Why does the hood blow in the opposite direction in the apartment: the main causes and ways to eliminate reverse thrust

Ventilation problems in an individual residential building

Building air exchange system

In a country cottage, the main generator of hazardous emissions is a gas boiler with an open combustion chamber. Adequate aeration is essential for its efficient and safe operation. Reverse ventilation in a private house may occur due to a violation of construction technology, as well as improper installation of the ventilation system.This is usually due to the formation of ventilation ducts and shafts in solid panels.

Another reason for the occurrence of a reverse air flow is the lack of natural ways for air to enter from the street in a hermetically sealed room. What to do in this case? Mechanical (forced) air exchange is organized in the house or cottage.

To face the problem of reverse ventilation, the gas heater must be installed following the rules:

• calculate and select a boiler with sufficient volume of the combustion chamber;
• select, according to the calculation, the diameter of the through passage for the gases of the outlet pipe;
• bring the chimney to the desired height;
• there should not be any differences in diameters (narrowed and widened places) in the venting channel itself.

The correct output of the external exhaust pipe is also important. As a rule, in the attic compartment, all flows are collected into one, and it is displayed on the roof. When installing a pipe, a number of factors are taken into account:

• the pipe is masked behind the roof ridge so that the wind does not blow into the outlet;
• the section of the pipe in contact with the external environment is covered with thermal insulation to prevent the formation of ice;
• a protective cap from snow and rain is installed on top, but it will be more efficient to use, nevertheless, a deflector (in addition to the protective function, it will also increase traction).

Eliminating the causes of reverse ventilation will ensure normal sanitary and hygienic parameters of the microclimate in the room, the safety of the structure and internal filling of the house or apartment, as well as the safety of living.

Ways to fix the situation

• if the problems are related to the incorrect movement of air flows in the ventilation system, then the problem can be solved by purchasing and installing a deflector. This equipment is specially designed to normalize the movement of air in the channels;
• when the mine is clogged with various debris, an obvious action will help - cleaning. If we are talking about a private house with a height of one or two floors, then you can handle it yourself. The main thing - do not forget to ensure your own safety, because the work is carried out on the roof. If we are talking about an apartment building, then in this case, to solve the problem, it is necessary to invite a specialist with the necessary skills and equipment;
• in the presence of a large number of drafts in the room that interfere with the normal flow of air, only redevelopment with the construction of partitions will help;
• if there is a staircase in a private house or two-story apartment, then it can also adversely affect the operation of the ventilation system. Moreover, the straighter it is, the less its impact on air mass flows. This point should be taken into account even during construction. But if the stairs already exist, and this has led to a problem, then it will have to be moved.

Troubleshooting

After finding out the reason reverse thrust you will have to think about how to remove it. You can fix some problems yourself, but for others, the issue is resolved by contacting the managing organization. But let's take a closer look at how to eliminate each of the above causes:

• elimination of blockage. If the shaft is clogged, then there is only one way to restore the movement of air - to remove everything that interferes with it.You can try to do it yourself, but only from the side of the apartment. The procedure can be carried out using a regular dishwashing brush - where you can reach it, clean it there. Although blockages are usually located much deeper, such an operation will still not hurt - you will remove accumulated dirt from the walls of the channel, which will only bring benefits. But from the side of the roof, only the managing organization can deal with cleaning the mine. First, working at height requires a certain qualification. Secondly, only a professional should climb into the common house mine, since any violation of its performance in the event of incorrect actions will leave the entire entrance without ventilation. Thirdly, the mine can bring many surprises. Well, if the blockage is really caused by nesting branches or some kind of debris. And if there, for example, a hornet's nest? This happens quite often, and most often the inhabitants of such a dwelling are quite alive, healthy and serious about active defense. In general, there is no need to take risks - go to the office managing the house and write a statement so that a specialist is sent to you to clean the ventilation;
• solving problems with air flow. But this item is exclusively in your hands, the management company will not help here. If you have problems with the inflow, then the solution is either regular ventilation (every 3 hours for 15 minutes) or installation of appropriate equipment. As the latter, supply valves are most often used: they can be mounted either in the wall or in the double-glazed window itself. You can read about how to do it yourself on our website;
• elimination of design errors.Naturally, you cannot have anything to do with this at all, since this procedure requires a major overhaul of the house. Therefore, in this case, you only need a statement to the management company about the poor performance of the system. From there, a specialist should come and conduct testing. If the problem is confirmed, then the management company will figure out what to do and who is to blame.

