation system of the house. These fans can be manually or automatically activated via humidity detectors to ensure the direct extraction of humid air and odors.

Use these strategies and technical solutions to create an optimized ventilation system that improves indoor air quality and contributes to the overall energy efficiency of your home.