Ventilation in the bathroom: calculation formula, installation, maintenance

Proper indoor air exchange plays no less a role in providing comfort than temperature and lighting. If the air stagnates, an unfavorable microclimate will be created in the room: a person will be stuffy, dampness and odors will accumulate, and the oxygen content will decrease. These shortcomings are especially noticeable in small and humid rooms, so ventilation in the bathroom must be good. How to achieve this?

Different countries have their own SNiPs. They also prescribe the requirements for ventilation of the room. In accordance with these documents, for a separate bathroom, a flow of air of 25 cubic meters is considered the norm. m / h, for a combined bathroom with toilet - 2 times more. However, ventilation ducts in homes do not always cope with this task. If the room is constantly damp, there is no air exchange, then, most likely, the installation of forced ventilation will be required.

Types of ventilation

There are 2 main types of ventilation: natural and artificial. In the first case, air exchange occurs due to the difference in pressure in the room and on the street. Natural ventilation is provided by windows, vents, doors, various gaps. T. e. no devices are used for air circulation.

Forced (or artificial) ventilation in the bathroom is ensured by the operation of a special device that drives the air flow. The principle of its action is simple: a fan draws air outward, and air enters the room from the street or from other rooms.

According to the purpose, the following types are distinguished:

• exhaust ventilation, i.e. removing polluted air;
• supply, aimed at the flow of additional volumes of air from the outside;
• mixed, i.e. performing the functions of both of the above species.

How to check if ventilation works

In old houses, the operation of ventilation shafts is often disrupted: over time, they become clogged and cease to fulfill their functions. Therefore, first you need check the condition of the ventilation duct. If it is clogged with anything, the effectiveness of not only natural, but also forced ventilation will decrease.

To find out if the ventilation in the bathroom is working is simple:

1. The apartment opens the windows and the door to the bathroom.
2. Take gauze, a napkin or a handkerchief and apply it to the opening of the ventilation duct.
3. When the duct works properly, the fabric or paper will itself stay near the hole. The denser the handkerchief or napkin is pressed, the better the draft in the shaft. If they do not hold, fall, then something is wrong with the channel, you need to find out the reason why the ventilation does not work.

You can conduct another test, it is also very simple and indicative:

• also open windows and doors;
• light a candle and bring it to the exit of the mine;
• if the light bends towards the hole, then there is draft, if it burns without moving, then the air stands still.

Then the experiments should be repeated with closed windows and doors. If in this case the light deviates or the leaf sticks to the hole, then the draft is good and strong. In this case, it is unlikely that there will be a need to install forced ventilation. If there is no draft, then it will not hurt to install an additional fan.

The main reason for the lack of traction is a clogged channel. In this case, it is necessary clean mine, if necessary, contact the management company. It happens that the residents of the upper floors are walled up ventilation, which also interferes with air circulation. This issue will also have to be addressed through the Criminal Code.

Fan selection

The fan must meet a number of requirements:

• Security. The device will be connected to electricity, and installed in a damp room, therefore, moisture protection must be provided, and the fan must be resistant to steam.
• Low noise. This parameter should not exceed 35 dB during operation of the device. Otherwise, the constant hum will annoy the residents, and in some cases, the neighbors. Have to spend money on soundproofing.
• Fan throughput. It should be enough to provide a change of air in the room 5-8 times per hour.

Fan power calculation

The fan power level must ensure optimal air circulation, at least at the level of SNiPs. If he cannot drive enough volume through himself, then there is no sense in installing it. Therefore, it is important to correctly calculate the required minimum. There are different calculation formulas.

• By the area of ​​the room. The area of ​​the room is multiplied by 5 and 20% is added. This is the required minimum fan power, which will be needed to provide fresh air to a room of a given size. However, it is recommended to buy a more powerful device.
• Given the number of people - 6V or 8V. In this case, the bathroom volume (V) is calculated and multiplied by a factor. If the room is used by 2 or less people, then a coefficient of 6 is taken, if 3 or more - a coefficient of 8.

Fan installation

In most cases, there is no problem how to make ventilation in the bathroom. There are several general rules for placing hoods indoors:

• It should be at the highest possible height, as close to the ceiling as possible, this will increase the amount of cleaned air.
• As far as possible from water and plumbing fixtures, since moisture can cause a short circuit.
• At the maximum distance from window leaves, doors and other natural sources of fresh air, otherwise ventilation will not cover the entire volume of the room. The air masses that just got into the room will immediately be removed through the shaft, while the rest of the air will stagnate.

In most cases, the bathroom does not need additional complex ductwork designs: the cooler is mounted directly into the opening of the ventilation shaft.

You can connect the device to electricity in various ways:

• make a separate switch, i.e. the device will work only when someone presses the button (the switch can be both outside and inside the room);
• connect to the bathroom switch, in this case the fan will work when the light in the room is on.

Here everyone is free to choose the option that he considers more convenient for himself.

Good ventilation in the bathroom is very important. Here stagnation of air can lead to the appearance of mold, fungus, and also create an unfavorable microclimate for humans.