Causes of reverse thrust

If you have found out that reverse thrust really takes place, then the next logical step is to establish the causes of this phenomenon. The reason could be the following:

• mine clogging. Most of the time, this is where the problem lies. If the channels are clogged with foreign bodies, then this reduces the chances of air to pass along the desired route. Sometimes there is a complete blockage, so the air masses have nowhere to go, except sadly return home - that is, where they originally left. Clogged ventilation shafts can be due to several factors. Sometimes, unfortunately, people are the cause - some fans of sitting on the roof consider the pipes located on it to be an excellent garbage can. Another reason is the natural buildup of dirt on the channel walls. This happens when preventive cleaning has not been done for many years. But birds are the most common contaminant. Birds, guided by security issues and wanting to quickly acquire a home for a new cell of bird society, often arrange nests right in the ventilation pipe that goes to the roof. Naturally, at the end of the season, they do not care about eliminating the traces of their stay.Sometimes you can find quite a few of these nests in one place. Gradually, they turn into a real cork. And sometimes the birds themselves are added to them, for some reason they set off on their last journey in the ventilation shaft. In general, as you can see, there are many reasons for clogging;
• insufficient volume of air entering the room. As mentioned above, external factors are important for the correct outflow of air masses. Ideally, air exchange occurs as follows: fresh cool air enters the room and is located near the floor due to its high density. Thus, he “pushes out” the already exhausted and warm air masses up. So they go through the ventilation duct to the street. If there are problems with the supply of fresh air, then this will immediately affect the volume of outflow. This is also a fairly common cause of reverse thrust, especially in recent years. Plastic double-glazed windows that have become popular negatively affect the flow of fresh air, since they are completely sealed when closed;
• improper design of the ventilation system. The human factor should not be discounted. It happens that some mistake was made during the design - and as a result, the ventilation system simply does not cope with the duties assigned to it. However, you will not be able to diagnose this cause yourself, since this is within the competence of specialists from the organization of the corresponding direction.

Ways to normalize traction

Summing up, let's clarify once again how to increase weak traction and prevent it from tipping over.The choice of method depends on the reasons for the violation of air flows. Sometimes it is recommended to adopt more than one method - consult with professionals so as not to make even more mistakes.

Structural changes to the chimney

• It was noted a little higher that the chimney may not be made correctly:
• too low upper edge of the pipe;
• narrowed aisles;
• a lot of extra bends, etc.

Such defects must be corrected.

Stabilizers

A reliable chimney draft stabilizer is one of the most effective solutions. Devices of modern type are equipped with automation. It is enough to turn on the device when there are problems with the direction and strength of air flows in the chimney. As soon as the pressure level reaches the optimum level, the device turns itself off.

• Such a device makes a significant contribution to improving traction:
• we are talking about an extension in the form of an umbrella on the chimney;
• under the umbrella there is an open area for air access from the outside;
• under the cap of the umbrella there is a temperature sensor for recording the temperature of rising gases from the furnace or column;
• the sensor is automatically switched off due to overheating by gases accumulated during poor draft.

Rotary tubes

Unfortunately, in calm weather, the efficiency of the rotary tube is minimal. But on the other hand, the ingress of debris and precipitation into the chimney is almost completely excluded. To understand all the intricacies of this method, a video with step-by-step instructions will help you.

An additional plus of rotary pipes: the operation of the turbine continues even when the heating is turned off.

