How to check ventilation in an apartment: rules for checking ventilation ducts

Main malfunctions and solutions

Ventilation systems fail for various reasons. Often this is improper installation and operation, ignoring maintenance, the appearance of mechanical damage and corrosion processes, natural wear of parts and devices. All of them are fraught with typical malfunctions.Let's consider them in more detail.

The most common problem is insufficient air flow in naturally ventilated rooms. Its reason lies in the high tightness of the premises.

The natural system is designed for airflow from doors, wooden windows and other gaps that we try to carefully eliminate during the repair. Hermetic plastic windows, unlike their old wooden counterparts, do not allow air to pass through, blocking all possibilities for its normal circulation.

The same applies to doors that make it difficult to move between rooms. Because of this, condensation and mold stains constantly accumulate on the windows.

Air valves "depressurize" the room exactly as much as required by the conditions for the normal operation of natural ventilation. They will not affect the room temperature in any way.

The way to fix the problem is this: cut small holes in the doors by installing grilles or decorative bushings in them. And also arrange regular cross-ventilation, install valves with a microcirculation function on windows or walls.

The hinged valve for the window is fixed with short self-tapping screws on the influx of the sash. The supply air device is mounted into the wall by drilling an opening and attaching the housing with a sealant.

Another problem is difficult extraction. Its cause can be either a debris plug in the channel, or insufficient power or a compressor breakdown.

To fix this, you will need to clean the air ducts, replace / repair the compressor. The new device must carry out air exchange in a volume of at least 3 cubic meters per hour for each square of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

The appearance of unpleasant odors from the ventilation duct causes leaks in the air duct, corrosion processes, and violation of the integrity of parts.

Way to get rid of the problem: change damaged soft inserts, interflange seals, repair or replace sections and elements of the duct with defects. And also adjust the tightness of the connections.

There may be such a problem as a significant deterioration in air quality and increased resistance of ventilation ducts. Its reason lies in the accumulation of contaminants in the air duct, the low efficiency of filters.

The remedy is to clean the ventilation duct of debris as much as possible, wash and dry the filters or replace them with new ones.

Everyone can replace worn out and excessively dirty filters. Thus, high resistance is removed and air circulation through the channels is established.

The occurrence of loud noise from the air ducts is associated with the penetration of insects, birds, small rodents into the pipeline, insufficient lubrication of the moving parts of the equipment, and strong wind.

To get rid of the problem, it is necessary to attach a protective mesh with self-tapping screws on the sockets of the supply / exhaust channels, regularly lubricate the mechanisms, wrap the pipe with soundproofing material, and install mufflers.

If it is necessary to replace individual parts and carry out a major overhaul of ventilation, you cannot do without the help of an experienced specialist. Otherwise, there is a risk of doing more harm than good.

On your own, it is recommended to carry out only current repairs of ventilation systems, which do not involve significant intervention in the structure and complex dismantling work. For example, soundproofing or cleaning ventilation ducts.In most cases, this is enough to fix basic problems.

Who is responsible?

These and other documents contain a detailed work schedule: the frequency of inspections, terms, methodology, responsible persons, a list of necessary work. The ventilation system of apartment buildings is a common property. The responsibility for the repair and maintenance of common property rests with the management company.

If the company has a license, then it has the right to independently check and repair the ventilation system, if not, then this is done by a specialized organization with which the management company enters into an agreement. The work is paid by the homeowners, making monthly contributions for repairs and maintenance. Prices for these services are reflected in the corresponding line of a single receipt for payment of housing and communal services.

Checking the draft in the ventilation outlets

Let's cut several strips of thin paper 20 cm long, 2-3 cm wide and bring them one by one to the ventilation vents in the apartment at a distance of 5-7 cm. With normally working ventilation, the ends of the strips should touch the edge of the vent, but not be drawn into it.

Suppose a paper strip is barely attracted to the vent, does not deviate at all or deviates in the opposite direction. The ventilation is definitely bad, but you need to find out what's wrong - either the ventilation ducts are clogged, or there is no air flow.

