Ventilation diffuser

The ventilation system is one of the key engineering systems of residential, office and industrial premises. Efficient operation of the ventilation system improves comfort and maintains a healthy microclimate. This article will focus on a small but important element of the ventilation system - the diffuser.

What is a diffuser for ventilation?

Diffuser - This is a ventilation grill of complex design, which also performs the function of a decorative element. It is intended for input and output of air masses from the room. It also contributes to the efficient mixing and movement of air masses indoors.

Installation location for diffuser

Diffusers are divided by type of mounting:

wall mounted;
Ceiling
outdoor.

Diffusers can be installed indoors (internal), and outside (external).

Most apartments are equipped with ventilation ducts located on the walls of the kitchen and bathroom. Ventilation in such apartments works to remove the exhaust air masses from the living quarters. In this case, conventional grilles are installed in the ventilation ducts. There is no need for diffusers.

The situation changes when a suspended ceiling is installed. To connect to the duct, a diffuser is mounted, the purpose of which is to efficiently remove air from the room.

When designing supply and exhaust ventilation with a network of ducts, in a residential, or any other room, the presence of the product is mandatory. They are mounted in accordance with the developed project. This element of the ventilation system is often mounted in commercial premises: shops, gyms, beauty salons, cafes, banks and others.

Purpose of the ventilation diffuser

The main objective of the element is the effective distribution of air masses in the room. What does this mean in practice? If the fresh air duct ended in an open hole in the room, this would create a lot of problems - the formation of a draft, the presence of dead air zones, due to uneven ventilation. For uniform distribution of air and giving it the right direction, a diffuser is mounted.

Due to the design features, it is able to regulate the volume of incoming air. The design of some options allows you to change the feed or exhaust air masses. If necessary, the device allows you to completely shut off the air supply.

Since diffusers are the final element of the ventilation system, they have an attractive decorative look.

Diffusers differ in the type of destination:

Supply Mounted to ducts that supply fresh air to the room.
Exhaust. Mounted to ducts that exhaust exhaust air from the room.
Supply and exhaust. Considered a universal option, can be installed both on the inflow and outflow of air.
Combined. More complex device. The decorative body has openings that are responsible for both the supply and outflow of air masses. Connect to two different ducts.

Types of Ventilation Diffusers

The ventilation equipment market offers a wide range of these devices - wall, ceiling, floor. This element of the ventilation system is classified according to other parameters.

Material separation

On sale you can find products from three types of body materials:

Plastic case. The most common option. Differ in reasonable price and smaller weight. The characteristics are not inferior to metal counterparts. They can have a designer look.
Metal case. Different types of metal are used. The case can be made of aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel. They are distinguished by greater strength and durability. It is not recommended to install in central airs. The metal tends to cool quickly, which can lead to condensation.
Wooden case. It is mounted mainly in baths and saunas. It can be made to order.

Shape differences

Products are divided according to the shape of the case:

Round. They can be adjustable and unregulated, have a different diameter.
Rectangular and square. They can also be equipped with an airflow adjustment function.

Design Features

Models of different types of fastening and purpose can have more narrow design features.

Slotted. The incoming air passes through a series of slots in the device. The number of slots can vary from 1 to 6 - with a slit height of 8 to 25 mm. Some models have the function of directing the air flow. Mounted in suspended and tiered ceilings.
Inkjet. By passing air through itself, the structure forms it into one or more jets. Increases air speed and range. Models are mobile and stationary.
Perforated. Equipped with a large number of small holes. Promote uniform and balanced air supply or exhaust.
Whirlwind. They differ in the radial arrangement of jumpers. When passing through them, the air swirls in the form of a funnel. This design increases the speed of air supply and the efficiency of its mixing. Mounted in rooms with the need for quick air exchange, such as a bathroom. To avoid drafts, you can install a swirl diffuser with a static pressure chamber.
Linear. It has an elongated shape with a small number of through slots.

Other types are available for sale.

Advantages and disadvantages of a diffuser for ventilation

The benefits include:

simplicity of installation and operation;
function of adjustment and direction of fresh air supply;
the operation of the device eliminates the formation of stagnant air zones;
Attractive decorative look that fits perfectly into the modern interior.

The undoubted advantage of the device is the efficient air distribution in large storage rooms.

Disadvantages:

drafts in certain circumstances.

This issue is resolved by installing a plenum box. It prevents the formation of drafts.

How to choose a diffuser for ventilation?

To choose the right product, you should pay attention to several criteria.

Section. The product is selected in accordance with the diameter of the cross section of the air channel to which it will be connected. Product parameters and channel cross-section must be consistent.
Body material. The product should be selected, taking into account the nature of the room and the temperature of the air flow. In air conditioning systems it is better to install plastic products. For the arrangement of external ventilation systems, it is preferable to use metal cases.
Body design. A wide range of decorative solutions is on sale. Selection of a product according to this criterion is a matter of taste or style created in the room.
Required volumes and speed of air entering the room.

Reference! The noise level generated by the device in residential premises should not exceed 45-55 decibels.

In accordance with the required criteria, you can choose an option from the manufacturer's catalog.

Mounting methods for the ventilation diffuser

Three options for connecting to a ventilation system are available.

Directly to flexible ventilating sleeves or a rigid box.
Mounting to the ventilation system through the static pressure chamber. This option is more preferable. Mounting the camera requires a larger gap between the main and decorative ceiling.
Into an existing ventilation duct located in the wall.

All products go on sale with latches intended for installation, or holes for bolts and self-tapping screws. This element of the ventilation system must be installed in a specially prepared hole with the appropriate diameter.

Placement in the ventilation channel

When installing the product in a hard channel, you should follow a certain sequence.

The parameters of the inlet to the channel are determined. Depending on the size of the box, an appropriate diffuser is selected.
The diffuser is being installed in the opening.
The device is checked for reliable fixation in the ventilation channel. The latched latches should snap into place.

Mounting in corrugation or metal sleeve

The installation sequence of the diffuser in a flexible ventilation sleeve.

The end of the flexible corrugation is pulled out of the ventilation duct.
An air diffuser of the corresponding diameter is attached to the inlet of the corrugation.
At the end of the work done, the sleeve is introduced into the channel first, and then the diffuser. Entering the device continues until a characteristic click. The device should evenly, without cracks, adjoin the ceiling or wall.

Popular diffuser models, their cost and manufacturers

The considered element of the ventilation system is not a luxury. Prices start at an average of 100 rubles for a diffuser with a diameter of up to 100 mm. A similar option made of stainless steel will cost more - 800 rubles. The most expensive will be a square diffuser 600 mm by 600 mm. Its price can reach up to 2200 rubles per unit.

The price also depends on the manufacturer. The most affordable products are Russian-made - firms Arktos, Airone, Era and Vanvent. Products from the Latvian brand Europlast and the Swedish company Systemair will cost more.