Revision of the ventilation system

• In most cases, it is enough to analyze the ventilation in the house, and thereby eliminate the back draft.As noted above, you should carefully:
• regulate the formation of drafts;
• prevent rarefaction of air in a heated room;
• if necessary, install ventilation devices on the windows.

Never forget: the thrust must not have a reverse motion. With a strong tipping over, there is a threat not only of smoke in the room, but also of sparks, followed by ignition of surrounding objects. If you have any difficulties, invite an experienced specialist to solve the problem with traction.

How ventilation works in a house with several floors

In order to understand the reasons why it blows from the ventilation into the apartment, it is necessary to understand how it functions in normal mode. Living indoors, each of us carries out a huge number of actions that lead to the fact that the air in it is polluted and humidity increases. When everything is working normally, we do not notice, because it is completely cleared, but when any failure occurs, the negative effect is immediately noticeable.

Most of the apartments are not equipped with a mechanical type system, usually it is a supply and exhaust type. Such an extract works as simply as possible: air enters the house through various slots, openings or windows. Due to this, draft is formed, which removes heavy air into the ventilation. It becomes clear that a constant air flow from the outside is a necessity. That is why the old-style standards indicated that air should enter through window, door and other openings. And modern technologies, on the contrary, create hermetic connections that do not allow the formation of air flow and this causes difficulties in the natural ventilation of the room.

Influence of the hood

Modern exhaust units have high power, which is a definite plus, because it makes it possible to eliminate the fumes that form during cooking. However, there is also a negative impact, in cases where the power is excessively high. The fact is that when it takes too much air from the apartment, a reverse draft is formed and it comes from the hood, which is located in another part of the apartment, as a rule, this is a bathroom.

This problem is solved very simply. To avoid the appearance of reverse draft in the toilet, it is enough to open the window, window or door for the period when the hood is used in the kitchen. This will allow air to circulate freely.

Checking the correct operation of ventilation

You can diagnose a failure in the operation of ventilation yourself

In order for the air exchange rate in the apartment to be sufficient, it is necessary to check the efficiency of the ventilation openings. The simplest and most effective way is to attach a sheet of paper or a piece of newspaper to the grate closing the channel with the door, window, transom or window previously open. If the sheet sticks to it and holds without outside help, aeration is effective. Otherwise, the reverse flow of air into the apartment blows the sheet onto the floor.

"Trial by fire" consists in the study of the behavior of the wick of a burning candle, brought to the ventilation duct. The inefficiency of the draft or the incorrect operation of the ventilation is indicated by the immobility of the tongue of the flame or its deviation towards the room, and not the grate.

How to determine that ventilation is not working properly?

There are several main factors by which you can determine that the ventilation system is faulty:

• extraneous odors appear from the ventilation hole;
• windows fog up in the apartment;
• mold has appeared in the room;
• there is a draft with closed windows and doors;
• during frosts in a room with a hood it becomes very cold.

If the ventilation system is faulty, windows fog up in the apartment. If you suspect that there is a malfunction in the ventilation system, you can conduct a small test. You will need a sheet of paper that can completely cover the vent. It is necessary to create a draft - open all the doors and windows in the apartment. After that, it is worth attaching a sheet of paper to the hood. If the grate holds the sheet tightly, there is no problem with ventilation. In the event that the paper flies off the grate, there is a reverse thrust. This suggests that polluted air enters the apartment, and not vice versa.

Another way to check draft in the kitchen is to use a candle. First of all, it is necessary to create natural ventilation. To do this, open the window in the kitchen and the door to the bathroom. A candle is lit. Ventilation works properly if the flame deviates towards the hood. If it slopes in the opposite direction, it is necessary to clean the air duct. An important condition for this check is to turn off the electric cooker hood, as it creates artificial draft.

The operation of ventilation can be checked with a candle flame or a lighter.