We open the door and window, repeat the experiment with a piece of paper. If this time the strip was pulled into the vent, the ventilation shaft is in order, otherwise it is necessary to look for the cause of its malfunction.

The same can be checked with the flame of a match, lighter or candle, cigarette smoke, but this is highly discouraged.The probability of gas leakage and its accumulation in the ventilation shaft is small, but a piece of wall broken to the neighbors is the minimum of those serious consequences that can occur in this case.

To avoid ignition and explosion of combustible substances accidentally accumulated in the ventilation system, do not use open fire to check the ventilation draft, do not endanger your own and other people's lives

Ventilation is not only checked according to the “yes / no” criterion, but also the speed of air movement in the ventilation duct is measured with an anemometer.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

• fix the readings of the device;
• the measurement result and the size of the ventilation grille in diameter are entered into the formula below;
• we get how much air the ventilation system passes (cubic meters / hour).

Formula for calculation:

Q = V * S * 3600

• Q is the volume of air in cubic meters. m/hour;
• V is the air flow velocity in m/s (measured with an anemometer);
• S is the cross-sectional area of ​​the ventilation hole in m2 (measured with a tape measure).

The standard for a kitchen with an electric stove is 60 cubic meters. m / h, for a bathroom - 25 cubic meters. m/hour. Measurements should be made at a temperature spread of at least 13-15ºС (for example, outside + 7ºС, and in the apartment + 21ºС). Outdoor temperature should not exceed + 5-7ºС.

With warming, ventilation becomes worse, the check will be unreliable. The more the outside air warms up, the greater the measurement error.

The values ​​of the average speed of the air flow supplied by a duct of a certain diameter are obtained empirically

If the thermometer in the apartment shows plus, and on the street at that moment minus, the internal air rushes up from the room through the ventilation duct, because it is lighter and warmer. But with the equalization of temperatures, the thrust in the channel weakens. When in the apartment, for example, + 22ºС, and outside the windows - + 32ºС, the less heated internal air remains below and does not go into the ventilation duct.

The volume of regularly updated air required to perform work and rest in the premises is regulated by the collection of SNiP 41-01-2003

On hot summer days, even absolutely safe natural ventilation ceases to cope or switches to work in the opposite direction. But this is no reason to consider it defective.

In our apartment buildings, supply and exhaust ventilation of the gravitational principle of operation is arranged. It works according to the laws of physics, air masses spontaneously enter the premises and are pulled out through the exhaust duct.

For domestic use, it is enough to buy a simple anemometer model, while professionals use more accurate devices with remote recorders and built-in calculation options

The device of ventilation and chimneys of apartment buildings

Ventilation ducts and chimneys in apartment buildings are diverse in design, execution methods and, ultimately, comfort and safety for residents.

Types of ventilation and smoke exhaust systems

The most common natural, supply and exhaust type of ventilation and chimneys. At the same time, through satellite channels, air or combustion products from the premises enter the common channel (or a collector in the attic), and then into the atmosphere.Air is taken in through natural gaps and leaks in windows and doors.

A more advanced and efficient solution is forced ventilation using exhaust and blower fans. There are hybrid projects combined with a supply and exhaust system, options with air recovery (a heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from the exhaust air to the intake air).

The most productive and stable working is the design, in which the ventilation ducts from each apartment are taken out separately. This increases the stability of the system and prevents the flow of odors and gases into other apartments (for example, when one of the tenants installs a high-power exhaust fan).

Features and nuances of service ↑

Maintenance of smoke and ventilation ducts in apartment buildings is practically not required due to the thoughtfulness of the systems and the characteristics laid down with a margin. According to Soviet SNiPs, up to 80% of air exchange was carried out through window and door blocks. Therefore, the main problem for old high-rise buildings is the replacement of such elements by residents with modern, practically airtight, metal-plastic and steel structures. At the same time, air exchange deteriorates sharply, dampness and fungus appear.

They are mounted under the window above the heating devices for heating the air coming from the street. It is also recommended to leave gaps at the bottom of interior doors or equip them with air-permeable grilles.

