For a normal microclimate and human health, the air in the room should not only be fresh, but also completely clean. To achieve this, ventilation systems must be used. Thanks to this, it will be possible to clear the microclimate in the apartment or in the office space. But any ventilation systems need periodic cleaning. This will increase the efficiency of the equipment and extend its life.
Purpose of ventilation
The peculiarity of air is that it is capable of absorbing vapors, gases and dust. As a result, there is a change in its chemical composition, which negatively affects the health of people in the room. In order for the air in the apartment to meet all sanitary and hygienic requirements, ventilation must be installed. It will create air exchange, during which polluted air flows will be removed, and treated purified air will flow in their place.
The need to clean the ventilation
During the operation of the ventilation system, it is contaminated with dust and various fatty deposits. All these components are mixed with condensate, then form a dense layer that settles on the walls. Bacteria and viruses proliferate in the sediments. To prevent air contamination, ventilation systems must be cleaned regularly.
Any types of pathogens that multiply in the ventilation system negatively affect the condition of people in the room. This is especially true in apartments where residents spend the maximum amount of time. Breathing dirty air, a person begins to suffer from constant headaches, overwork, weakness. His sleep is disturbed. Allergic reactions may begin to develop.
Studies have been conducted by the World Health Organization. They showed that dirty indoor air is 10 times more toxic than outdoor air.
Cleaning ventilation is necessary not only to get rid of germs and bacteria. A large layer of dust creates a fire hazard. This is a direct source of fire. One spark is enough for a dense layer of fat to start a strong fire.
Cleaning ventilation is an important measure aimed at ensuring the safety of human health. Therefore, all processes associated with it are regulated by law. The work must be carried out by specialists using certain equipment.
Based on the provision of SanPiN, cleaning ventilation in an apartment building, replacing parts and restoring its performance belongs to the category of maintenance work. Therefore, on the basis of a service contract, they must be fulfilled by the management company.
In accordance with the rules and regulations for the technical operation of the housing stock, which were approved in 2003, ventilation cleaning in apartment buildings includes:
- control and scheduled inspections for the timely detection of malfunctions;
- replacement of grilles and fasteners;
- elimination of the resulting blockages.
The organization responsible for the condition of ventilation should carry out checks at least twice a year.
Types of pollution
Ventilation system contamination can occur for a number of reasons. The technology and tools that will be used in choosing a method to clean the ventilation in an apartment depend on them.
Dust and dirt
Ingressing dirt and dust from the street and entrance is deposited in layers both on the filters and on the air duct itself. This problem is especially aggravated during the summer period, when the air outside is dry and hot.
Mold, fungus
If there is high humidity in the room, water deposits, fungi and mold are formed in the air masses. They can also develop within the system due to sudden changes in temperature.
Rust
Rust deposits form on the walls of the duct due to moisture. Over time, this can lead to equipment failure completely. In addition, cracks can form on the walls due to rust.
Accumulation of fat
Greater damage to the duct is caused by layers of fat. They can completely clog passages, damage valves. Because of this, ventilation performance decreases. Most often, this situation is observed in the kitchen. To avoid this situation, it is recommended to clean the grease traps at least once a month.
Deposition of chemicals
If the ventilation system is installed in laboratories, offices where they work with chemicals, their deposits also damage the equipment. All components must be removed in a timely manner so as not to harm human health. Chemical contamination of the system can cause serious poisoning.
After a flood or fire
Emergency cleaning of ventilation ducts should be carried out if there is a fire or flood in the room. Lumps of fire smoke will accumulate in the system. This is very dangerous for people's lives, as they will breathe fire fumes and released chemicals.
After flooding, there will be increased humidity in the ventilation, because of this, fungus and mold will appear on the walls.
Frequency of cleaning
The frequency of cleaning the ventilation ducts should be observed at least once every six months. All norms and parameters of indoor air are prescribed in building and sanitary rules. Ventilation systems must be checked for compliance with these rules by a special service.
After verification, the system must be cleaned and disinfected. The building regulations state that the duct should be cleaned at least once a year. In addition, the instructions for use of the equipment must be followed. The manufacturer specifies the terms of service depending on the device.
