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Achieving a healthy indoor climate with wall vents
After cooking or bathing, the kitchen and bathroom should be well ventilated. This seems logical, but is not always easy to achieve. Especially in multi-story apartment buildings, interior bathrooms without windows or simple kitchenettes are common. However, a lack of air exchange can pose risks. Moisture that accumulates in the room air can lead to mold growth over time. Once this penetrates the building fabric, it not only endangers the health of the occupants but also causes considerable damage to the masonry and can only be remedied by costly renovation measures.
The installation of controlled residential ventilation ensures regulated air exchange and effectively prevents moisture damage. For those who shy away from the (financial) expense of a ventilation system with heat recovery, ventilation via outside air vents could be an attractive and cheaper alternative. In this guide, you will learn how ventilation via wall vents works and what advantages and disadvantages it has over ventilation with heat recovery.
What is a wall vent?
A wall vent (ALD) is a ventilation opening in the building envelope that provides air exchange in the apartment or house through a passive supply of fresh air. With free ventilation via wall vents, the air is exchanged without the (electrical) operation of a fan, depending on the weather. This type of ventilation ensures basic ventilation independent of the user and thus protects the building from moisture damage.
With wall vents to DIN
An air vent can comply with DIN 1946-6 on its own in the case of free ventilation or with the aid of exhaust air systems in the case of fan-assisted ventilation of apartments.
ALDs can also be useful when implementing a ventilation system in accordance with DIN 18017-3. While an exhaust fan is used in bathrooms and toilets without exterior windows, the air diffuser supplies fresh air as a supply element.
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How does an wall vent work?
Integrated into the exterior wall, air vents function thanks to temperature and pressure differences within the living space. Wind, air currents, and changes in thermal conditions cause the exchange between supply and exhaust air completely automatically. Exterior air vents act as a supply air element, enabling an automatic flow of fresh air into the interior. Conversely, they expel stale air from the living space to the outside. Furthermore, an integrated exhaust air unit can create the necessary negative pressure. In the fan-assisted version, a continuously running exhaust system ensures that the humid, warm air is extracted from the bathroom and kitchen. Fresh air flows in through the air intake elements to equalize the resulting negative pressure.
What distinguishes a wall vent from ventilation through windows?
The use of air inlets in the form of a supply air element seems unnecessary when comparing the two options at first glance. However, conventional ventilation by opening windows is insufficient for today’s living comfort. With improved thermal insulation and the requirement to build as airtight as possible, proper ventilation is essential. Wall vents operate completely independently of the user. The supply air elements can be closed and offer protection against pollen and noise. Furthermore, the placement of the air inlets is freely selectable.
Wall vents vs. ventilation with heat recovery When is it advisable to use a wall vent?
A wall vent is particularly worthwhile in conjunction with decentralized exhaust air systems. wall vents can ensure healthy air exchange, especially in damp rooms without windows, such as kitchenettes and bathrooms, as well as utility rooms and storage rooms.
Outdoor air vents do not necessarily require the use of an exhaust air system. The lower pressure difference between inside and outside merely results in reduced air exchange. Since wall vents are therefore only to be understood as ventilation support, additional window ventilation is absolutely necessary.
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Then ventilation with heat recovery is worthwhile
The use of a ventilation system with heat recovery is advisable if the air exchange is to take place independently of any natural influences such as temperature and pressure differences. In contrast to an air vent, this type of ventilation is active and continuous thanks to the built-in reversible fans. With the help of the ceramic storage unit in conjunction with demand-based ventilation control via sensors, the devices recover up to 94% of the heat – saving valuable heating costs. Comfort ventilation ensures sufficient air exchange at all times.
Tipp:
If your requirements change, you can easily convert the aV160 ALD and aV200 ALD to ventilation units with heat recovery, such as the iV-Smart+ or iV14-Zero.
How is a wall vent structured?
A classic wall vent has an insulated inner cover. The inner cover can be opened and closed as required. Depending on the version, the diameter of the connecting wall sleeve varies between 100 and 200 mm. Behind this is a filter cassette including a dust filter and wind protection against strong drafts. An external cover completes the system on the outside. inVENTer devices have additional external covers that meet all requirements:
Wall vent variants with different external finishes
ALD-PlusWith stainless steel weather protection hood
The weatherproof cover, which is resistant to driving rain, is the standard external enclosure for the aV200 ALD. The cover is available in all standard RAL colors upon request.
CornerExternal grille in the window reveal
The corner version is particularly suitable for an inconspicuous facade. The air flow is concealed above the window reveal – making ventilation virtually invisible.
NordicVentilation for clinker brick facades
The Nordic facade finish blends discreetly into the clinker facade. Even in the composite thermal insulation system, the finish disappears visually into the wall.
How is a wall vent assembled and installed?
Wall vent elements can be integrated into the wall using freehand core drilling. Whether in new buildings or renovations, wall vents can be installed in the exterior wall with minimal effort. Since the elements do not require electricity, you also save time and money during installation.
Such supply air elements are usually placed in the upper part of the room above the radiator. The heat from the radiator warms the fresh outside air and thus prevents unpleasant cold drafts from entering from outside. In addition, inVENTer wall vents are equipped with wind pressure protection to prevent drafts.
Installation tip:
Thanks to the Simplex wall mounting block, installing the aV200 ALD in new buildings is super quick and easy.
What types of wall vents are there?Overview of wall vents from inVENTer
Wall vent aV100 ALDFor easy installation
With an adjustable inner cover and a weather protection grille, the aV100 ALD is perfect for basic residential ventilation.
aV160 ALDFor increased sound insulation
The wall-mounted sleeve with a diameter of 160 mm accommodates an Inventin sound insulation mat. This ensures quiet air exchange.
aV200 ALDFor sound insulation & high air flow rate
The aV200 ALD excels with a particularly high air flow rate and a remarkable standard sound level difference. Thanks to its sound insulation element, ventilation is particularly quiet.
Conclusion: What are the advantages and disadvantages of vall vents?Wall vents in the inVENTer check
A wall vent is an inexpensive option for providing basic ventilation in buildings and preventing potential damage to the structure. Quick to install, outside air vents provide reliable ventilation and replace stale air. However, if you want to ventilate according to your needs and also prevent heat loss, you should opt for ventilation with heat recovery. If you are still unsure at this point, some of our wall vents can also be retrofitted to the energy-efficient version at a later date.
Advantages of wall vents
- Energy-saving & cost-effective
- Combats moisture in interior rooms
- Quick installation in new buildings and renovations
- Sound insulation and wind protection are installed as standard.
- Can be converted to ventilation with heat recovery
Disadvantages of wall vents
- Uncontrolled circulation possible
- Possibly unpleasant drafts
- Depending on external conditions
- Low air exchange rate
- Heat loss
Any questions? Our FAQ
Usually, one device is installed per room. This depends on the size of the room and other factors. Contact us here and we will provide you with a free planning proposal.
For humidity-controlled ventilation, the Aventus is also available with an integrated humidity sensor. This eliminates the need for an external hygrostat. Different fan variants ensure ventilation tailored to your needs.
Yes, outdoor air vents can be supplemented with additional sound insulation material. Accessories can be found in our inVENTer shop.
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