Checking, repairing and cleaning ventilation ducts and chimneys is a troublesome and responsible business. Therefore, it is better not to risk the health and lives of loved ones and neighbors.Leave such work to professionals and just enjoy life in a cozy, warm home filled with fresh air.

Hello, friends! Have you ever noticed that fungus began to appear on the walls and tiles in the bathroom, that the unpleasant odors that formed in the apartment do not leave it for a long time? If you answered yes to these questions, then it's time to take action. What, you ask. We answer: it is necessary to check the ventilation in an apartment building. Otherwise - close to trouble.

The symptoms we have listed indicate that the ventilation system has begun to work poorly in the house and in your apartment in particular. To the above, you can still add the poor health of family members, the smell of sewerage in the apartment, humidity and clothes that do not dry for a long time.

Checking ventilation as a vital necessity

It may very well be that behind the ventilation grate the shaft is clogged with dirt.

Ventilation of premises is understood as the entry of air into the apartment from the outside, ensuring its ventilation, displacement of gaseous waste products of humans, animals, etc. Ventilation systems include devices and equipment that ensure the regulation of air exchange. There are several types of ventilation systems, but in multi-storey residential buildings, the supply and exhaust type of ventilation is mainly used.

The absence or inefficient work of it will immediately be noticed by the owners of apartments in a multi-storey building. Main features:

• deterioration in the well-being of people;
• penetration of odors from neighbors;
• the formation of mold, fungus in the bathroom and bathroom;
• high humidity in the rooms, linen that does not dry out for a long time;
• the spread of odors from the toilet, kitchen throughout the apartment.

If these symptoms are present, a ventilation check is performed. Its main goal is to eliminate the listed problems, prevent damage to household items and furniture. The main requirement is the creation of a healthy microclimate.

Who is responsible for checking chimneys and ventilation ducts

So who does the maintenance of ventilation and smoke ducts? By law, only those organizations that meet certain requirements are entitled to this right. First of all, they must have a special license - a similar permit must be obtained from inspection organizations involved in the control of ventilation ducts and chimneys. Without it, not a single entrepreneur is worthy of trust, because it is more expensive for yourself to give the check into the hands of a non-professional.

It is worth talking in more detail about the licenses required by specialists. The first of these is a permit for the installation, maintenance and repair of smoke extraction and smoke ventilation systems. It gives the right to inspect ventilation ducts and chimneys. In order to also clean the smoke exhaust ducts, a second license is required - “Establishment, repair, cladding, thermal insulation and cleaning of stoves, fireplaces, other heat-producing installations and chimneys”. It will not be superfluous to make sure that employees have such permissions before entrusting them with their channels.

Good. Let's say that the executing company has already been selected, and the customer is completely confident in the quality of the services it provides. When is it worth calling its specialists for a periodic check? Of course, there are problems in the smoke and ventilation ducts, but calling people for nothing (and paying ridiculous money for it) is not worth it. The timing of the check must be chosen wisely.

As a rule, inspections of ventilation ducts are carried out on certain dates, for example, before the start of the heating season. After each repair or reconstruction, it is also necessary to check the chimneys and ventilation ducts.

Further terms depend on the material from which the channel is made. Brick products require inspection at least once every three months. Other materials allow you to forget about testing for a much longer period - systems are examined at least once a year.

Do not forget that the winter cold imposes additional requirements on the check: the problem is that during severe frosts, a dangerous amount of ice can accumulate on the heads of the outgoing channels. In order to avoid such troubles during severe cold weather, checks on the condition of hatches should be frequent up to once a month.

Why you need a ventilation test

The performance and operation of ventilation is determined by checking the distribution of air, as well as searching for and identifying faulty mechanisms in the operation of automation. The study of the working condition includes a number of processes, among which:

• Stability of the automation control;
• Inspection of the external condition for the presence of mechanical damage;
• Fan efficiency at various speeds;

The results obtained are compared with the indicators provided by the equipment certificate for compliance with the requirements of the ventilation system for a particular type of room. The final calculations allow you to make a decision on further repair or replacement of faulty mechanisms.

