Do Aerefy valves need to communicate with the ventilation unit and maintain pressure?
Aerefy valves do not communicate directly with the ventilation unit – feedback is provided via pressure. The unit is set to maintain a constant pressure in the exhaust duct.
However, the valves can also operate without pressure feedback, since most ventilation units are capable of working within a fairly wide pressure range.
In a room- and demand-based ventilation setup, Aerefy’s dynamic, air-quality monitoring valves are installed only on the exhaust ducts. Each valve is set to remain 10–20% open to ensure base ventilation. As air quality deteriorates, the valves open proportionally up to 100%, providing up to 5× more airflow on a room-by-room basis.
If no pressure feedback is installed and the ventilation unit is manually controlled, the user can adjust the ventilation mode according to building occupancy from the Ventilation Unit control.
Can Aerefy valves be used with all types of ventilation units?
Yes. The ventilation unit is set to run at about 50% speed, the supply diffusers are opened fully, and the Aerefy valves are set to a minimum opening of 20%.
In this way, the valves can regulate airflow up to fivefold depending on valve position. If the ventilation unit is pressure-sensitive, the minimum opening for base ventilation can be set in the 10–20% range.
Which protocols can Aerefy valves use to connect with external systems?
External control is not required, as the valves are intelligent and regulate themselves more precisely than most external systems.
• MQTT protocol is used to read data.
• Valves communicate with the MQTT gateway via LoRa.
• Bluetooth can also be used to configure the valves and read data.
• Network-connected valves send their data to the Aerefy central server, where information can be accessed via API integration.
All configuration changes can be made using these protocols.
What is the payback period of Aerefy valves?
Payback is determined by four factors:
1. Energy savings in operating the ventilation unit – about 50% lower compared to conventional ventilation.
2. Reduced heating and cooling costs – estimated savings up to 35%.
3. Health and productivity benefits – fewer sick days and improved mental performance due to better indoor air quality.
4. Simplified maintenance – unlike damper-based DCV solutions, Aerefy valves are installed outside the ductwork, making cleaning and servicing faster and less costly.
Do Aerefy valves need to be installed on both supply and exhaust ducts?
Exhaust valves alone are sufficient. A room cannot receive more air than is extracted – airflow balances automatically (principle of communicating vessels). It is important that supply diffusers and duct iris dampers are fully opened.
Without pressure control via dampers and diffusers, will air still reach rooms located at the far end of the duct system?
Yes. If air is extracted from the most distant room, fresh air must replace it. Nature abhors a vacuum – air is not pushed in, but drawn in where needed.
Can Aerefy valves be set to close completely?
Standards require ventilation even in unoccupied rooms, so complete closure is not recommended. Many ventilation units also cannot reduce their operation to near zero.
As an exception, Aerefy valves can be fully closed in corridors or other open areas, leaving it to automation to reopen them as required.
In basements where radon accumulation is a risk, base ventilation must always be maintained.
Do all exhaust diffusers need to be replaced with Aerefy valves?
Not necessarily. Rooms that are rarely used (e.g. archives, technical rooms) can be equipped with static valves that provide minimum necessary ventilation.