Checking for the need for cleaning
When checking the air quality, specialists use special equipment. Natural ventilation is measured with anemometers. This is a device indicating the speed of air movement in the exhaust ventilation duct. During the inspection, specialists measure the cross-sectional area and the obtained speed data. Having these parameters, it is possible to calculate how much air masses pass through the channel for a certain period of time. The obtained parameters must be compared with the approved standards.
It is impossible to make accurate measurements on your own. Any compliance with the regulations is checked taking into account the weather conditions.
According to the laws of physics, warm air tends upward, while dismounting with cold air. This is what the principle of natural ventilation is based on. Fresh air enters the apartment through windows and doors, warming up, it rises and goes out through the ventilation. The draft of air masses will directly depend on the air temperature outside.In the summer, when the air outside is very dry and hot, air exchange is disrupted. The principle of natural ventilation does not function well.
You can check the quality of ventilation yourself. A number of factors will directly indicate that cleaning needs to be done. These include:
- accumulation of cobwebs and fine dust on the grate and around it;
- a strong feeling of stuffiness in the room;
- condensation on glass, high humidity.
The phenomenon should be alerted when, after wet cleaning, a layer of dust forms on the surface of the furniture on the same day. The main reason will be the clogging of the ventilation ducts and the removal of the device and the system.
With the help of improvised means, you can independently determine the effectiveness of the functioning of the supply ducts. You can identify the degree of contamination as follows:
- Open the window.
- Bring a lighter or candle to the ventilation grill.
- If the flame tilts towards the grate, then the system is functioning properly.
Experts do not recommend conducting a fire check in apartment buildings where there is a central gas pipeline. If there is even a small gas leak, an explosion may occur.
It is best to check with a simple sheet of paper. It is applied to the grate. If the ventilation is working properly, the paper will be attracted by the air flow. Otherwise, ventilation cleaning is required.
Description of cleaning ventilation with your own hands
You can clean the ventilation in an apartment or a private house on your own or contact specialized services. Air duct cleaning is a very difficult procedure that is recommended to be trusted by professional companies. In apartment buildings, it is difficult to remove all contamination and disinfect without violating the integrity of the ventilation system.
All ventilation complexes are classified as common property. Work on their replacement, repair and cleaning should be carried out only by management companies. The owner of the apartment himself will be able to clean only that part of the system that is adjacent to his apartment. These works will not be enough to ensure complete safety and clean air.
If the tenant of the apartment has decided to carry out the work on his own, you must perform the following steps:
- Notify neighbors that ventilation ducts are to be cleaned. The works will make noise, rubbish can fly out of the gratings into neighboring apartments.
- Before work, you need to prepare personal protective equipment: gloves, goggles and respirators.
- The floor under the ventilation should be covered with newspapers, as there will be a lot of debris from cleaning. It is important to pay attention that not only layers of debris and dust, but also the corpses of rodents and birds can fall out of the ventilation duct.
- After completing the preparatory work, it is necessary to remove the ventilation grill, then remove the exhaust fan.
- The grate is thoroughly washed, the hood is cleaned in accordance with the instructions.
- Use a flashlight to carefully inspect the ventilation duct. If stones, glass or any other large debris are found in it, you need to carefully remove it, trying not to damage the walls of the air duct.
- All deposits of dirt and grease are removed with a metal brush or spatula.
- Residual dirt inside the ventilation duct can be removed with a household vacuum cleaner. At the end of the work, the walls are wiped with a damp cloth.
- The ventilation grill is installed in place.
It is very dangerous to use a household vacuum cleaner. During such cleaning, all bacteria and microbes in large quantities will get inside the apartment. It is strictly forbidden to use a vacuum cleaner for blowing. All garbage will fall through ventilation to other apartments.
When self-cleaning the ventilation system, do not use disinfectants. Without experience and sufficient knowledge, it is impossible to correctly calculate the dosage for spraying. A highly concentrated composition can lead to corrosion of the walls of the mine, and poison the residents. Only dry ice is suitable for household cleaning. Therefore, to restore the functioning of ventilation, it is recommended to invite specialists, since without disinfection, the efficiency is greatly reduced. Bacteria and harmful microorganisms cannot be eliminated with wet cleaning alone. Chemicals must be used for them.
Ventilation in any room plays an important role. Its proper functioning guarantees the health of the residents. Therefore, it is important to monitor the operation of the system and regularly clean the ventilation ducts for safety. Only adherence to all operating rules and requirements for complex maintenance of systems will ensure their efficiency and durability.