6 Optimizing ventilation performance

In addition, supply valves can be installed in the house. They are built into the wall under the window and provide an additional influx of fresh air.

In order to improve the ventilation of the room in the summer, when air almost does not penetrate into the room on its own, special fans can be installed at the entrances to the ventilation ducts.

Ventilation is especially important where a lot of moisture collects - in the bathroom and toilet. It is also recommended to install fans there.

There are many of them - for example, you can choose a model with a timer that turns on at a given time, and even with a humidity detector that starts working after exceeding the limit threshold. But there are also simple cheap models that have a manual switch or automatically turn on after the light is turned on.

How to check ventilation for problems and determine the source of the problem?

The rules for the operation of ventilation systems from 2017 require management companies to check the serviceability of exhaust ducts every three years. House management and in this case is behaving dishonestly. Diagnostic acts are drawn up formally, for show, with the participation of affiliated persons or companies. But even if the check was carried out by qualified specialists, it does not guarantee the correct operation of the ventilation for 3 years. Feeling stuffy, observing other signs of a lack of air exchange, you should not wait for the scheduled diagnostic period. It is quite possible to check whether the ventilation in the apartment is working independently. To do this, use one of the following methods:

• Cut a sheet of thin paper into strips, 2-3 cm wide.Bringing it to a distance of about 5 cm to the ventilation grille, you can observe how the strips deviate from the vertical, touching the grille ribs. A weak response or even a reverse deflection of the strips is evidence that something is wrong with the thrust. To concretize the situation and make sure the system is in good condition, let's open the window and door in the bedroom and the door of the room where the check is made (kitchen or bathroom). If the draft did not appear with a secure inflow, it can be concluded that the ventilation duct is clogged;
• A smoker manages to regularly check the functionality of the hood by directing a trickle of cigarette smoke there. The remaining actions are similar to the first method;
• There is another, very controversial means of checking ventilation ducts, which is nevertheless often recommended by the content of some sites. The authors suggest bringing a lighter or a burning match to the ventilation grille. The fact is that flammable debris, leaves and cobwebs can be present in the ventilation ducts. If there are gas water heaters in the house, the possibility of gas entering there cannot be ruled out. Therefore, do not tempt fate and use the first two methods.

Self-diagnosis gives only an approximate idea of ​​the state of house ventilation systems. A VDPO specialist checks the draft speed with an anemometer, and after recognizing it and multiplying it by the channel cross section, you can calculate whether the air exchange in your apartment meets the standards. For the kitchen, this is 60 cubic meters / hour, for the toilet - 25.

Methods for optimizing ventilation in an apartment

If the ventilation in the apartment is broken due to the installation of sealed window panes, then use the ventilation mode.We are all familiar with summer ventilation - this is a fully open sash or its position at an angle due to the tilt-and-turn mechanism.

Winter mode is otherwise called microslot, to switch to this mode, you need to turn the window handle by 45º with the sash pressed.

In the winter mode of ventilation, the gap formed between the sash and the frame cannot be visually noticed, but the air seeping into it is quite enough to maintain ventilation

Another way out - use of supply ventilation valves. They are mounted in the outer wall, in the joints filled with mounting foam between the window unit and the wall, in the window profile, below the window sill.

In winter, the ventilation valves slightly draw cold, but in hot summers, air may not flow into them at all. Therefore, it makes sense to additionally equip the entrances to the ventilation ducts with exhaust fans.

The bathroom has to deal with high humidity. Moisture-proof fans built into the vents automatically turn on in response to rising humidity and turn off when the vapors escape, the air becomes drier.

In toilets, a fan with a motion sensor and a timer can be installed in the ventilation system. The fan automatically starts to rotate when someone enters and stops after the time set in the timer. The kitchen will benefit from fans with an air quality sensor that captures cigarette smoke and other unwanted odors.

