Grilles in ventilation systems, uses and types

The ventilation grilles are much more important than estimated. They appear in strategic places in rooms to renew the air, but they are not just simple vents as often thought. Because the grilles in ventilation systems transport the intake or extraction air between the rooms and the outside.

Too often, it is estimated that the ventilation grilles are simply decorative covers in front of a vent -as seen in the past in places like doors or walls near the ceiling-, but with the advent of mechanical ventilation systems this type of accessory became indispensable for air renewal indoors.

All grilles in ventilation systems have a specific design to improve the flow of extraction or intake, which is why they have active parts that require a specific design. Their placement and shape will decisively influence the ventilation of the spaces, as the important thing is not just that the air filters or passes through the blades of the grilles, but that intake and extraction are guaranteed.

Some of the situations in which the grilles in ventilation systems will influence are the following:

• It is important that they limit the noise that the air may make when passing through the filaments.
• Likewise, they must be able to avoid vibrations.
• They must solve pressure loss when passing through them.
• They must be able to distribute air in the room without leakage zones.
• As with all systems where air passes, they can get dirty, and it is convenient that they are easy to clean.

Ventilation grilles are the final element of an installation to renew air indoors, but their installation must be planned from the very beginning. It is essential that in the areas where they are installed, no areas are generated where air does not reach in its entirety, and they must also adapt to the maximum ventilation flows. Because, if this were not the case, they could generate noise and other inconveniences for those living indoors.

Another of the conditions of the grilles in ventilation systems is that, being the final element we mentioned, it will often be the only visible one. Therefore, it is important to try to achieve esthetic ventilation grilles, with different shapes and finishes. They can also vary in colors to match the furniture or doors and can be found in different materials. Some have aluminum finishes, while others are plastic.

How many grilles in ventilation systems are necessary? It will depend, in any case, on the type of installation carried out and the size of the building. Similarly, a good installation will be required so that we need fewer grilles, partly thanks to shorter ducts and fewer bends.

Grilles in simple or double flow ventilation systems

The installation and choice of grilles in ventilation systems will be influenced based on the type of system we choose. Considering that mechanical ventilation can be of simple flow -only extraction or intake are carried out mechanically- or of double flow -both intake and extraction are carried out mechanically-, the type of grille we install will be different:

• Grilles in simple flow ventilation systems. Air extraction is carried out through mechanical systems and ducts. Air intake, on the other hand, occurs through ventilation grilles that are usually located above windows. The grilles do not have a direct connection to a fan, but the airflow goes directly from the outside to the grille, which introduces it into the rooms. In this type of system, air is introduced into homes through dry places, such as bedrooms and living rooms, and from there it will reach the humid areas: kitchens and bathrooms. There may be internal grilles between rooms in this type of ventilation system.
• Grilles in double flow ventilation systems. In this type of installations, air supply occurs mechanically, just like extraction. They tend to be low-profile grilles with different finishes, so they can be installed in any room. They are capable of achieving good aerodynamic function of air between rooms, thus avoiding leakage zones in large rooms.

In the case of double flow systems, it may be necessary to use several grilles for air supply. Mechanical air extraction is also carried out through ducts, so it will be necessary to use grilles in ventilation systems for extraction in the humid areas of the building.