Natural ventilation at home

What is this ventilation system? In fact, this is a complex of air ducts in a private house or a system of shafts in an apartment building, in which there is one main riser, stretched from the basement to the roof. It is he who creates traction due to the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.And the greater this difference, the stronger the hood works. Let's add the wind perpendicular pressure according to the type of cross sections. This is when the wind blows in a horizontal direction relative to the riser, and behind it it pulls air from the ventilation. That is, the suction of air from the premises occurs naturally, and not with the help of additional equipment such as a fan.

Of course, in such a system there must be an influx of air so that a vacuum does not form inside the house or the draft does not decrease. Therefore, vents are left in the foundation or holes are made in the floor of the first floor.

This is interesting: Do-it-yourself heating of a two-story house with forced circulation - scheme, design

Evaluation of the ventilation system

To find out what the deviations in ventilation are due to, it is required to invite independent specialists who check the operation of the system. They compare the obtained indicators with the data given in the regulations. Specialists describe in detail the deviations in the operation of the ventilation system, and make a conclusion about the operability of the system, as well as give recommendations to the customer.

The review can be divided into three stages:

• Verification of all available design documentation related to the ventilation system. At this stage, experts evaluate the rationality of using design solutions and existing equipment, the correctness of its use and the compliance of documentation with building codes and state standards.
• Checking installation work. This stage consists in assessing the quality of the mounted elements of the air duct, channel and other equipment.
• Search for breakdowns and shortcomings of work. The state of the system and its performance as a whole are assessed.Real indicators of air outflow are compared with the data included in the project.

Ways to solve problems

To remove the overturning of air mass flows, it is sometimes enough to completely ventilate the room. This should be done immediately after detecting unpleasant odors. A quick change in atmospheric pressure in half of the cases helps to solve the problem.

To normalize the operation of the ventilation system, a deflector is used, this is a special device for regulating air flows. According to the results of the study, experts indicate the optimal time for its installation, so that a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere reigns in the apartment again.

Depending on the cause of the rollover, the following steps may help resolve the problem:

• cleaning of ventilation shafts from pollution in the form of debris, dirt, soot (special services are engaged in such work);
• redevelopment of the premises if the ventilation does not work well due to drafts;
• removing or changing the location of objects that affect the movement of air (a common problem is the installation of stairs, a curved design is recommended to prevent unpleasant situations).

Residents of multi-apartment buildings periodically have to deal with problems associated with improper functioning of the ventilation system. In most cases, restoring normal operation requires a minimum of effort, you just need to determine the cause of the unpleasant situation. The complexity of the repair varies in different situations, sometimes it can be done independently, sometimes you can not do without the help of specialists in this field.

Preventive measures

Installing a deflector helps to avoid wind blowing into the channel

Eliminating the problem of reverse thrust can take a lot of effort, time and money. To avoid this, you need to take preventive measures. Key Tips:

• The system must be in good condition.
• Fans and hoods should not be placed in ventilation ducts. You can only use recirculating hoods or bring their outflow to the street through a wall or window.
• Deflectors and rotary turbines are placed at the end of the riser.
• Organization of the influx of fresh air from the street in any way possible, including in winter.
• Installation of interior doors to block the possibility of a draft that affects reverse draft.
• Cleaning in the winter of the system from ice and snow.
• Periodic check of ventilation.

These measures will help to avoid most of the problems that cause backdraft and out of ventilation blowing cold air into the apartment.

Ventilation problems in an individual residential building

In a country cottage, the main generator of hazardous emissions is a gas boiler with an open combustion chamber. Adequate aeration is essential for its efficient and safe operation. Reverse ventilation in a private house may occur due to a violation of construction technology, as well as improper installation of the ventilation system. This is usually due to the formation of ventilation ducts and shafts in solid panels.

Another reason for the occurrence of a reverse air flow is the lack of natural ways for air to enter from the street in a hermetically sealed room. What to do in this case? Mechanical (forced) air exchange is organized in the house or cottage.

To face the problem of reverse ventilation, the gas heater must be installed following the rules:

• calculate and select a boiler with sufficient volume of the combustion chamber;
• select, according to the calculation, the diameter of the through passage for the gases of the outlet pipe;
• bring the chimney to the desired height;
• there should not be any differences in diameters (narrowed and widened places) in the venting channel itself.