The throughput characteristics of the valves are different, there are models with adjustment, usually they put from two to four valves per apartment

And finally, about kitchen hoods.Their power is enough to pass a significant part of the air available in the apartment during operation. If there is not enough natural air inflow, the reverse flow of air from the ventilation shaft of the bathroom will inevitably begin. Limit the use of the hood and open a window when you turn it on.

Why, to whom and when it is necessary to examine ventilation

In order for the ventilation system to work flawlessly and for a long time, it is necessary to regularly inspect the ventilation and its scheduled maintenance. Such measures will save you from a sudden failure of the system, deterioration of its operation and save money. Inspection of ventilation, timely elimination of minor defects in work and prevention of large ones are much cheaper than urgent repairs or the purchase of new equipment.

Checking ventilation is a requirement of supervisory and regulatory authorities. It is caused by safety requirements, since a non-working, incorrectly working VS (ventilation system) is the reason for the deterioration of the microclimate in residential, industrial, public premises, in especially dangerous cases - the cause of fires, mass infections, poisoning with hazardous substances.

Periodic diagnostics of ventilation systems

This is a procedure prescribed by law for many organizations, institutions and companies - medical, commercial, catering establishments and others. It is regulated by the provisions of GOST 12.4.021-75, SanPin-ov 2.1.3.2630-10 (for medical institutions), 2.6.1.1192-03, SNiP-ov 3.05.01-85, 41-01-2003. For inspections, they develop a schedule, keep a journal of inspections, and, following the results of each inspection, issue an act of checking ventilation ducts and chimneys (VDPO act).

Several forms of acts of the established form are used for various regulatory authorities - the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Mosoblgaz, Rospotrebnadzor, Mosgaz. Only an organization that has a certificate from the Ministry of Emergency Situations for checking ventilation systems can draw up acts.

Public and domestic premises in which local exhaust, supply, supply and exhaust ventilation systems are equipped are usually checked once every 12 months. Natural or mechanical ventilation in office and residential premises is checked once every 6 months. Premises where the accumulation of fire, explosive, toxic substances (I, II class) is possible - every month. Ventilation in medical institutions is checked once every 6 months.

Scheduled inspection of ventilation is done by specialists. With the help of automated, telemetric equipment, instruments, instrumental measurements and laboratory tests, they evaluate the technical serviceability / malfunction, the performance of the ventilation system. In diagnostics, a micromanometer, anemometer (thermo- and thermo-hygro-), pneumatic tubes, a tachometer, video cameras, suspensions, other tools, devices are used.

An unscheduled check of ventilation systems is carried out if:

• before cleaning;
• lost technical documentation: project, installation diagrams;
• require inspection bodies: usually in such cases they check the effectiveness of the system;
• the object is subject to certification, ventilation - certification: a requirement for industrial workshops, restaurants, clinics, children's institutions, etc.;
• at the facility - scheduled repairs;
• a conclusion on the industrial safety of the structure is required;
• there was an accident, a fire, there were mass diseases;
• the system is to be cleaned and the smoke and ventilation ducts, shafts, units, installations, units are being checked;
• it is planned to modernize the ventilation system.

Sanitary and epidemiological examination of ventilation and air conditioning systems

Often, along with an inspection of ventilation, its sanitary examination is carried out, since, when polluted, sewage becomes a source of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and harmful substances.

The audit of ventilation systems in Moscow and the Moscow region is carried out in accordance with the Decree of 27.08.2004. The results are documented.

During a ventilation audit:

• conduct an examination of documentation, system passports;
• assess how the project and the actual state of the aircraft correlate;
• take measurements of all air indicators;
• evaluate the degree of contamination of the equipment;
• make swabs / scrapings for laboratory research;
• Based on the results, they draw up an act and make recommendations.

Often, as part of a sanitary and epidemiological technical audit, acoustic measurements are carried out, since an incorrectly designed, a malfunctioning CB can become a source of noise

What can affect ventilation performance?

In most cases, our apartments are equipped with a ventilation system, which implies natural ventilation. This refers to the old buildings of high-rise buildings, in which today the majority of urban residents live. Such a ventilation system is cheaper and, accordingly, has been installed everywhere. Its essence lies in the presence of a common ventilation shaft, to which the channels of each apartment are connected. The movement of air is carried out due to various slots and not hermetically closed shutters and doors (which was the case in Soviet times).What is the situation now and what can generally affect the operation of the ventilation duct?

1. There are no gaps in the windows. Many residents of apartment buildings have changed their old wooden windows for new, plastic ones. This led to the fact that the natural course of ventilation of the room was disturbed. This includes the replacement of doors with metal ones, with various heaters. In order for normal ventilation to occur, it is necessary to slightly open the windows, which violates the warmth of the room (during the cold season). If this is not done, then it is quite possible that the room will become damp and mold will appear.
2. Insufficiently good ventilation may be due to the overlap made during the repair of another apartment, or a powerful hood in the channel. The overlap, of course, should be removed, as well as the hood, since such a system does not require such air power in the ventilation duct. A banal clogging of the channel is also possible, in which case, if possible, you can do the cleaning yourself, and if not, then call special services.
3. A very common problem is the deterioration of ventilation in summer, when it is very hot. In this case, the laws of physics are to blame, since this method of ventilation assumes the presence of a temperature difference between the outside and inside the room. In summer, there is practically no such difference, so ventilation may deteriorate. It was assumed that in the summer airing would take place through open windows. You can help a little in such a situation by systematically cleaning the ventilation, but it would be better to use forced ventilation in the summer months.

Two ventilation options

The ventilation system in an apartment building can be arranged in different ways - a lot here depends on the layout of the apartments and the building materials used. Air removal can be carried out according to two schemes. Let's describe each of them.

Scheme 1. Summing up the ventilation shaft to the attic, where it goes into a horizontal box.

Here, sealed air ducts are combined into a common channel that rises above the roof. All air is fed into a horizontal box, through it it enters the common channel and is discharged outside. The moving air mass collides with the walls of the duct, which creates an area of ​​high pressure and leads to the street through the nearest hole.

Scheme 2. Output of all ventilation ducts to the attic.

Ventilation in an apartment building is arranged in such a way that the attic works as an intermediate chamber. The ventilation shaft is brought out through the roof.

Backdraft in the MKD ventilation system usually does not occur. This is due to the small length of the channels (40 centimeters).

A typical apartment building ventilation system works as follows:

• air from the housing is removed through the ventilation grill and sent to the adjacent channel;
• satellite channels are connected into a common box;
• air masses through a single duct enter the prefabricated line;
• protective boxes close all ventilation shafts in the attic of the MKD;
• The exhaust air enters the atmosphere through a vertical exhaust duct.

Ventilation system: types and principle of operation

Combined ventilation system

Well-functioning ventilation in a house or apartment creates comfortable conditions for its inhabitants

After all, it is very important what kind of air we breathe - filled with freshness or amber from fried cutlets. When the system is functioning normally, no one notices its work. When the glass on the windows fogs up, the smells of food do not disappear, there is stale air in the rooms, and what is even worse blows from the hood into the apartment with the windows closed, it becomes clear that there is no ventilation

When the glass on the windows fogs up, the smells of food do not disappear, there is stale air in the rooms, and what is even worse blows from the hood into the apartment with the windows closed, it becomes clear that there is no ventilation.

Three types of ventilation are used in construction:

1. Natural ventilation. The principle of its operation is the natural movement of air. Due to the different temperature and pressure of the atmosphere indoors and outdoors, air enters the house through windows, doors, existing gaps. Flowing smoothly throughout the house - it leaves through the vents in the bathroom, in the kitchen. Such a flow of air masses occurs when nothing prevents them.
2. mechanical ventilation. Her work takes place with the use of ventilation equipment. Under its influence, fresh air enters the apartment or house, and the exhaust is forced out.
3. mixed ventilation. This is the most common system, when air is supplied naturally and removed using an exhaust unit.

For their proper operation, supply and exhaust ventilation ducts are required. Without such a foundation, the system does not exist.