The correct output of the external exhaust pipe is also important. As a rule, in the attic compartment, all flows are collected into one, and it is displayed on the roof. When installing a pipe, a number of factors are taken into account:

• the pipe is masked behind the roof ridge so that the wind does not blow into the outlet;
• the section of the pipe in contact with the external environment is covered with thermal insulation to prevent the formation of ice;
• a protective cap from snow and rain is installed on top, but it will be more efficient to use, nevertheless, a deflector (in addition to the protective function, it will also increase traction).

Eliminating the causes of reverse ventilation will ensure normal sanitary and hygienic parameters of the microclimate in the room, the safety of the structure and internal filling of the house or apartment, as well as the safety of living.

The work of ventilation and hoods is imperceptible, but it is one of the main systems in an apartment building and ensures comfortable living in an apartment. Without proper functioning, unpleasant odors from the entrance, toilet and kitchen will appear in the premises.

In addition, the lack of ventilation leads to the formation of mold and fungus on the walls and ceiling. Let's look at how the hood works in the kitchen, bathroom or toilet. And we will know what to do in this case.

How to set up the work of hoods?

After analyzing all the possible options for the appearance of problems, it remains to decide how to get rid of odors once and for all, and to establish the operation of the hood.You have seen that the operation of the hood is affected not only by internal damage, but also by the environment. Due to changes in atmospheric pressure or humidity, imbalances can also occur. What to do in case of malfunction of the hood?

Gate is used as an amplifier

Sometimes the occurrence of such troubles is preceded by prolonged use of the stove or fireplace (due to the accumulated heavy air). A question of this nature can also be dealt with extremely quickly with the help of a stabilizer that optimizes air flow in the ventilation system. Do not forget about the regular cleaning of the chimney.

If the above cases are not your thing, then the following methods can help get rid of problems:

• create a fresh air flow;
• clean the ventilation ducts;
• remove snow and ice;
• in extreme cases, contact the repair service.

To check the health of the ventilation system, a sheet of paper is enough. Bring it to the grate, open the window and see if the air attracts the paper. Ventilation is impaired if the sheet is not held. An ordinary lighter is also suitable for testing, the flame of which will bend when violated.

Reverse thrust is a common problem, and not only comfort, but also, most importantly, your health depends on its timely correction. Think about it before you let things slide. In the modern world, there are specialists in any field who will help you get rid of breakdowns in a quality and professional manner.

Ventilation problems in multi-apartment buildings

In multi-apartment buildings, the failure of ventilation, and in particular the formation of back draft, leads to a number of problems. Residents of apartments in this case complain about fogging of windows, humid air, increased mold formation.

All this provokes the development of dangerous diseases of the respiratory system, such as bronchial asthma.

If there is a suspicion that the air exchange in the room is disturbed, first of all you need to check it yourself. If the suspicion is confirmed, you should contact the house management company to resolve this problem.

It is forbidden to take any measures on your own in this case. The only thing that can be done is to clean the ventilation grill at the entrance to the apartment.

One of the most common causes of reverse draft, causing a malfunction of ventilation in an apartment building, is the redevelopment of the premises of the neighbors, which is not coordinated with the competent organizations.

In this case, both part and the entire ventilation duct can be dismantled.

If the violation of air exchange is caused by the installation of plastic windows and doors, a supply fan can solve the problem.

At the same time, it is important to comply device installation rules in apartment buildings and ensure silence for residents of neighboring apartments

Also in large houses there is often a problem on the upper floors. This is due to the peculiarities of the operation of the ventilation system itself.

In order for everything to work properly, there must be at least 2 meters from the last vent to the outlet on the roof. In modern buildings, this is difficult to implement.

To solve this problem, additional devices are installed that bring air outside, or the ventilation ducts are expanded.

The quality of ventilation is an important element for maintaining a favorable microclimate in the apartment.

The difficulty of living in apartment buildings is due to the fact that ventilation problems can begin with one of the neighbors, and all residents of the house will suffer.

That is why, if there are problems with traction, you should definitely contact specialists who can conduct a comprehensive check and identify the cause of the violation of air exchange.

Where to go

The ventilation of the apartment building is general. If there are problems, reverse thrust will appear in all apartments, so you need to act together. First of all, you need to discuss the problem with all the residents of the entrance. It is possible that a very powerful hood has been installed in one apartment, which harms the operation of the entire system.

Next, you should contact the management company with a request to find and solve the problem. In the event of the appearance of cold, musty air, you can contact the Gorgaz. This decision is due to the fact that ventilation is a security system. It is the presence of reverse thrust that does not make it possible to ventilate the room from energy carriers and its combustion products.

Elimination Methods

Supply valve on a metal-plastic window

To remove the reverse thrust, it is necessary to bring the ventilation system into working condition. The main ways to restore work that you can do yourself include:

• Check valve installation. The device will not allow the old air to return to the room again.
• Installation of inlet valves on windows.Thanks to this mechanism, fresh air will enter the house, even if the window is closed. The intensity can be adjusted. It is also possible to install fans, debris grates and other nozzles for cleaning, heating and cooling air masses in the valves.
• When installing a powerful hood, it is necessary to balance its performance. The volume of incoming air must be equal to the amount of air being displaced.

If the draft is caused by weather conditions, you need to wait until the normal temperature and humidity values, as well as the wind direction, are restored. Such factors are temporary and do not depend on the person. With frequent influences of weather conditions, you need to think about redevelopment of the system.

Once every 5 years it is necessary to clean the ventilation

If damage has occurred, due to which the hood blows in the opposite direction in a private house, you need to call a repair service. Specialists carry out the following activities:

• They protect the mouth of the mine if the draft is formed due to strong gusts of wind.
• Restore damaged structures, repair or replace them.
• Cleaning channels. It must be carried out with a certain frequency. It is forbidden to clean the ventilation yourself.

It is not always possible to correct factors that affect traction. For example, the features of the layout of the room may be such that stale air will return to the room. In large rooms without walls and partitions, drafts will appear that affect the overall ventilation system in the house. Stagnant air masses can also return from the stairs to the second floor.

Why there is a problem

Normally, the system should take dirty air from inside and provide a full and timely supply of clean air, but sometimes various violations can occur. If the ventilation works in the opposite direction, what to do in this case? First, you need to analyze the possible causes of this phenomenon:

• Perhaps the problem lies in improper installation, if the pipe, which should go outside, is not positioned correctly, relative to wind currents. In this case, the wind may simply begin to blow inside this pipe, and cold air will fly into the apartment.
• It may happen that in the ventilation ducts

  there will be a kind of blockage from cold air and steam, as a result of which these mixed substances will interfere with normal ventilation.

• Mechanical obstacles can also form, which are very different, ranging from dirt and soot, which could form with long use and lack of cleaning, and ending with bird nests, if some birds suddenly decided to settle in the pipe.
• If the room is large and at the same time there are no partitions in it, then there are formed their own air flows, in other words, drafts. Their presence may interfere with the normal operation of the ventilation system.
• Various artificial objects and sources of air flow also interfere with work. This can apply to both fans and heaters, as well as the usual hood in the kitchen. Modern appliances are quite powerful, so the standard system can no longer cope with such air flows.
• Draft problems that have arisen in a private house can be associated with a chimney that leads to the roof from a stove or fireplace.We need to inspect this pipe and check its condition to make sure that everything is in order with it.
• Sometimes it may turn out that the culprits of the violations are plastic windows, especially if they were installed in an old house to replace wooden ones. The fact is that these structures are completely sealed and do not allow air to pass through. And the ventilation system was designed taking into account the old, wooden windows, so as a result, the air flows do not go right. In this case, the installation of special valves for the outflow of air on new windows can help. Such an operation can be performed by companies that are engaged in the installation of plastic structures.